Remember the 1999 psycho-drama movie The Sixth Sense? In it Bruce Willis played a child psychologist. He was treating a nine-year-old boy who was plagued by visions of dead people. I don’t have that sort of sixth sense, but did have a somewhat similar experience.

As a synagogue officer for several years, I was used to sitting next to Cantor Berris on the bimah about once a month. Last spring, I happened to be up there on the Shabbat that coincided with the second day of Shavuot, one of the four days a year we say the yizkor memorial service. As far as I could recall, it was the first time I was there for Yizkor.

Of course, the view from the bimah is much different than from among the congregation. As Cantor Berris led yizkor, I looked around. My gaze was drawn to where many of those who we were remembering used to sit. Now, I am generally skeptical of so-called paranormal events; however, with no effort on my part, I sensed, and even thought I saw, the presence of many people I knew who passed away since our building opened– including past presidents, elders of the congregation, and friends – right in “their” seats! It was at the same time a very eerie sensation but a strangely satisfying feeling.

Yizkor ended, we returned to the regular service, and the vision quickly faded – unlike those of the boy in the movie.

I never mentioned this experience to anyone, but have wondered what it meant. Was the purpose of their brief visit to show appreciation for being remembered? Were they “checking up on us?” Did they want to remind us of the importance of keeping Congregation B’nai Moshe alive and strong to observe future yizkors? I suppose I will never know.

But that certainly provides a good transition to remind you about our “Next Century Club” (the 2009 annual appeal). The campaign is winding down, so if you have not yet made your pledge, please do so now. Just call the office and it will be billed to your account. Each and every contribution is important, whatever the amount. It’s something we need to do not just for ourselves, but to honor those who came before us and those who will be here after us. Thank you so much for your generosity!

Finally, on behalf of my family, and me, I wish you and yours a joyous Chanukah. Whatever challenges we faced this past year, may the lights from your chanukiyah be a sign for a bright year ahead for all of us.