Steve Bascove's Message

Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

My dear friends,

This will be my last Kol Yisra’el article. Hard to believe that over the past five years and four months and some 50 plus articles, it’s now time to say good-bye. I chose the title of my article because most of you are familiar with it; it’s apropos, and comes from one of the most extraordinary love stories literature has to offer, and of course penned by Shakespeare.

Poets have long been fascinated by the concept of dialectical emotions that to be truly happy, one must first be deeply sad; to enjoy the delights of food, one must first experience hunger. So it is with Juliet’s situation. Saying goodbye to Romeo triggers deep sadness, but that sadness also reminds her of her love for him, and for this reason it is sweet. Saying goodbye also initiates her anticipation of seeing him again, which gives that emotion a pleasant tingle. Remember, too, that for Shakespeare “sweet” meant not necessary “pleasing,” but also “not offensive,” which tempers the romantic meaning of the phrase just a bit.

At this time I am experiencing some of Juliet’s feelings. While I look forward to the sweetness of retirement and spending more time with Tracey and my family, I am deeply saddened that I won’t see my staff and colleagues each day and will truly miss my Mishpacha, my Temple Israel family.
As I look back over the years, I relish in thoughts of Temple Israel children I have seen become Bar and Bat Mitzvah (sons and daughters of the commandments), and those Bar and Bat Mitzvahs who have continued to grow and mature into young adults. I remember Adult B’nai Mitzvahs, Shabbat services with our very special Got Shabbats, lectures, musical presentations, Galas. Family Camp and Adult Shabbatones. All of it has been a very fulfilling experience.

Long Beach possesses some very unique qualities along with the members of its community. While it is a fairly large geographic area, those of us who occupy Long Beach have woven a very close knit Jewish community. How do I even begin to thank those of you who have supported me? The answer is simple: I have to thank everyone. I am proud to say that on the whole I have had positive interaction with our temple family. Some of you who joined because you liked what I had to say about Temple Israel and many of you whom I asked to get involved, most graciously accepted. To the four past presidents I served -- starting with Rob Feldman, then Alan Kreida, Mark Levinstein and now Alan Lilien -- while we didn’t always agree, we always had the same goal: what is best for Temple Israel.

To my dear temple family, you can now visit me in Hollywood, Florida but not all at the same time! I wish for my temple family many simchas, good health and a bright future. For “parting is such sweet sorrow.” You will be missed.

With all our respect and admiration

The Bascove family.