Rabbi's Column - Summer 2025

Dear Friends,

Some things are clearly right or wrong. Sometimes, though, clarity comes only in hindsight. In late May, 1967, three Arab armies were massing against Israel. Egypt had closed the straits of Tiran and ejected its UN Peacekeepers. The mood in the country was somber: Hospitals canceled elective surgeries. 14,000 graves were dug in Tel Aviv’s Yarkon Park, in anticipation of mass casualties. Soldiers wrote farewell letters to their loved ones.

In the face of the Arab armies’ imminent attack, Israel launched a bold pre-emptive strike. IAF pilots destroyed the entire Egyptian air force while its pilots were still eating breakfast. Out of this existential morass came a resounding victory: in just six days, Israel expanded its territory threefold and solidified its place as a rising power in the Middle East.

In a recent poll 83% of Jewish Israelis support the pre-emptive strikes on Iran — despite the certainty of reprisal. This is notable, because Israelis are exhausted. They do not want more bloodshed. They do not want to keep running to their safe rooms. They do not want war, and yet they support this war. During the June 20 Shabbat I tried to explain why this is so. Will history vindicate this operation, furthering the cause of peace and stability? Will it be another Six Day War? Only time will tell. Our judgments today may be disproven tomorrow.

Rabbi Jill Jacobs teaches about a surprising ruling in the Babylonian Talmud: if every judge on a court votes to convict, the defendant is acquitted. (Sanhedrin 17a). The ancient sages identified that, in this instance, the judges may have succumbed to group think. They have not sufficiently raised questions and objections.

The modern luminary Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik expands, “If they all saw him as guilty with no aspect of merit, there is certainly some corruption or perversion of justice in that court.” Certainty, in other words, is not necessarily a virtue.

Within the Jewish and broader American communities, many have jumped to either blanket celebration or condemnation. So many breathless commentators and armchair diplomats fail to consider the nuances and risks of this situation – not to mention the lived experiences of those most in harm’s way. Rather than abject certainty, this may be a moment instead to acknowledge uncertainty; to admit that none of us really know what is right.

There are valid reasons to support this war, and other valid reasons to oppose it. The future is unclear, and the present danger is real. Whatever our views, our hearts are united for safety in Israel.

We also feel the urge to act. If you want to help, you might consider a donation to the Israeli Reform Movement’s Urgent Care and Relief Fund; or support temporary housing for Israelis abroad.

Finally, although peace feels painfully distant, we pray for peace. We will never stop praying for peace.

Shalom,

Rabbi Moss

President's Column - Summer 2025

Dear Temple Beth Tikvah Community,

As we move into the heart of summer, I find myself deeply grateful for the strength, spirit, and warmth of our TBT family. Summer is often a time of rest and renewal, and yet, even in these quieter months, our synagogue is very much alive, with energy, purpose, and deep connection.

This was felt so clearly at our recent Gala on June 7th, where over 120 people gathered to celebrate and support our community. It was an evening filled with laughter, generosity, and shared purpose.

What moved me even more was the outpouring of support we received from those who weren’t able to attend in person but contributed from afar. That is the true strength of this community: when one of us shows up, we all benefit. When many of us show up, whether physically or through giving, the impact is transformational. A humongous thank you goes out to the entire Gala committee (Alison Broder, Gary Damiano, Shaun Glazier, Jamie Rubin, and Helen Winokur) and all who helped put such a special night together, todah rabah.

Thanks to that generosity, and the dedication of so many volunteers, we are better positioned to build the future we all envision. And speaking of the future, mark your calendars now for our next Gala, tentatively scheduled for March 21, 2026. If this year is any indication, it will be another evening to remember.

That future is also being shaped right now through our Secure the Future Capital Campaign, which is already underway. This is an essential effort to ensure the long-term vitality, safety, and sustainability of Temple Beth Tikvah, not just for us, but for generations to come. If you would like to learn more, or speak directly with our campaign chair, David Sack, just let us know. David is happy to reach out and share more about how you can be part of this critical initiative.

Meanwhile, summer offers opportunities to gather in beautiful and meaningful ways. One of our favorite TBT traditions is back: Beach Shabbat. These peaceful Friday evenings are a chance to slow down, breathe in the sea air, and welcome Shabbat together. Join us on July 18, August 1, and August 15 at 6:00 p.m. at East Wharf Beach in Madison. Whether you come for the service, the community, or just the view—these moments of spiritual connection are what make our summers so special. At the same time, we cannot ignore the ongoing crisis facing Israel and the Jewish people worldwide. In addition to the ongoing pain and uncertainty following the October 7th attacks, and the urgent efforts to bring all remaining hostages home, Israel now faces escalating threats from Iran and its proxies, adding a dangerous new layer to an already complex and painful reality. The threat is real, and it affects Jews everywhere. We stand in unwavering solidarity with Israel and all who are working toward security, justice, and peace. Here at home, the continued rise in antisemitism, on college campuses, in politics, and in public discourse, demands our vigilance and resolve. These are not just global headlines; they are personal. They remind us why our synagogue must remain strong, proud, and united, why we gather, why we teach, and why we lead with courage and purpose.

Temple Beth Tikvah is not only a spiritual home, it is a source of strength, identity, and resilience. It is where we teach our children to be proud of who they are, where we gather to support one another, and where we refuse to let hatred define our future. This is the sacred work we do, not only in times of crisis, but always. And it is why your continued engagement, support, and presence mean so much.

As we look toward the High Holidays in the fall (Erev Rosh Hashanah is the evening of Monday, September 22 ), I invite you to stay connected. Come to a beach Shabbat, get involved in a committee, speak to David Sack about the campaign, or simply reach out and share your ideas, hopes, or concerns. Together, we are building something lasting and meaningful.

Wishing you a summer filled with joy, rest, connection, and purpose.

B’shalom,

Josh Broder, TBT President

Educator's Column - Summer 2025

This past weekend (June 21-22), my flight to participate in the Jewish National Fund Educator’s Mission on July 13 was cancelled due to the airport in Tel Aviv being closed because of the war with Iran. While I am working to get the airfare refunded, I am still hopeful that the war will end in time for me to go. Of course, hope is not a strategy.

As I write, October 7th was 625 days ago; I know that many of us at TBT have been watching the events in Israel and Gaza with concern, hope and compassion that is now compounded with the war with Iran. These emotions intensify. We each bring our own perspective to our emotions. Your feelings are yours alone. We should have conversations about them – that is part of a healthy process.

The idea of the mission I was to attend was to learn alongside other synagogue educators and explore how we might do better at teaching about Israel than we already do. Israel has been a core Jewish value for my entire personal life and for my professional practice since I first worked in a classroom as a 9th grade aide.

I believe that we need to teach our children the dream of what Israel can be and what led to the creation of the modern state. Theodor Herzl saw it as a home for our people, who were seen as outsiders, despite being citizens of the countries in which they lived. Ahad Ha’am described the dream as a center and source of Jewish culture for all of us. Ze’ev Jabotinsky saw it as a place where the Jewish people can be strong and defend themselves against all who sought to destroy us, and A.D. Gordon described a place where we could get our hands dirty in the soil, bringing life to an arid place. These are just a few of the ideas.

I believe in a developmental approach to learning. We are ready to explore topics in different ways at different times in our lives. So, we should revisit them, applying our experiences and ideas that we have developed since we last talked about them. We might think about God, for example, differently at 39 than we did in third grade – which is when we do our first deep dive into theology at TBT.

In the younger grades, we are teaching our kids about the dream of Israel and introducing parts of Israeli life and culture that will help them to learn, to connect, and perhaps even love it. As they get older, and develop skills in pulling apart complex issues, we get into the ideas that keep some of us up at night or cause flights to be cancelled.

I invite you to take advantage of the opportunities TBT will be offering for adult conversations around Israel and current events. I ask you to have real conversations about it with one another and with your kids in a way that makes sense for you and them. I want to gently remind everyone that even if our opinions on how to approach Israel may vary widely, we are all a part of the same Jewish family. We need to remember we are talking about people in our family. Our children will learn from our example, both in what we say about Israel and how to say it to one another and to people outside the Jewish community.

L'shalom,

Ira Wise

President's Column - April 2025

April Reflections: Passover, Chad Gadya, and the Lessons We Carry Forward

April is a time of renewal—a season of cherry blossoms, warmer weather, the return of baseball, and, of course, Passover. Growing up, my brother and I always had time off from school during Passover since we attended a Jewish day school. That meant more than just a break from classes; it meant time with family, endless matzah (which, to this day, still tastes like cardboard to me), Slivovitz (Passover Plum Brandy), and singing our favorite Seder Songs.

One song that has always stood out to me is Chad Gadya (One Little Goat). It was my favorite then, and it remains my favorite now. As kids, we took great joy in singing it faster and faster, competing to see who could keep up. It was fun, but looking back, Chad Gadya is more than just a playful tune —it carries deep meaning, open to interpretation across generations.

Some scholars see Chad Gadya as an allegory of Jewish history, where each character represents a different empire that ruled over the Land of Israel. The goat symbolizes the Jewish people, while the other figures—from the cat to the Angel of Death—are stand-ins for the various nations that rose and fell through history. The final resolution, where G-d intervenes, signifies divine justice and the Jewish people’s ultimate return to their homeland. This interpretation was first widely published in a 1731 pamphlet by Philip Nicodemus Lebrecht, and it has since been explored in many ways, with variations on which oppressor represents which force.

Others see Chad Gadya as a moral lesson. Some connect it to the story of Abraham being sentenced to death by fire, only to be saved by G-d, reinforcing the idea that divine justice surpasses even death. Contemporary scholar Lawrence Hoffman suggests that the song warns against cycles of revenge—once they begin, they are nearly impossible to stop. And according to Rav Nasan Adler (1741–1800), Chad Gadya serves as a caution against lashon hara (gossip). In one story, after overhearing people gossiping about him, he pointed out that just as the dog had no business punishing the cat, people should not interfere in matters that are not theirs to judge.

Personally, I believe Chad Gadya is as relevant today as ever. In a world filled with too much gossip, too much retaliation, and too many divisions, we must find ways to come together. It doesn’t matter where we stand on politics, government, sports—or even which Kardashian is making headlines (frankly, who cares?). What does matter is that as individuals, as a community, and as members of such a special place like TBT, we continue strengthening our bonds of Judaism, connection, and family.

So this Passover, let Chad Gadya be more than just a fun song—let it be a reminder to break cycles of conflict and seek understanding. And perhaps a little Slivovitz wouldn’t hurt either. Let us all pray for peace in Israel, in the U.S., and across the world, as well as for the safe and swift return of all remaining hostages.

From my family to yours, Chag Pesach Sameach.

B’shalom,
Josh Broder,
TBT President

Temple Educator's Column - April 2025

AHA! You Can Make Pesach Amazing!

I once published a monthly pullout section in a printed temple bulletin. It would teach the basics of a holiday, a section of the prayerbook, segment of history or lifecycle ritual. The idea was to give people – especially parents – the tools to talk confidently. (If you would like us to do something like that, please let me know!)

One feature of each issue were the At Home Activities or the AHA section. With Pesach coming in less than two weeks, here are some AHAs and one ATA (At Temple Activity) to help bring more joy to your Pesach:

• AHA: Host a Seder. It is not as difficult as it sounds. And it is ok to ask guests to share in the cooking and/or planning the Seder. Make it a team activity! There are many different Haggadot available. More than 3,000 versions exist, and you can make your own as well. Recustom.com is a great resource. Or speak to me and I can help.

• AHA: Place a piece of paper and a pencil next to each plate at your Seder. Ask each person to write down a Passover-related question. Read the questions out loud, and as a group, try to answer each. You might end up creating your own Midrash!

• AHA Do spring cleaning in your home before Pesach.

• AHA: Conduct a ritual search for Hametz. Bimbam has a short video to get you started.

• AHA: Try converting a favorite recipe for Passover (matzo pizza, matzo lasagna) OR look online for the wonderful variety of recipes available! Tori Avey, Delish, and The New York Times are just a few ideas. Of course, there is no shortage of cookbooks to be had, including in the TBT Library!

• AHA: Make a Miriam’s Cup and include it in your Seder. Miriam’s Cup is a new ritual object that is placed on the seder table beside the Cup of Elijah. Miriam’s Cup is filled with water. It serves as a symbol of Miriam’s Well, which was the source of water for the Israelites in the desert.

• AHA: Create matzo covers out of cloth napkins or handkerchiefs with fabric paint and other craft items.

• ATA: Join us at TBT for the Temple Seder on Friday, April 18 and let’s celebrate together! I invite the kids to help me lead part of the Seder – more to follow in the Religious School blast.

Do you have some of your creative ways to celebrate? Please let me know and I will share them further! Chag Sameach! Happy Pesach!

L’shalom,
Ira J. Wise, DJRE, RJE
Temple Educator

Rabbi's Column - April 2025

Dear Friends,

What does it mean to be free? This is the question at the heart of Pesach (Passover). The ancient rabbis call it zman cheiruteinu — the season of our liberation. Freedom is a universal human aspiration. Of course, it’s central to the American story, too. And that’s probably why Pesach is the most celebrated Jewish holiday. A climactic moment of the seder is when we read in the hagaddah:

B’chol dor vador chayav adam lirot et atzmo k’ilu hu yatza mi-mitzraim.

In each generation, it is incumbent upon each of us to view ourselves as though we went out from Egypt.

Each year, then, we’re asked to put ourselves in the shoes of a newly freed slave. What does that mean in 2025? It may be helpful to start with where we came from. My great-grandfather Max came to America at the age of 14, traveling alone. His parents stayed behind in Belarus; they were later killed in a pogrom. His brother, with whom he lived in Wisconsin, was then killed in a freak accident. I never got to meet my great-grandfather; I never learned of his suffering, or how it impacted his life. But whether he knew it or not, he turned that suffering into a bridge: to allow a life of freedom and opportunity for my grandmother, my mother, and me. That gift comes with a responsibility I hope I will never squander.

Perhaps your family has a similar story. Our ancestors sacrificed for our freedom. It’s one of the things I think about when we pass the Torah from the arms of grandparents, to parents, to children in our B’nei Mitzvah ceremonies. This is an incredible gift; a rare gift; a gift that for most of Jewish history would have seemed impossible. It wasn’t easy for us to integrate into American society, but we have somehow gone from a hated minority to the most positively-viewed religious group. Despite the widespread and growing antisemitism in our country, we still live as comfortable and integrated a life as any Jewish community has in 2500+ years. That alone is cause for celebration.

We are fortunate to have the sanction of the court of opinion. And I give thanks every day that we still have the sanction of the court of law, too — equal as citizens with any other. Every previous time in history we have enjoyed similar protections, they have eventually been taken away. Around the world — from Turkey, to Sweden, to France, and beyond— these twin protections are diminishing and disappearing for Jews. France used to have the largest Jewish population in Europe. In recent years, they have been making aliyah in huge numbers.

Our American freedom is a gift, not a guarantee. As we gather with our families around the Seder table, let us express gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy. They can disappear if we do not protect them. Maybe this is why we are asked at each seder to see ourselves as crossing that bridge, from shackled in servitude, to the promise of freedom.

Chag Kasher V’Sameach — Happy Passover,

Rabbi Moss

President's Column - March 2025

As we step into March, our synagogue is filled with excitement for Purim, one of the most􀀠joyous and meaningful celebrations of the Jewish year. While costumes, hamantaschen,􀀠and noisemakers add to the fun, Purim is ultimately a story of resilience, courage, and the􀀠power of community.

The story of Esther reminds us that even in times of uncertainty, we have both the ability􀀠and the responsibility to stand up for one another. It teaches us that hidden miracles often􀀠shape our lives and that joy and laughter can be powerful acts of strength. In a world that􀀠can sometimes feel overwhelming, Purim calls us to come together, find light in the􀀠darkness, and celebrate the blessings of our community.

This year, I invite each of you to embrace the spirit of Purim. Join us for the Megillah reading and Purim spiel on Thursday, March 13, at 7 PM—and let’s make some noise together! I’ll be bringing my homemade, wooden grogger, which I crafted when I was 12 years old.􀀠Our talented cantorial soloist, Rachel Policar, will be leading the spiel, making this an event you won’t􀀠want to miss. Most importantly, take this opportunity to reach out to others—send mishloach manot, give tzedakah, and spread the joy of the season.

Purim also reminds us of the importance of joy as a unifying force in our community. Through song,􀀠dance, and laughter, we strengthen our bonds and affirm our shared values. This year, let’s extend􀀠 the spirit of Purim beyond the holiday itself, carrying its lessons of courage, generosity, and 􀀠celebration into our daily lives.

As we laugh, sing, and celebrate, let us draw inspiration from Esther and Mordechai, remembering􀀠that even small actions can make a difference. Our synagogue is blessed to be a place where we􀀠 support and uplift one another—not just on Purim, but throughout the year.

This theme of unity and joy extends beyond Purim—it’s a value we uphold year-round and one we􀀠will celebrate in a grand way at our Annual Gala on June 7. Just as Purim brings us together with 􀀠purpose and joy, our Gala will be an opportunity to honor the heart and soul of our congregation—the people who make TBT a warm, vibrant home for all. Mark your calendars, because this will be a􀀠 night to remember!

Our Annual Gala will be an evening of celebration, gratitude, and inspiration. We will honor the􀀠 incredible contributions of our members, enjoy delicious food, and revel in the joy of our thriving􀀠 community. The night will be filled with music, entertainment, and meaningful connections, as well as 􀀠silent and live auctions. This is a wonderful opportunity to come together in the same spirit of Purim,􀀠 celebrating the strength and unity of our congregation.

We are currently seeking sponsors for our Gala, as well as auction items. If you have a vacation home􀀠or a unique experience you can offer, please reach out to the Gala Committee—the more􀀠 contributions we receive, the more we can benefit TBT. Your support makes all the difference, and􀀠we look forward to celebrating with you all!

B’shalom,
Josh Broder,
TBT President

Temple Educator's Column - March 2025

What’s in a name?

Most of us remember Juliet answering her own question: “That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet.” She was of course trying set aside the conflict of dating someone from a family house at war with her own.

Judaism actually says names are really important. They can tell us a lot about where we came from and who our parents hope we will be.

Often our first names are chosen to remember someone (living or dead, depending on your family background) about whom our parents felt strongly. Perhaps they hoped we would grow to develop similar positive traits as our namesakes. And of course a Hebrew name includes the names of our parents, declaring our connection to our families.

The world of marketing also says that names are very important and need to be chosen with some care. That a name is a central part of developing a brand identity and making sure people remember to buy YOUR product. In the 2016 film The Founder, Michael Keaton plays Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald’s. He is explaining to Dick McDonald, one of the brothers from whom he bought the original company what he was paying for. “It’s the name. That glorious name, McDonald’s. It could be, anything you want it to be...it's limitless, it’s wide open... it sounds, uh... it sounds like... it sounds like America.”

When we change the name of something, we should be very certain about our reasons for doing so. In our religious school, we have referred to our classes in the same way as they are in most non-religious settings: Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade and so on. Nothing wrong with that. Kids know what grade they are whether they are at their five day a week school or at TBT.

What if we could change that in a way that sends the message that they are in a different place than their “regular” school? What if we could reinforce the values of TBT a little more just by how we name things?

Our Curriculum Working Group is moving into phase two of our work. Hebrew is at the top of our agenda. (If you would like to join us, please call or email me!) And our Education Committee has taken the first step.

Beginning this fall, we will use Hebrew names for our classes – although we will have a “soft-open” beginning now. Click here to see a chart of the new names!

It will teach a little more Hebrew, declare that we care about Hebrew as Jewish value AND it may make this place a feel even more distinct from “regular” school.

The picture on this page is the clock on the roof of the Jewish Community Building in Prague in the Czech Republic, which is across an alley from a synagogue built in the year 1200. The Hebrew letters on its face make it clear that this is a place operating in Jewish time. If you look closely at the letters, you will realize that it actually works in a counter-clockwise fashion, as Hebrew moves in the opposite direction as English. It sets a definite tone, as will the change in class names. I invite you to change how you refer to our grades at TBT. See if it feels different to you!

L’shalom,
Ira J. Wise, DJRE, RJE
Temple Educator

PRESIDENT'S COLUMN - FEBRUARY 2025

Building Bridges and Strengthening Our Community

Dear Friends,

As we settle into 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of welcoming and belonging in our synagogue. In Jewish tradition, hachnasat orchim—welcoming guests—is a cornerstone of our values. It reminds us that everyone deserves a place where they feel embraced, supported, and connected.

I’m thrilled to share that our synagogue family continues to grow. This year, we’ve welcomed many new members who are already enriching our community with their presence and energy. To our newest members: we’re so glad you’re here. Your decision to join us reflects a commitment to Jewish life, and we’re committed to ensuring you feel at home here. In the next few months we will have special events and /or services specifically for our new members. More details will follow soon.

But our work doesn’t stop at welcoming new members—we have the power to grow our community even further. I encourage all of you, whether you’ve been a part of this synagogue for decades or weeks, to invite friends, neighbors, or coworkers to experience what makes our congregation special. Whether it’s joining a Shabbat service, attending a program, or just coming for coffee and conversation, sharing our synagogue with others is one of the best ways to strengthen our community.

This February, we’ll have a beautiful opportunity to come together in celebration during Shabbat Shirah on February 7. Our fabulous soloist, Rachel Policar, will be joining TBT once again for this evening. Known as the "Shabbat of Song", this special service highlights the moment the Israelites sang with joy after crossing the "Sea of Reeds". It’s a time to reflect on freedom, gratitude, and the power of music to uplift and unite us. I hope you’ll join us—and bring a friend! It’s the perfect occasion to share the beauty of our tradition with others and to feel the strength of our voices rising together in harmony.

In addition to fostering connections close to home, we must also turn our hearts to those in need of connection and support abroad. Like so many of you, I’ve been following the situation of hostages still awaiting their return to freedom. It’s a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and the importance of standing together as a global Jewish community. We pray fervently for their safety and for the day when they can reunite with their families.

This February, let’s commit to making our synagogue an even brighter light for all who enter its doors. Let’s make space for connection and extend invitations widely. And let’s join together in action and prayer for those who long to return home. Thank you for being a vital part of our synagogue family. Together, we can continue to build bridges, strengthen bonds, and make 2025 a year of growth, unity, and hope.

B’shalom,

Josh Broder, TBT President

TEMPLE EDUCATOR'S COLUMN - FEBRUARY 2025

Which Truth Do You Mean?

There has been a lot of talk about the truth – or lack of it – in the news. People talk about “the big lie” and disagree about a variety of events of the day. Seen from various perspectives, it is hard for many to believe that so many can disagree on what seems to be the plain truth, based on what we can all see with our own eyes. These are troubling ideas that are dividing us one from the other. I encourage everyone to try and imagine perspectives different from our own and remember they are held by members of our community, even our own families. We have to figure out how to move forward together. I am not going to discuss that here though.

This is not just a current events story. I cannot remember a year when a learner – sometimes an adult, sometimes a youth – has not asked me or one of the rabbis “Are the stories in the Torah true?"

The answer to that question is another question: “What do you mean by true?” To be fair, my answer is different from the one you might get from an Orthodox teacher.

Until the mid-nineteenth century, nearly all Jewish thinkers and rabbis accepted that the Torah was written word for word, letter for letter by God – or at least dictated by God to Moses. So, the answer from the Orthodox perspective is “Yes. The Torah is true. It all happened.” There are of course many orthodoxies, not just one monolithic uniform movement. There is a fair amount of nuance that should be in that discussion. By and large, though, if the Torah is actually directly from God, then the Mitzvot are not just a good idea, they are the law.

From a Reform perspective, I suggest that there is truth and there is Truth. The first, with the lower case “t”, refers to historical accuracy. About 150 years ago, a number of biblical scholars – both Jewish and Christian – looked closely at the Hebrew text of the Torah. They noticed that in some sections, God was Elohim. In others, God was Adonai. There were several almost duplicated sections. In the midst of conversations between God and Moses, Aaron would simply appear and disappear. And the entire book of Deuteronomy seems to repeat much of Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers – although many of the commandments are stricter in the second version.

The scholars concluded that there must have been more than one – at least four – different authors involved in the writing of the five books of Moses. This was called the Documentary Hypothesis. And if humans – even if Divinely inspired – wrote the words, then the Mitzvot become more or less guidelines for behavior. And this is the core difference between Reform and Orthodoxy (although there are others). Based on this, I would suggest that the Torah is not a great source of historical accuracy. I see it as our people’s record of how we perceive our origin stories.

I will say that I believe that the Torah is filled with Truth with an upper-case “T.” It teaches us how to be Jewish. It teaches us how to embrace what we have come to call Jewish values like Kehilah (community), Kavod (respect, honor), Kedushah (holiness), Savlanut (patience) and Sovlanut (tolerance), to name five out of dozens. It teaches us that we are each created in God’s image, so we must treat one another with the same respect we have for God.

My friend and teacher Joel Lurie Grishaver once taught me that he believes that the Torah was written by humans. And they wrote exactly what God wanted them to write. So that leaves it in our hands. Coming from a human source, we each get to choose how to be Jewish, which values to embrace. Coming from God, filtered through humans, we must remember that we must not choose “none of the above” when it comes to values. We can handle the Truth.

L’shalom,

Ira J. Wise, RJE

Temple Educator