Even the small patch of woods across the street from this sanctuary leading to the Seekonk River was a source of wonder and amazement to me as a kid. I imagined the forest as limitless and the river as infinite; these were places where nature thrived and flourished.

I was born in Italy and raised Catholic by a traditional family who only fulfilled the “traditional” religious obligations of Easter and Christmas, and weddings, confirmations and baptisms. As a young adult, I felt like an outsider without a deep connection to my faith.

When I was asked to speak of my personal experiences with the Jewish Alliance of Rhode Island, particularly The Mothers Circle, I thought to myself, “Why me?”  But I soon realized that this was also an opportunity to share my tremendous gratitude for a community that has become my spiritual home.