This is a time of transition. In Torah we are just completing the Book of Bereshit and its story of our individual ancestors. The book of Bereshit has allowed us to explore the lives of our founders. Each of them faced many transitions in their lives, as they moved from place to place. They each lived in a different generation and among different communities. Each sought and built a unique relationship with God. And at some point in time, each stepped back a bit to make room for someone new.
Today we close the book on the stories of our individual ancestors and prepare to move forward in strength. By this afternoon, congregations throughout the world will be opening the next book of our story; moving from the individual family sagas to a new community of individuals working to become a people united by more than just circumstance.
It will be the story of effort, commitment, many talents, and relationship building. We will be reminded of the time it takes to build a community of shared values and understanding. It is the story of a new generation who must reshape relationships to ones that fit their times. Even as they grow from recalling the actions and experiences of past generations, they will consider what is needed in their present landscape and circumstances. It is a story where, at times, past generations will be remembered and revered and at other times they will go unmentioned and seemingly forgotten. It is our story – then and now.
In 21st century Jewish American life, we too face a transition. It is hard to ignore the harsh realities of the Pew Research study – A Portrait if American Jews. The study’s sharp, dramatic snapshot of American Jewish life in 2013 provides us with a loud wake-up call. We can no longer hide from the lessening of what many understand as traditional forms of Jewish community engagement or think of this as a momentary “blip” in time.
The good news is that the study reminds us that there are so many “not in the room” who are, none the less, wandering right alongside. They identify as Jews and yet, value Jewish identity differently and more individually. Like our ancestors, we must accept the reality that the life we lead may not be the right life for the next generation. More than even opening our ears, hearts, and minds to new ideas, we must find ways to reach out and engage those who are not coming to the doors of our tents.
If we are to continue as a vibrant Jewish community, we must ask those who are just beyond our doors what energizes them each day and what keeps them awake at night. How can we connect to their joys and concerns? How can we, like our ancestors, speak of a Judaism that resonates in their souls because it connects to their joys and “oys?”
Thursday evening, thanks to a live broadcast on JLTV, I listened to Rabbi Rick Jacobs speak to the nearly 5000 attendees at the Union for Reform Judaism’s Biennial convention in San Diego. He reminded us that our ancestors took audacious steps and made bold changes as they broke away from idol worship and stepped, many times, towards a place they did not know.
Our ancestors took steps forward, stumbled, and stepped out again. We, too, must be willing to take risks and “fail forward” or we will never grow. As Rabbi Morey Schwartz, Melton International’s Director of Education reminded me this morning, when we try to reach upward to “do good,” we don’t hit the mark 100% of the time.
As we turn the page to the next book of our story, may we connect with others, leading us to ever-growing vibrant, strong, communities engaged in Jewish learning and living. May we care for one another, find strength and meaning among and between our relationships, and the beautiful world that we have been asked to steward.
Hazak, Hazak, V’neith Hazek may we be strong and grow ever stronger together.
Prior to her position with the Grinspoon Foundation, Iris served as a synagogue educator in Syracuse NY, the Central New York PJ Library Program Coordinator and as a national consultant for PJ Library.
Iris holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education, a master’s degree in Special Education and Reading, and Advanced Certification in School Leadership and Administration. Her experience as a secular educator and educational leader in congregational and community settings spans over 20 years. She is also a lay leader in Jewish organizations on the local and national levels. Iris served as the President of CAJE – the Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education, which was the largest member organization for Jewish educators in the country.
- May My (and Your) Yom Kippur Be Filled Meaning - October 3, 2014
- We All Are Standing Here.. Now What Will You Do? - September 19, 2014
- ‘Tis the Season of Transitions - September 12, 2014