By Heather Friedman Rivera, Ph.D.

Welcome to the Jewish Joy Corner — a space for us to share our personal stories of Jewish joy.

Since October 7, 2023, many of us have carried an extra layer of stress and heartache. That’s part of what inspired this project — to help create a little more balance in what we take in and share.

Let’s lift each other up through the power of joy. Share your cherished childhood memories with your bubbe or other beloved family members … your favorite Jewish recipes … a funny story from your bar or bat mitzvah … a meaningful Jewish experience. This is your space, so let your light shine here.

If you have something to share, please email me at president@konabethshalom.org. We’d be honored to feature your story.

Many days, my heart drifts back to my grandma’s kitchen — watching, helping, and of course, sampling whatever she was cooking. She’s been gone for over twenty years, but her presence still feels strong in my heart and memory.

My sister and I saw her almost daily; she lived close to both our home and school and was such a central part of our childhood. Her brisket was legendary, her honey cake divine — honestly, everything she made was delicious. But there are certain dishes I especially miss, the kind no one else’s version quite measures up to.
She always made two batches of matzo balls: one light and fluffy, the other dense and chewy. I always went for the dense ones.
When I was young, I sometimes got confused at school because Grandma blended Yiddish into her English sentences. I didn’t realize those special words weren’t “standard English” until they confused my classmates.

One memory that always makes me laugh: she’d challenge my sister and me to see how fast we could finish our ice cream cones. “You’re too slow!” she’dtease as she finished hers first, grinning from ear to ear.

She was the perfect grandmother to us. I miss her dearly, and I carry her lessons and love with me always.
May her memory be a blessing.

 

Gratitude

I continue to be in awe of our board members and volunteers. Most of us who contribute to Kona Beth Shalom are retired, and yet, the time, energy, and talent that everyone pours into our congregation is simply remarkable.

From musical offerings at services to leading Torah study and Shabbat services, preparing kiddush with homemade bagels and challah, setting up and cleaning up at New Thought Center, managing all the technical logistics—Zoom, YouTube, Facebook streaming, website maintenance—and organizing events like our challah workshop, Passover seders, Simchat Torah celebrations, Hanukkah parties, hikes, and snorkeling outings… Wow. Just wow.

It’s truly astounding that a small congregation like ours has attracted such a generous and gifted community. None of us are paid for our time or efforts. We give from the heart—out of love for our congregation, our sacred Torah scroll, for Judaism, and for each other.

So next time you see one of these dedicated souls, please take a moment to say thank you. A few kind words go a long way—and I promise you, they will mean the world.

With gratitude,

Heather Friedman Rivera, Ph.D.
President, Board of Trustees
Kona Beth Shalom

 

A Pure Moment of Jewish Joy
This Rosh Hashanah, I experienced a moment of pure Jewish joy. After a year of learning Hebrew letters, I read from the Torah for the very first time.
Dear Aviva was an incredible blessing along the way. She worked with me patiently and diligently for months, never pressuring me to be ready for this Rosh Hashanah. Instead, she said, “Let’s just keep learning — it can be for next year.” Meeting with her three times a week on FaceTime helped me persevere and stay committed.
And then the day arrived. I reminded myself it was okay if I made a mistake because Aviva would be right beside me. But miraculously, I didn’t stumble. I read Genesis 22:15–19 smoothly and with confidence.
When I finished, the congregation broke into song and applause. I became emotional, overwhelmed by the love and encouragement surrounding me. In that moment, I felt embraced by a warm, supportive family — and filled with profound joy.
Thank you, Aviva, for your steadfast support. And thank you, dear community, for lifting me up and sharing one of the most meaningful milestones of my life  –  Heather

 

October 13, 2025

“There is a time to sob and a time to dance, and we have to do both right now.”
— Rachel Goldberg-Polin

Today we breathe a little easier knowing our hostages are home.
Our hearts remain heavy for those we have lost, yet today we allow ourselves a moment of release — the long-awaited breath of hope after two difficult years.

May this new day bring comfort, healing, and peace.