“Think about how it feels to be in touch with our deepest truths. How does it feel to earnestly express feeling sorry, or to take in another’s heartfelt apology?” During the High Holy Days, Rabbi Samantha Natov encourages us to acknowledge our vulnerability and find meaning together as a community.

“As Jews, we carefully coordinate each element on our plate in order to observe kashrut laws. But just as our tradition is obsessed with details, it also knows there is great beauty in the final product – we must find a way to pay attention to both and to honor both.” Rabbi Rena Rifkin explores how we are defined by both tiniest facets of our stories, and the sum of those parts.

“Social justice is an important Jewish value and a mitzvah we are called to do over and over again. It reminds us that we are God’s partners in the work of creation. It is profound is when children realize they can do this work, and there is no greater task than helping them to find their voice and their power.” Rabbi Rena Rifkin discusses the pursuit of justice in Jewish tradition, and how we are all capable of making a difference.

“The Supreme Court decision that gave women the power to choose what was best for themselves is once again in jeopardy. Roe v. Wade is about the right to choose, the right to agency.” Rabbi Rena Rifkin tackles choice and equality with this week’s parsha, Matot-Masei, which tells us that women’s vows can be vetoed by their fathers or husbands.

“In order to work towards meaningful change, we must be able to subdue our more destructive impulses.” Rabbi Samantha Natov explains: “Judaism teaches us to look at incorporating change into our lives as a personal practice. It is a process.”