Rabbi's Musings

This season, as our teens stand before the ark and affirm their connection to our Jewish tradition, we witness something deeply meaningful: the next generation claiming Judaism for themselves—not as something inherited, but as something chosen. The Kabbalat Torah service is Saturday morning at 10:00. 

Our Kabbalat Torah service is more than a ceremony. It is a declaration of identity, responsibility, and continuity. In an age when young people are pulled in many directions, this milestone gives them the opportunity to reflect: What does Judaism mean to me? How will I live it in my life?

Unlike Bar or Bat Mitzvah, which often marks the beginning of Jewish adulthood at age 13, Kabbalat Torah occurs when our students are older, more intellectually curious, and spiritually mature. At this point in their lives, they can wrestle with Jewish ethics, theology, history, and modern issues with greater depth. They ask challenging questions—and they deserve honest, nuanced answers.

Kabbalat Torah is also communal. These students study and grow together. They build friendships rooted in shared values and Jewish learning. They recognize that to be Jewish is not a solo act; it is to be part of something larger than oneself.

As a community, we are proud of our Kabbalat Torah students. We celebrate not only their learning, but their leadership and their willingness to engage seriously with our sacred tradition. They are not the future of Judaism—they are its vibrant present.

I add our gratitude as well to our graduating seniors, who will be honored the night before. They have continued to study and teach in our school and to become leaders of our community. We send them off with sadness—they will be missed—but also tremendous gratitude for their being a part of what makes CBSW so special. And they are always welcome back!