Today is the birthday of the world, symbolically at least, for us Jews.

I spent much of the day in synagogue, singing, smiling, marveling at the faces I’ve known for more than 25 years now, growing up, growing gray.

Sacred stuff (friendship, gratitude, sympathy, recognition) happens everywhere in/near/around the temple on a day like today: in the foyer, in the garden, in the parking lot, even in the ladies room.

Yes, the ladies room. Running in and out of the freshly painted W.C., I had at least four meaningful –though very brief — conversations with women I had not seen for many months. We kissed, checked in about our kids, praised each others’ outfits — the nuts and bolts of human connection, which is so fragile and so fraught and so powerful.

Wishing you all a sweet beginning.