Shabbat Greetings
This is my 26th year serving as the rabbi of our Temple Shalom of Aberdeen family. It has been both an honor and privilege to serve as your spiritual leader. I recognize that I have a duty and a responsibility to lead and listen, always being respectful of our shared values as well as recognize when we have differences. This past Tuesday’s election was a cause of jubilation for some and sadness for others. Nevertheless, as a sacred community, I will continue to lead us towards fulfilling our obligation to be a source of divine presence in our world.
In our portion this Shabbat, Lech-Lecha (Genesis 12:1-17:27), God calls Abram to leave his familiar surroundings and go to a land that God will show him, a journey that requires faith, courage, and trust. This story can be a powerful metaphor for any community in times of uncertainty or division. We are all fill with great emotions and concerns. Some are feeling a sense of frustration, confusion, or uncertainty after a divisive election. Others are feeling a sense of joy, clarity and confidence that the election produced the correct conclusion. I know that many of us are feeling the weight of the results of Tuesday’s elections, and our community might feel more divided than ever. It’s hard when we disagree on important issues, and we can feel uncertain about where we’re headed.
In this week’s Torah portion, Lech-Lecha, we read about Abram being called to leave behind everything he knew and set out on a journey to an unknown land. This wasn’t just a physical journey – it was a spiritual one, full of uncertainty, but also full of faith. Like Abram, we too are on a journey. The future is uncertain, and at times, it feels like we’re walking into the unknown. But the lesson from Abram is that we can trust in the journey, even when we don’t fully know what lies ahead. Just as Abram was not alone on his journey, we are not alone in this moment. We are a community – one that may not agree on everything, but that shares a deep commitment to one another and to building a better future. The journey ahead might not be easy, but it is one we can walk together, with faith, patience, and hope. We must remember that unity comes not from uniformity of thought but from our shared commitment to the greater good.
In the spirit of Lech-Lecha, this is also a time for reflection and growth. What is our role in the community? How can we move forward together, even in our differences? Just as Abram grew stronger in his faith through his journey, we too can grow in wisdom, compassion, and understanding through the challenges we face. Now is the time to come together, not only to heal but to take meaningful action in support of each other and the values we hold dear.
The journey before us may be long and at times difficult, but the promise of a better future is always there. Let us walk forward together, with faith in one another and in the strength of our shared values. We may not know exactly where the path will lead, but we can trust that, like Abram, we are part of something much bigger than ourselves.
SHABBAT SHALOM