Rabbi's Musings

I am writing these words as I finish my month of sabbatical. Staying away from the community is not easy for me, but I know some quiet time to think and reflect pays itself in dividends of perspective and gratitude, and this is something precious.

As we enter the month of August – and the Hebrew month of Av – we begin to start the cycle anew. School begins again. The holy days beckon. Before the joy of the New Year, however, the Jewish calendar invites us to consider the destruction of the First and Second Temples. This Saturday night we will gather at 8 pm to study the significance of these sad days. The silver lining is that, following the Ninth of Av we embark on a season of forgiveness, repentance, and hope for a better world and a better us.

One thing we have learned during the pandemic is that there is no perfect tomorrow. No world without disease. No day without risk. And yet. We can still hope for a better year, and one filled with community, celebration, and growth. This, too, is a legacy of the Jewish heart and soul.
 
I hope to see you soon!

P.S. Thank you to Beryl Geber, worship committee chair, and all the volunteers who made Shabbat so special in July.