Message from Our President
Friends,
I LOVE spring!! I am energized by the season. The warmer weather, trees blossoming, flowers blooming, birds singing all make me smile, feel free of burdens and give me a “spring” in my step.
I took my favorite literature class in college during the spring term. The class focused on the Romanticism movement in English literature which was roughly between 1790 and 1850. I recall reading so much poetry that semester. Much of my reading was done outdoors, because – spring. My favorite Romanticism poet was and still is William Wordsworth. Some of his poems I liked so much I even memorized them.
Below is poem written by William Wordsworth that resonated with me in college and probably resonates more so now…with all that is happening in the world, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the pandemic, inflation, etc.
Although man continues to make a mess of the world nature is still sweet, beautiful, and holy to behold. The spring season reminds us of this each and every year.
May each of you enjoy a beautiful spring season with a light heart and a “spring” in your step.
Happy Passover and spring!
Tina Lyon
Congregation B’nai Israel Board President
Lines Written in Early Spring
William Wordsworth – 1770-1850
I heard a thousand blended notes,
While in a grove I sate reclined,
In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts Bring sad thoughts to the mind.
To her fair works did nature link
The human soul that through me ran; And much it grieved my heart to think What man has made of man.
Through primrose tufts, in that sweet bower, The periwinkle trailed its wreaths;
And ’tis my faith that every flower
Enjoys the air it breathes.
The birds around me hopped and played: Their thoughts I cannot measure,
But the least motion which they made,
It seemed a thrill of pleasure.
The budding twigs spread out their fan, To catch the breezy air;
And I must think, do all I can,
That there was pleasure there.
If this belief from heaven be sent, If such be Nature’s holy plan, Have I not reason to lament What man has made of man?
