Rabbi's Teachings

Prayer for the Semi-Annual Meeting, Spring 2025

Good evening everyone. As we settle into this space together, I want to take a moment to ground us in something deeper than an agenda item. Let’s ground ourselves into this sacred space.

We are in the second week of the Omer—the week of Gevurah, which means strength, discipline, boundaries. And let’s be honest: those things aren’t always easy. It’s easy to speak loudly, it’s easy to react quickly. What’s harder—and what Gevurah asks of us—is to speak with intention. To know when to hold back, when to push forward, and how to balance both with care.

And in this week’s Torah portion, Shemini, we witness a powerful moment: the Mishkan, the sacred space the Israelites built together, is finally complete. God’s presence fills it—this huge, holy, communal high point. But right after that joy comes a moment of pain, when Aaron’s sons act impulsively and cross a line. It’s a reminder that even in the most sacred spaces, we have to be mindful of how we show up.

What connects both the Omer and Shemini is this: sacredness doesn’t just happen. It’s something we create by how we treat one another. A community becomes holy not just through its prayers, but through its conversations, its disagreements, and the way we carry each other’s voices.

So tonight, as we engage in the important work of this congregation, I invite us to bring that spirit of Gevurah. Not the kind of strength that overwhelms, but the kind that holds space for others. That listens before answering. That remembers we are all here because we care.

And whenever we enter this sacred space or into conversation with our Bnai Israel family members, may we remember that all of those interactions, whether or not they take place in the sanctuary–or you are in the kiddush line, taking out the garbage, out to lunch at Cafe Chinois, over facebook messenger–all of our interactions are intrinsically holy–and may we also act accordingly.

Let’s make this gathering a reflection of the community we’ve built and are building—one of thoughtfulness, dignity, and deep respect, love, and space for each other.

Here is the link to my 2025 highlights of communal outreach and growth opportunities and here is a link to my semi-annual events highlights reel.