"Rabbi Melissa,
People loved your presence. You helped us realize we were praying as an inclusive community."
Congregant, Swampscott, MA

I was very impressed with the atmosphere that Rabbi Wenig was able to create even though she didn't know any of us.  She sat with us in the circle of chairs.  She lowered the volume of her voice during songs to lead, but not overpower.  She engaged the group by using a number of clever techniques to get us involved.  For example, she used the melody from "This Land is Your Land" for several of the prayers (it works, rhythmically) so that everyone could sing. There was more singing and less plodding through the prayers.
 
She did some teaching about Rosh Chodesh and the month of Shevat.  During the service, she kept the spirit of the Hebrew prayer that would have been said but turned it into something more meaningful and warm.  For example, instead of having parents recite the blessing for children, she gave parents a few minutes to tell their children why parents had chosen their names and what parents wished for the child in the week ahead.  On another occasion, she asked us to speak out what we needed to do for the world (without saying tikkum olum). 
 
She was respectful of the group's tentativeness with formal prayer but led us firmly and confidently.  What stood out for me was that there was clearly an alternative way to conduct a one hour informal shabbat service.  Sometimes I like the traditional songs, but it's also really important to make everyone feel like it's possible to participate.  What a positive experience.
Board Member
The Sunday School

Dear Melissa,
Thank you for sharing yourself and your spiritual "wares" with us last Friday. We certainly gained a lot and expect to stay in touch with you. Iparticularly appreciated the way you got those present to bond together in the aura (ora!) of Shabbat. It was indeed a memorable experience.
Rabbi Ed Weisberg
Congregation Temple Beth El, Swampscott

Dear Melissa
People loved your presence. You helped us realize we were praying as an inclusive community. You seemed to be choosing your words especially for us. Everyone enjoyed  the candle lighting and choosing different tunes for L'ch dodi and we found  some of the alternative translations extremely  meaningful.
Synagogue Ritual Committee representative