On Saturday night, August 6, 2022, traditional Jewish communities will be observing Tisha B’Av through fasting, prayer and lamentations. This day is a day of communal memorial for the countless acts of violence and tragedy that have befallen our people, and is attributed to be the day that both the first and second Temples of ancient Biblical times were destroyed, along with countless other horrific events.
Because Reform Jews do not (unlike more traditional Jews) yearn for the rebuilding of a third Temple, in Jerusalem, when the messianic era arrives and there will be peace on earth, many Reform Jews have abandoned this practice. Reform Jews traditionally recognize the end of the Biblical era, marked by the destruction of the Temple, to be the start of a more contemporary form of Judaism: one that focuses upon the prayers and sacrifices of the heart over those described in the Biblical era.
Since this time, we have wandered the earth, homeless until the rebuilding of the modern state of Israel, and at the mercy of the governments where we have lived. Country after country has sought to kick the Jews out, and we have been expulsed from England, France, Spain and much of Europe, and to this very day, we continue to face antisemitism, violence and persecution in much of the world. The United States has seen a terrifying increase in antisemitism in the last few years.
In recognition of this fact, I argue that it is imperative that Reform Jews recognize the importance of Tisha B’Av and use this time to reflect upon our collective and intergenerational experience of feeling outcast and unsafe in virtually every country we have ever sought to claim as home… including the modern State of Israel, which has been attacked repeatedly since it was founded.
It is perhaps because of this, that Jews have often sought to advocate for the justice for all oppressed peoples, in solidarity and empathy, as well as recognizing that our well-being is interconnected with the well-being of all creation. The Reform Movement has indeed centered much of our Jewish faith, identity and practice in social justice and the Religious Action Center centers our efforts in Torah and Reform Jewish values. It can be argued that we are at a terrifying crossroads when it comes to social justice and civil rights, as we watch the rise of antisemitism as well as the increase of other forms of prejudice.
Therefore, it is more imperative than ever to take time to root our efforts at social justice and Tikkun Olam (the repair of the world) in Jewish spiritual values, teachings and practices, so that we can remain strong in the face of challenge. This means taking time to grieve, reflect, pray, heal and restore ourselves and our faith that we can make a difference.
I will be speaking about these issues in greater depth as part of my sermon for Shabbat services with the Reform Jewish Community of Atlantic Canada this Friday night, August 5th (5:30 PM Eastern/6:30 PM Atlantic/7PM NFLD). To join virtually, please register for the link at: https://urj.tfaforms.net/820https://urj.tfaforms.net/820
Originally from Montreal, Canada, I studied in Jerusalem at several Orthodox yeshivas, prior to beginning my studies as a Reform rabbi at Hebrew Union College. I am a second generation Holocaust survivor, and early on, wanted to do whatever I could to build a world where hatred and prejudice would never again have the upper hand.
For me, studying Judaism from traditional perspectives was crucial because “it was important to understand what we are reforming”. I believe in making educated choices from the rich set of resources provided by Jewish tradition, in order to ensure that every ritual and prayer is meaningful. I was a founding board member of the Society of Classical Reform Judaism (now Roots of Reform), due to my unwavering commitment to advocacy for interfaith families and the creation of inclusive Jewish communities that are unconditionally welcoming of all spiritual seekers, regardless of their religious background, relationship status, identity or Hebrew speaking ability.
In addition to nearly two decades working in synagogues, teaching, counseling and participating in life cycle events, I am also a social worker, psychotherapist, mediator and trained as an interfaith chaplain. I worked with the American Red Cross after 9/11, providing counseling and support at the family assistance center, Ground Zero and the morgue. My doctoral research was focused on burnout and compassion fatigue, as part of my years of work in hospice and palliative care. My life experiences have taught me hope and how to cultivate resilience and wisdom.
This blog reflects my attempts to distill rabbinic wisdom into insights that can speak to all people. I have dedicated my life to healing and spiritual alchemy. I first began the writings that formed the basis of this blog as part of my role as Vice President of Mission for KentuckyOne Health, an interfaith hospital system that brought together Catholic, secular and Jewish hospital systems, in order to bring wellness, healing and hope to all, including the underserved. I began my weekly reflections on the Torah portion, in order to share some of Jewish Hospital's heritage and values with staff that may not have known much about Judaism. These reflections were then shared by staff with others who asked to be placed on my blind copy list, as well as by the system mission leader of Catholic Health Initiatives to his own reader list, along with his own reflections.
I have been profoundly humbled by the reactions to these writings, and as more people have asked to have access to them, I eventually worked to overcome my discomfort with the internet in order to publish them online. I realized that Jews and non-Jews were drawn to my inclusive interpretations of the biblical text, and my reflections on how to apply these in our every day. I believe that, much like the Sufi teaching that describes all the religions of the world like different prayer beads, with the same string of truth that runs through each of them, so too can these ancient spiritual and mystical teachings can come to life, when we reflect on the echoes of other world traditions and by contemporary psychological theory.
As my professional journey has continued to evolve, and I have found myself transitioning from pulpit rabbi to community rabbi, to who I am becoming as I seek to move beyond all labels, I have found that this site remains an important way for people to get to know me, and understand my theology.
I am fundamentally committed to the sacred act of translation- seeking to discern the Divine through text and life, and to translate those words of Torah and wisdom into reflections that can speak to people of all faith traditions... and in so doing, hopefully encouraging others to do the same. We are all created in the Image of G!d, and as such, each of us has our own unique understanding of the Sacred. In the same way as the rabbis teach that if even one letter from the scroll of the Torah is missing, the entire Torah has lost its sacredness (is no longer kosher), so too is this world diminished so long as people silence themselves. For too long, organized religion has been used as a weapon, to keep people silent and to teach shame... my quest as a rabbi, and indeed, as a human being, is to work to translate religious teachings into redemptive and healing truths, to seek to liberate s/Spirit and to work toward "tikkun olam" (the healing of the universe).
My current rabbinate is dedicated to teaching and mentoring other rabbis, and working with interfaith families, as well as those traditionally marginalized from mainstream Judaism. In the same way as the holiness of the Jewish prayer shawl (tallit) can be found in its fringes (tzitzit) so too do I believe that the most important contribution I can make to the Jewish people is "Keruv" (helping people find their way home), and to the broader world is "shleimut" (helping people to find wholeness). I also serve G!d as a social worker, doing what I can to work for justice for all people.
It is my prayer that the insights in this blog will bring healing and insight to others, and encourage others to find their voice and path. Thank you for your time reading my work.
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