An unfathomable week. Utter devastation. This is what we experienced in Los Angeles. At the same time, we were treated with love, kindness, empathy, and unbounded generosity that I have never witnessed in my life. For so many disasters around the world, it was our community who would send help into harm’s way. Yet, this was different. This time, we have been the receivers of help. Last night, at a press conference hosted by Sinai Temple, Los Angeles Fire Chiefs and Police Chiefs all told the gathered crowd that while the world has seen tragedy appear before their eyes, we have also seen many signs of triumph.
Honorable Mensch-ion
Let Us Strengthen Each Other
I write these words on the way to Jerusalem from Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, having just witnessed the devastation of kibbutz Kefar Azzah firsthand—and having just heard the news of the fires devastating Los Angeles secondhand. Suffice it to say, my heart aches for our families and our Family, our people and our People. I pray that you and your homes are safe and intact. I pray that those who have been evacuated and displaced return home soon—to Pacific Palisades, to Kefar Azzah, to communities across the North of Israel. I pray that the hostages still in captivity return home now.
I am Here
We know the word Hineni, “I am here,” from the well known narrative of Abraham. Yet, we hear this word again after Jacob learns that his son Joseph is alive, and Joseph learns that his father is alive as well.
Bright Candles
I have lit the Chanukah candles in places all around the world. I have recited the blessings in Jerusalem and Eilat, New York and Los Angeles, in my home and in hotels.
White Elephant
At the end of each calendar year, the Sinai Temple staff gathers for a festive lunch. Each individual is recognized as being part of this sacred team that brings light to our community. Beyond the formal thanks yous, there is also an interactive piece. This year, we played “White Elephant.” Each person brought a small gift to the table. One by one, you choose a gift from the table, and if you like a gift that has already been taken, you can “steal” it from another person, and that person chooses a new gift. It was a fascinating experience. At first, the participants were timid to take a gift from someone else. Yet, as the game unfolded, it became more comfortable to take what you wanted and not what you were given.
Make Our Communities Better
The Torah tells us that Jacob came in peace into the city of Shechem. The Talmud elaborates that when Jacob entered the city, he instituted something for the welfare of the city. Rav said he minted coins. Shemuel said he established markets. Rabbi Yochanan said he set up bathhouses. The Midrash explains that whenever we benefit from a place, we must show our gratitude by doing something for its welfare.
Spiritual Roof
While Jacob dreams of a ladder leading to heaven, he recognizes that he is in a sacred place. The midrash explains that the Temple Mount was uprooted and brought to Jacob in order that he could pray there. This short teaching gives us permission to open the gates of prayer wherever we may find ourselves. The Talmud explains that Abraham called the Temple a mountain, Isaac called it a field, and Jacob called it a house.
Publicizing Kindness
A question is often asked if acts of kindness should be publicized or anonymous. While both paths have value, our ancestor Rivka performs a small act that gives us insight into how publicizing kindness can be contagious. When Eliezer, Abraham’s servant, goes to search for a wife for Isaac, he sees Rivka carrying a pitcher of water upon her shoulder.
Publicizing Kindness
A question is often asked if acts of kindness should be publicized or anonymous. While both paths have value, our ancestor Rivka performs a small act that gives us insight into how publicizing kindness can be contagious. When Eliezer, Abraham’s servant, goes to search for a wife for Isaac, he sees Rivka carrying a pitcher of water upon her shoulder.
Welcoming Into the Tent
I write to you from Dallas, TX at the JNF-USA Global Conference for Israel where 30 of our David and Angella Nazarian Fellows and 30 of our Flesh Family Sinai Temple Israel Center Rabbinical Fellows have gathered among thousands for a Shabbat full of Israel inspiration.
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