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September 2005 Dayton Christian-Jewish Dialogue members from Agnes Hannahs It is time for Eugene and myself to move on. We are leaving the Miami Valley
this September. We feel confident that all will be reasonably well here for
family members who remain. We are moving north(!) to Ann Arbor in S.E. Michigan. We will live in a loft
that is connected to the University of Michigan (from which we both graduated)
and will have access to University cultural activities. It is good and right for
us at this time in our lives. I, and then we, have been with the Dialogue for ten(?) years; those years
have been an interesting time: your focus and conversations and the informative
talks have enlightened both of us. We have found like-minded, admirable people;
you have given to our lives a depth and interest that will remain with us as we
search out such Dialogues in our new environment. Several of the unfinished businesses: At Lillian Gillespie's farewell dinner 1 ½ years ago, she asked members to
share biblical characters, settings, stories that have special meaning. I
thought of Miriam, but did not say so as the evening was getting on. So now I leave you with two interludes: Miriam, strong and in her
life-joyfulness "took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women went out after
her in dance with timbrels. And Miriam chanted . . . " Another: when DCJD had the discussion, a year and some months ago, of
"Merchant of Venice": After a prolonged and serious discussion of this
controversial play, I wanted but did not speak up, our presenter to read to us
from the following interlude: Jessica, Shylock's daughter, and Lorenzo,
her Christian husband are speaking. But it doesn't matter who they are or how
they got to Belmont, a place of beauty and peace far from Venice. They are two
people looking at the night sky: How sweet the moonlight sleeps upon
this bank! Here will we sit and let the sounds
of music Creep in our ears. Soft stillness and
the night Become the touches of sweet harmony. Sit, Jessica. Look how the floor of
heaven Is thick inlaid with patens of bright
gold. There's not the smallest orb which
thou behold'st But in his motion like an angel
sings, Still quiring to the young-eyed
cherubins; Such harmony is in immortal souls; But whilst this muddy vesture of
decay Doth grossly close it in, we cannot
hear it. I am scheduled for the March 2006 DCJD meeting to enjoy and share with you
the the opera, "Nabucco." Since that is six months in the future, there is
sufficient time to look for another who will take pleasure in the research and
then in presenting to you the music and story. We shall remember you as our lives evolve into new patterns and renewed
scenes. Our blessings to each and every one of you. Agnes W. Hannahs Eugene Hannahs
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