Why does God let bad things happen? It’s a question Rabbi Dalia Samansky’s sixth-grade students — and many of us — have asked. “Judaism teaches that humans have agency over our actions,” says Rabbi Samansky. While we have the opportunity to choose wrongly and harm others, we also have the opportunity to choose good. “In the final days of this Jewish year, let us reflect on our decisions and actions of the past year and prepare for the one to come. This is what Elul and the High Holy Days are all about —the free will to choose our path.”
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?
