This week we begin the book of Devarim, which ushers in a spirit of blessing and reflection. The bulk of this final book of the Torah is occupied with Moses’ parting words (devarim) to the Israelite people as they cross over the Jordan river into Eretz Yisrael. Moses blesses the people as he reflects on their journey thus far, the lessons they have learned along the way, and the tools they will need to stay in God’s good grace.
I, too, find myself in a reflective mode. The month of Av has begun, leading the path forward to Elul and the High Holidays. As of this past week, I have been here for one year. The devarim, the words that come to me as I look back on this past year, are ones of blessing. For this past year has been full of the blessings of getting to know, learn from, and support the members of HEA. So too, I have been enriched by learning from my partners at HEA–Rabbi Gruenwald, Eitan Kantor, and our talented staff. And my family has been blessed to build a new, enriching life in Denver. Each day walking home from work, I feel even more blessed to be doing this work in this community in this moment. With blessing abounding, it felt right to celebrate my one-year anniversary of working as a member of the clergy at HEA by offering a blessing to Denver’s new Mayor, Mike Johnston, at his inauguration on Monday. I was honored to represent HEA in this way. As part of my blessing, I shared the following:
By blessing others, we channel light into darkness, invite hope and love into the broken, lonely places in us and amongst us. Through blessing, we let go of a do-it-alone attitude and embrace the we of a just city, the we of a community of mutual responsibility.
As I look back on this year, I appreciate all I have learned from those who bless our community by shining their light and bringing healing to others:
I have learned the power of showing up from the minyaneers who create a holy space each morning for prayer and connection, celebration and mourning.
I have learned the radical importance of collective singing to elevate our human experience.
I have learned that Tot Shabbat and other youth programs are as vital for grandparents, parents, and other adults as they are for our children to instill hope and wonder in the joyful present and the Jewish future.
I have learned that we are all healing from something and that we are all dealing with the challenges of aging in our own ways.
I have learned from our wonderful Hochmat Nashim Torah study group that many in our community are hungry for spiritual learning and personal connection and that these can be effectively fostered together overheated discussion and warm tea in a variety of environments.
I have learned that fear is not a sign of weakness but rather an impetus to act; and that a friendly face at the door of our shul not only helps us feel more secure but also more at home.
I have learned the power of a phone call and the sanctity of a blessing.
And I have learned much more.
I wonder, what have you learned this year?
On this Shabbat before Tisha B’Av, known as Shabbat Hazon, the Shabbat of Vision, we rededicate ourselves to the vision of building a holy community of mutual responsibility, of inspiring learning, and of healing connections. May we all be blessed with another year of learning, reflecting, and growing together.
Shabbat Shalom!
