As many of you know, I grew up in New York. There are literally millions of Jews in the New York area - four times as many Jews, in fact, than live in Jerusalem. There's every kind of synagogue, dozens of kosher restaurants, Jewish cultural events from the Jewish Museum to the Hebrew Mamita (yes, really), and the entire spectrum of Jewish community, from secular Bundists to Lubavitcher Chasidim.

Danville, California is, of course, a bit different. Sure we have our community, and there are Jews throughout the Bay Area, boasting an impressive array of Jewish institutions. And yet ...

I hope this doesn't sound condescending, but it occurs to me lately how proud  this community ought to be of itself. In a sense, New York Jews have it easy. Living in New York, Jews know the city will serve their needs, and the city knows it too. Though there are periodic concerns about safety, most New  Yorkers acknowledge that there are lots of Jews around and, more or less, accommodate the Jewish population.

As Danville or San Ramon or Alamo Jews, by contrast, most of you rise each morning knowing that you are a true minority in your towns. To face such a fact, and continue to maintain your identity as a Jew is, quite simply, remarkable. Judaism has always owed its existence to the willingness of Jews in such a situation to take the risk of asserting an unusual or unpopular identity in the midst of another culture. Quite simply, it's not easy to stay Jewish when most people aren't. That you have is a credit to your courage and  constitution.

Perhaps you take it in stride. It may not even seem so significant. Yet I have learned in my three years here how many of you, adults and children alike, have been called on to be emissaries of the Jewish people and faith, asked to explain this ritual or that holiday. This is no small task. To be an ambassador is to represent, to illustrate, to maintain effective communication. Though it  is unfair, the fact remains that people will judge Jews and the Jewish community based on their interactions with you.

In the first book of Samuel, the prophet reminds King Saul of his mission. "You may look small to yourself," Samuel says to Saul, "but you are head of the tribes of Israel."

Most of the tribes have vanished to history. There are no more Jewish kings. In a world of simple answers and, too often, easy hatred, it's up to us to represent our people. And so I ask myself: Do I know enough to answer my  neighbors' questions? Can I explain the significance of our rituals? Do I know what our holidays mean? How about Torah? What could I say of the Jewish conception(s) of God? And if not now, then when?

As you may know, July will be my last month as Rabbi/Educator at Beth Chaim. I pray that I have shared what knowledge I possess, and have done so with respect and openness. I cannot tell you how much joy I've had working with your families these past three years.

The community you've created here is nothing short of extraordinary. Kol ha-kavod - all the honor - to each of you, as you continue to be remarkable
ambassadors for the Jewish people.

Please keep me posted on how things are going in this very special community. I can be reached by e-mail at mikerothbaum@gmail.com.