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.”
Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch reflects on the unsettling feeling that world events are driving history. Yet he reminds us of Judaism’s central plea: You must not remain indifferent. “Compassion is not enough,” he says. “It needs to be translated into deeds. While we cannot change the world by ourselves, we can do something every day that makes one life better.”
Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch shares his grief over the crushing loss of the six Israeli hostages and prays for the speedy return of the hostages still alive in captivity.
“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.”
In this week’s parashah, God commands, ‘See, this day I set before you blessing and curse.’ Rabbi Dalia Samansky asks, “What does it mean to SEE rather than HEAR?” She explains, “To be rendered invisible is to be told you don’t matter. In our increasingly isolated world, maybe the imperative to see reminds us of the importance of seeing the people around us. If we don’t, we risk our lives feeling lonely and cursed.” How can we ensure we are seen and help others feel seen too?
Recognizing that “many of the anti-Zionist Gen Z Jews are lost to us,” Rabbis Ammi Hirsch and Tracy Kaplowitz organized the first Reform Birthright trip to Israel in years. “Something wonderful about sharing a bus with these Gen Z-ers is hearing their conversations about their aspirations and hopes,” said Rabbi Kaplowitz who led the group of young volunteers in early August. “Rabbi Hirsch and I are certain this trip won’t be the last.”
