March 23, 2008

Boaz Shahak's film, You Never Know, played at the JCC in Berkeley on March 13. About 100 people came to see it. I was there with Wendy and some friends, and moderated the discussion afterwards.

One of my big surprises and delights was seeing Natalie and Yosepha Zarchin, both of whom were at the House of Love and Prayer in the earliest days. The last time I had seen them was at the memorial at my house in El Granada for Shlomo just after he passed away in October, 1994. Those of us who were friends in the early days of the House in 1968-9 shared the amazing adventure of living in God's presence every second, of living on miracles. We shared hugs and memories. My experience has been that whenever any of us get together, no matter how many years have passed since we've seen each other, it's as though no time has passed at all. The love and memories, of Shlomo and the House and each other, and God's presence at the center of it all, are eternal.

Natalie, who is now in her mid-80s, lives in the East Bay and is still an active artist. Yosepha is a nurse who delivers babies at Stanford Hospital.

Another person I saw there was Edith Heda, whose daughter is Shulamis Green in Jerusalem. Although Edith herself wasn't so much at the House, it was great to talk with her and share memories of Shulamis, Stephanie in those days.

At the start of the discussion, I asked the audience, "How many of you ever lived at the House of Love and Prayer?" About three people stood up.

Then I asked, "How many of you ever went to the House?" About 15 more joined them.

Then I asked, "How many of you ever heard Shlomo sing and teach in person?" About 40 more stood and joined them.

Then I asked, "How many of you have been inspired in your life by Shlomo's music and teaching?" Almost the entire room was standing.

The discussion that followed took on the quality of a family reunion, with people sharing their personal stories with great feeling, and rest of us listening with open hearts.

I hope that Boaz's film finds a good audience in this country as it has in Israel. And I hope that when my book is out I'll be able to do a book tour which will become an occasion, as this film screening was, for many people to connect from the heart.