September 2020
Dearest Chevre,
It has been wonderful to be back with you moving through the month of Elul and into our New Year. I am astounded at how this community has migrated so effectively onto Zoom during the pandemic and I'm counting the hidden blessings of having no obstacles of transportation, weather or geography for our meetings. It is special to see your shining faces in the little Zoom boxes as we continue to gather and learn and pray together.
This month I'd like to lift up the beautiful song "Olam Chesed Yibaneh" by Menachem Creditor. In English the words mean:
I will build this world in love
You must build this world in love
When we build this world in love
God will build this world in love.
This song was written just after 9/11 when our world was filled with terror and hate, fear and destruction. Jewish communities around the world immediately proclaimed the song as music of resistance, a song that insists on not succumbing to hate but on leading with love.
As we enter an intense election season, in a polarized and suffering country, what does it mean to lead with love? How are we being called into the best of our humanity as we approach the gates of the Holy Days?
Thank you for being partners on the journey.
With gratitude,
Rabbi Julie
