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As I draft this post, I'm on a flight to Atlanta from Chicago, reflecting on a truly enriching Shabbaton spent with the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation (JRC) in Evanston, Illinois. This past weekend was a vivid reminder of the beauty and strength found within our Jewish communities, especially those like JRC, deeply committed to racial equity and inclusivity.

The warmth and openness of the JRC members, their leaders, and my fellow Reconstructionist rabbis were profoundly moving. Together, we engaged in teaching, singing, and shared dialogue that inspired and enriched our spirits and also nurtured our sense of community.. Experiencing the vibrancy of JRC's community—its dedication to fostering an inclusive environment—rekindled in me an appreciation for the essence of being part of such a dynamic Jewish community.

As we transition from last week's Torah portion, Ki Tisa, to this week's portion, Vayakhel, we move from themes of brokenness to those of wholeness and communal unity. Ki Tisa teaches us about the shattered tablets Moses brought down from Mount Sinai—a symbol of our imperfections and the challenges we face. Yet, in Vayakhel, we see the Israelites coming together in a collective effort to build the Mishkan, a sanctuary for God's presence. This progression from fragmentation to assembly mirrors the journey of our own communities as we strive for inclusivity, understanding, and shared purpose.

This week, as we delve into the narratives of unity and communal strength, I am reminded of the importance of genuine dialogue and embracing the diverse mosaic within our Kehillah. It is through our conversations—rooted in understanding rather than conviction—that we forge stronger connections and a deeper appreciation for our varied backgrounds and perspectives.

As I continue on to Atlanta for a rabbinical conference, followed by a civil rights pilgrimage with my fellow rabbis, I carry with me the lessons of Ki Tisa and Vayakhel. I look forward to guiding my fellow rabbis on a visit to the Equal Justice Initiative, the Rosa Parks Museum, and the monument dedicated to the Women of Gynecology. These visits promise to be powerful reminders of our ongoing struggle for justice and equality, reinforcing the values of empathy, inclusivity, and community action.

This week I am resharing insights on Embracing Genuine Dialogue: Understanding over Conviction in the Digital Age and Unveiling the Mosaic: Embracing Diversity within Kehillah. These reflections serve as a testament to our collective journey towards building more understanding and inclusive communities.

I am filled with gratitude for the experiences of this past week and the journey ahead. I eagerly anticipate sharing more with you upon my return, enriched by the lessons learned and the stories gathered along the way.

May we all continue to strive for a world of wholeness, understanding, and unity.

Shavua Tov,

Embracing Genuine Dialogue: Understanding over Conviction in the Digital Age

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October 18, 2023

Unveiling the Mosaic: Embracing Diversity within Kehillah

Enjoy this from Rabbis Yosef Goldman and Annie Lewis it’s called Daybreak (Shakhar)

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