Weekly D'var Torah

Optimism is built into the Jewish soul.  It is not that we deny grim realities and daunting challenges -- we certainly have faced more than our share of those.  But we also have an awareness born of our history that there is a Presence in the world, in  our  history and in the heart that can suddenly kindle and illuminate a path forward to hope, renewal and blessing.  As Ben Gurion, Israel’s first Prime Minister put it, “anyone who doesn’t believe in miracles is not a realist.”

So in the spirit of the eternal optimism of Israel, despite the multiple crises that entangle our lives and our world, let us believe, let us know, let us live in the faith that we can be the bridge and the conduit through which blessing flows into the world as we welcome in a new secular year. 

Above all else, no one in the Adath Shalom family should ever feel even for a moment that they are alone or isolated, or that their community is not eager to connect.  We are, in every way.  Services, classes, programs -- they are all just ways of offering a connection.  As the Rabbi of Adath Shalom, I personally would like to invite you to call, write, text, email, join me for services, let me know how you are, share your perspective, kvetch, laugh, reflect… The Talmud teaches that G-d’s presence is revealed when people connect; not only with the Rabbi, but with each other.  While the Covid crisis has put a damper on connecting, it is just one more challenge to overcome together. 

So on behalf of all of us: our executive officers, our board, clergy, faculty, staff and most importantly, heart to heart and Neshama to Neshama, chazak chazak v’nitchazek, be strengthened and let us strengthen each other as we go into 2022; may it be a year of health, healing, abundance blessing and connection.  Happy civil New Year!