On the Friday before Thanksgiving, Rabbi Samantha Natov invites us to reconsider how we approach gratitude during these challenging times: “We shouldn’t just be thankful for the comforts and joys of life, but also for the less obvious gifts — those that come out of struggle…”

“In some ways, this election demands us to ask similar questions to those we asked ourselves over the High Holy Days,” says Rabbi Samantha Natov on the Friday before the presidential election. “What is it to be a good human being? How do we best organize our society to reflect this? In this week’s parashah we find two starkly contrasting depictions of societal structures: the stories of Noah’s Ark and the Tower of Babel…”

“Imagine if suddenly the walls disappeared and we could see all around us,” Rabbi Samantha Natov challenges us on Sukkot. By emphasizing physical experiences, she says, the holiday “connects us to our spirituality and communal identity. We gain access to new knowledge, we feel the wind on our faces, time is unbound…”

“Many of us wonder if it’s possible to feel God’s presence,” says Rabbi Samantha Natov, but divinity is everywhere — all around us. “Over these days of repentance and return, may we reconnect with our capacity to bring God’s light into the world through acts of forgiveness, tzedakah, lovingkindness, and compassion.”

“The entire Jewish community is carrying the crushing weight of our communal trauma,” says Rabbi Samantha Natov, but Rosh Hashanah brings new possibility of wholeness and return. “Turning towards Jewish community can restore a sense of belonging, trust and reciprocity.” The work of teshuvah isn’t easy and we can’t do it on our own: “It takes others to offer forgiveness, reflect on a shared past, and embrace a better future.”

This week’s Torah portion reminds us that sharing isn’t just about charity, but about tzedakah—justice, says Rabbi Samantha Natov. “Giving tzedakah asserts our belief in the interconnectedness of all people. May our giving of tzedakah help shape a better future.”

“Our shofar blast is a cry of grief,” says Rabbi Samantha Natov, as we enter Elul heartbroken over the brutal and senseless murder of the six hostages. May they rest in peace. While we wait with great trepidation for the future, “this time of year calls us to the present moment, where we seek repair, return and reconciliation,” she says. “With open hearts, may we reach for God, connect with our spiritual selves and, in doing so, find strength and renewal.”

Most of the 12 spies Moses sent to scout the Promised Land returned in fear. But unlike the others, Joshua insisted, “We should go forth.” “His hope and faith enabled him to persevere with courage and strength,” says Rabbi Samantha Natov. “The Psalmists teach: ‘Be strong and of moral courage.’ Let us be reminded that we are strong, that we can rely on one another, and that we are not alone. We have come through the narrowest of passages before and will do so again.”

Hired to curse the Israelites, Balam approaches the Israelites’ encampment, but he unexpectedly utters a blessing… “Moments have the potential to go either way,” says Rabbi Samantha Natov. “Inside all of us are competing inclinations.” Which one will win? The one you feed.

Infamous among those excluded from the census in the Book of Numbers was the power-hungry rebel Korah, who was swallowed up by the earth, and the children of Aaron. “Even the sons of the high priest are not above the law,” says Rabbi Samantha Natov. “It is as if the sheer weight of their inflated self-importance pulls them down. And there is a lesson in this…”