Rabbi's Column - March 2025

DearFriends,

While I was teaching our 11th and 12th-graders last week, a man I did not recognize approached TBT’s front doors. I went to greet him and learned that he was a disabled military veteran experiencing homelessness. He had been getting by OK until, amidst the chaos in Washington, the VA stopped mailing him his monthly check. He had run out of money for food.

The same weekend, I received a message from my brother. An unknown sender demanded that, within 48 hours, he reply to an email summarizing five things he “got done” in the previous week. Around the same time, Elon Musk tweeted that ignoring the email would be tantamount to resignation. My brother, who has worked for the Justice Department since completing law school, suddenly feared for his job. And with good reason — his boss had just been fired.

Another story: my close friends Marc and Zoe live in Washington, DC. With neither warning nor explanation, Marc, who is one of the kindest human beings I know, was fired from his job at USAID. His wife Zoe, who is director of a women’s health clinic, expects a substantial cut in her funding. This will diminish her ability to care for women who have nowhere else to turn.

Recently, Musk delivered a speech while gleefully waving a chainsaw in the air. The message? That these severe cuts are part of rooting out systemic fraud in federal agencies. Lies, repeated loudly and often, quickly become true. Meanwhile, those on the receiving end of the saw blade are not corrupt bureaucrats. They are non-partisan civil servants. Many have served under several different administrations. They are inspectors and safety personnel for aviation and nuclear security. They are scientists saving lives. They are social workers caring for wounded veterans. These cuts hurt Marc, Zoe, my brother, and our local veteran. They harm the children who rely on their incomes. The savings are small, but the suffering is vast.

TBT members have already been impacted, too. If you are affected, I hope you will reach out to me. I would like to understand what you are going through. How much cutting will turn out to be legal? Will it even matter?Americans have long viewed the government with suspicion. It's part of our founding story, after all: we sought refuge from the caprice of kings. In our lifetimes, Bill Clinton proclaimed, “the era of big government is over.” Before him, Reagan told us that “government is the problem.”

But whatever we believe about the policies of the government, we must respect our system of government. Our elected officials take an oath to uphold the Constitution. Their loyalty is to our Republic, not to any one person. The Constitution’s separation of powers and checks and balances are meant to prevent monarchy. The system’s brilliance lies in its decentralization of power and tolerance of dissent. This is so critical, because we hold a variety of views!We do not agree on every issue.

But we do agree to be bound by the decisions that we make collectively. We can overturn old laws, and pass new ones. We can protest. We can engage in civil disobedience. We can even change the system itself— the constitution tells us how.But what is happening now is that a handful of people are rapidly trying to change our system of government, unconstitutionally. This poses an existential danger to our country. It is wrong. And history shows that when political chaos dominates, Jews lose.

It took the Nazis less than two months to dismantle Germany’s constitutional republic.

Historian Anne Applebaum teaches that when democracies fail, it is generally because a democratically-elected leader assaults the system of government. He commandeers agencies that serve the public. He demands fealty, and those who refuse are removed. This consolidation of power is known as “state capture.” It’s how Orbán rose to power in Hungary, Erdoğan in Turkey, and Chávez in Venezuela. It has happened on the right and the left. In the 1700s our founders feared that a leader might one day threaten our Republic. Jefferson, Madison, and others were inspired by the great philosopher John Locke. In his Second Treatise on Government, Locke writes that when a leader disregards legal order, he gives up legitimacy and the people are justified in treating him as a “thief and a robber:”

“[W]hosoever in authority exceeds the power given him by the law and makes use of the force he has under his command…ceases in that to be a magistrate; and, acting without authority, may be opposed, as any other man, who by force invades the right of another,” Presidential historian Stephen Knott has written that George Washington could have been our first king. He could have stood before the Continental Army, and with a nod of his head, gained a throne: “A lesser man might have been tempted to… pave the way for despotism.” But Washington made a different choice: he went home. That was a formative moment for American Democracy, and it’s one of the reasons Washington is celebrated as a hero.

As Jews, we have lived and died at the whims of tyrants. The Purim Story, which we will retell later this month, is a cautionary tale about how swiftly the tides can turn when we are not prepared to fight evil. I believe it is our responsibility as patriots to actively oppose every antidemocratic act that threatens our Republic. Here are a few ways to start:

●Regularly call our members of congress[(202) 224-3121] to express our views and demand accountability,especially if and when the administration defies a court order.

●Protect voting rights. We need to keep fighting for free and fair elections. We can volunteer locally. We canoppose the SAVE Act (H.R. 22) when it comes up for a vote. This piece of legislation would depress the voteand disenfranchise millions of voters, including 69 million married women who changed their last name.

●Support institutions that function as true checks on executive power. These include high-quality journalistic outlets, federal courts and judges, and our elected officials.

There are certain moments in a lifetime when we feel the weight of history on our shoulders. For me, this is one of them. Good people may disagree on policy, but we should unite in protecting democracy. Some of you will surely see this message as partisan. I promise you— it is not. I would speak out if any president was taking such dangerous antidemocratic actions— Democrat, Republican, Independent, or Martian.

Until recently, both parties supported USAID, the VA, and Medicaid. Until recently, both parties respected our democracy. I don’t care much about which party is right or wrong right now. I care that my son will grow up in a free country. Let’s work together to protect that freedom.

Shalom,
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

RABBI'S COLUMN - FEBRUARY 2025

רַבָּן שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן גַּמְלִיאֵל אוֹמֵר, עַל שְׁלשָׁה דְבָרִים הָעוֹלָם עוֹמֵד, 

עַל הַדִּין וְעַל הָאֱמֶת וְעַל הַשָּׁלוֹם

Rabban Shimon Ben Gamliel says: The world stands on three things: on justice, and on truth and on peace. (Mishnah Avot 1.18)

Dear Friends,

I will not soon forget the poignant image of Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari in their families’ embrace —  home at long last. I hope that by the time you are reading this, many more Israeli hostages have returned to their families. At the same time, our hearts are riven– we know that not every reunion will be a happy one. The emotional roller coaster of hope, elation, and dread tears at the Jewish soul. This devastating war has changed the Middle East. It has changed us.

One of the most important mitzvot is the redemption of captives. That is why our community has prayed for this moment every Shabbat since October 7th, 2023. But the deal is fragile. It can quickly be derailed by Hamas or another proxy of Iran. On the Israeli side, extremist ministers Betzalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir may torpedo the governing coalition over the deal, which they have repeatedly foiled —  and bragged about. Ben-Gvir is an acolyte of the Jewish Supremacist Meir Kehane, whose organization was banned in the US as a terrorist group, and whose followers have been convicted of gruesome crimes. Every day that such extremists are included in a governing coalition is another step toward the normalization of hatred in Israel’s society. We must oppose this with every fiber of our being. 

These are turbulent times. The global ascendency of nativist worldviews poses a danger in our country, too. No matter who is in the White House or the K’nesset, we must remain vigilant of the dangers of nativist populism. That is why I was deeply troubled to see our President pardon 1500 people involved in the January 6th attack against the US Capitol. This pardon extends to those convicted of violent crimes, including seditious conspiracy. (See this briefing from the ADL to learn more.) Surely we have not forgotten January 6th, 2021 – but has our country forgotten? These rioters destroyed property and defiled the halls of congress.  Members of congress of every political affiliation were forced to evacuate,  fearful  for their lives. Police officers died. It was a terrible day for our country —  one that I was horrified to witness and pray will never occur again.

The presidential pardon is a controversial instrument. I feel ambivalent whenever I see it deployed, whether by team “D” or team “R”. While it can rectify injustices, it seems to me that the pardon undermines the due process of law which is the bedrock of our republic. This particular pardon, which amounts to a nullification of the largest criminal investigation and prosecution in US History, broadcasts the message that law and order apply selectively; that “truth” need not correspond to reality; that political violence is acceptable; that election results can be overturned by force; and that the legislative branch serves at the pleasure of the executive. These are characteristics not of a republic, but of a banana republic. I am saddened and a little scared that we are living through such times.

Complex times do not eliminate the need for moral clarity; they demand it more urgently.

For me, one of the more disturbing moments of the recent weeks came when the President referred to the convicted criminals of January 6th, 2021 as “hostages.” He did this while actual Israeli hostages taken captive by Hamas sat on the stage with their family members behind him. Beyond the disgust I felt at this insult to all they had endured, it was yet another moment of clarity. Morality is complex, but right and wrong still matter. Truth is nuanced, but facts are still facts. People may disagree on matters of policy, but there should be no disagreement on matters of fact.  In his recent book Nexus, the modern sociologist Noah Yuval Harari explains the trend we are seeing this way:

In its more extreme versions, populism posits that there is no objective truth at all and that everyone has “their own truth,” which they wield to vanquish rivals. According to this worldview, power is the only reality…The claim to be interested in something else—like truth or justice—is nothing more than a ploy to gain power. Whenever and wherever populism succeeds in disseminating the view of information as a weapon, language itself is undermined. Nouns like “facts” and adjectives like “accurate” and “truthful” become elusive. Such words are not taken as pointing to a common objective reality. Rather, any talk of “facts” or “truth” is bound to prompt at least some people to ask, “Whose facts and whose truth are you referring to?” (pp. xxiv-xxv)

This cynical worldview is the stuff of strongmen and dictators. Populism is, unsurprisingly, highly compatible with conspiratorial thinking. And inevitably, where conspiracy theories thrive, so does the hatred of Jews. Blatant Antisemitism has come from the likes of Marjorie Taylor Greene, Nick Fuentes, and billionaire Elon Musk, who now occupies the President’s inner circle. He and a handful of other billionaires exercise tremendous power over the flow of information in our society. People of goodwill of all political persuasions must come together to fight conspiracy theories and hate from becoming the new “truth.”

Later this month, our ninth grade class will travel to Washington, DC together with teens from across our country. They will prepare diligently,will dress professionally, and engage respectfully with our legislators in the halls of Congress. They will advocate passionately for their values as young Jewish people helping to shape a More Perfect Union. They will engage, in short, in the democratic process. So must we all. Education, attention, and action—  these are required in order for democracy to work. Compassion in our politics will increase compassion in our society. As Rabban Shimon Ben Gamliel reminded us 2000 years ago, truth is one of the pillars of our world. It is up to all of us to fight for the truth to prevail.

Throughout history, we Jews have lived and died at the whim of tyrants. In America, we all have a voice in shaping the future of our country. We must never take that privilege for granted.

Shalom,

Rabbi Moss


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

Rabbi's Column - January 2025

Dear Friends,

In the days and weeks since Haviv Rettig Gur’s visit as our Scholar-inResidence, my mind has been spinning with so many new ideas. I learned a great deal from Haviv’s visit, which I found highly educational, stimulating, and sometimes very challenging. I hope you enjoyed him as much as I did. As I reflect on all Haviv shared with us, a few points stand out. I thought I’d share my top take-aways with you, as he offered a lot of insight to bridge divides: between generational perspectives; between Israelis and diaspora Jewry; and between our current knowledge and where we all want to be. Because truly, we could be better informed (myself included)

1. Israeli Democracy endures as a function of its dialectic. In Israel, there is no distinction between the executive and legislature. Furthermore, parties with wildly divergent interests such as the Haredi (Ultra-Orthodox) UTJ and the Joint List (majority Arab parties) have sometimes even supported one another’s legislative priorities. Israel’s parties range from ultra-religious to secular; from socialist to communist. They reflect the ideological, ethnic, and religious diversity of the country as a whole. And like the proverbial “two Jews and three opinions,” the discussions on the floor of the k’nesset are often vigorous. They also serve as a sort of check on the society as a whole. Israel has no constitution or formal separation of powers as in the United States. Haviv argued that the inherent dialectic within this parliamentary system is one of Israel’s most important safeguards on democracy, as it presently stands.

2. Israelis want Israel to be moral. But first and foremost, they want their children to be safe. It is difficult for most Americans to understand the sense of existential threat that Israelis experience regularly — surrounded by falling rockets with a dearth of geographic buffers. Thank God we in the United States do not have to build bomb shelters under our kindergartens. Many Israelis, looking back at the failure of the Oslo peace process and the second Intifada, are skeptical that any Palestinian leader can be a true partner for peace. Ariel Sharon’s withdrawal from Gaza in 2005 similarly led to the armament and entrenchment of Hamas. Withdrawal from land in the absence of a peace process has only led to further bloodshed.

3. Israeli Jews don’t know much about diaspora Jews. American Jews don’t know much about Israelis. We used to have shlichim (young Israel emissaries) in our communities, to help build these bridges. We should bring that program back. We should send our kids to Israel, too. Israel should include diaspora relations among its educational priorities. And as Haviv accurately summarized, far too many American Jewish youngsters are unaware of their own story. Our Temple Educator, Ira Wise, and I, are committed to addressing this, with your partnership.

4. Israel’s Right has oftentimes fulfilled the promises of the Left. We’ve discussed this truism of Israeli politics in our Israel reading group and other classes here at TBT. Here are just a few examples:

• Prime Minister Menachem Begin, an icon of the revisionist Zionist camp, signed a peace treaty with Egypt in 1978 that returned the entirety of the Sinai Peninsula. Many in his Likud party criticized him for this, but history has vindicated the decision.

• Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, another stalwart of the right, unilaterally withdrew all Israeli settlers from Gaza. At the time, this was a popular decision, but very few would have expected Sharon to initiate it.

• As part of the Annapolis Conference of 2007, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, another Likud leader, engaged in intensive negotiations with the Palestinians. He was willing to consider territorial concessions based around the 1967 borders. Unfortunately, these negotiations failed.

Israel’s current government is the most extreme in its history. The current Palestinian leadership is in no position to care for its own people, let alone negotiate for peace. Rather than fall into despair, it is helpful for me to remember that progress toward peace tends to come at unexpected times and in unlikely ways. Just consider the recent Abraham Accords. Normalization with Israel’s neighbors is achievable. There may even be a role for Saudi Arabia to play in the rebuilding of Gaza, as the Saudis and the Israelis inch closer toward diplomatic relations. As Jews, we pray for peace in every service, multiple times each day. We will never give up on peace.

If you didn’t have the chance to learn with Haviv last month, you can find him discussing many of the topics he addressed at TBT on these podcasts: What Matters Now or Call me Back. Finally, I want to exuberantly thank our Programming Committee leaders, Nancy Rosen, David Rosen, and Karen Rabinovici – as well as Temple Educator Ira Wise and our many dedicated volunteers – for making it such a successful weekend. It was a privilege to learn with all of you.

Shalom,

Rabbi Moss

President's Column - January 2025

As we step into January 2025, I find myself reflecting on the idea of simcha – joy. In Jewish tradition, joy is not merely a fleeting emotion; it is a profound state of being, an active practice that connects us to our faith, our heritage, and to one another. Yet in a world that often feels rushed, uncertain, and complex, finding moments of true Jewish joy can sometimes feel elusive. It is in these very moments that the synagogue has its most vital role to play.

The synagogue has always been more than just a physical space to me. It is a beit k'nesset – a house of gathering, where we come together to pray, to learn, and to share our lives. It is a beit midrash –a house of study, where we engage with our traditions, ask questions, and discover meaning. And it is a beit t’filah –a house of prayer, where we connect to something greater than ourselves. Today, as the needs of our community evolve, so too does the synagogue. It must adapt to changing times while staying true to its purpose: creating and sustaining Jewish joy.

What does Jewish joy look like in 2025? It can be found in the laughter of children at our religious school or family Shabbat dinners. It is the warmth of a congregant welcoming a newcomer. It is the shared pride of standing together during a bar or bat mitzvah singing Hinei Ma Tov in harmony. Jewish joy emerges in the small moments, in the bonds we form, and in the spiritual connection we cultivate. And it is needed now more than ever.

We are living in a time of change. Many are searching for meaning, balance, and a sense of belonging amidst the noise of daily life. Others are seeking ways to reconnect with their Jewish identity or their community. The synagogue must meet people where they are through innovative programming, inclusive spaces, and meaningful opportunities for engagement. Whether it is a Shabbat service filled with music, a community tikkun olam project, or a quiet moment of study, the synagogue can offer the spaces where joy can flourish.

In the year ahead, I encourage all of us to actively seek out Jewish joy. Attend a service, join a class, volunteer for a cause, be part of a task force or committee (we need help with both our capital campaign and our membership reimagination), or simply show up. The more you show up, the more joy you will receive, it’s that simple. The synagogue is here to welcome you, to inspire you, and to provide a home for that joy to grow.

Together, let us embrace the opportunity to create a vibrant, joyful Jewish future for ourselves, our families, and our community. May this year be one of reconnection, inspiration, and abundant joy. Let us move forward with open hearts and a renewed sense of purpose.

Josh Broder

Temple Beth Tikvah President

Temple Educator's Column - January 2025

I remember getting the same birthday card more than once. On the front was a picture of a forest of date palms. I think there was an Israeli flag somewhere in the background. It said, “In honor of your birthday, a tree has been planted in Israel.” When you open it, there is a guy in a bathrobe and sneakers, who needs a shave holding a watering can next to a little tiny sapling, and it says, “Your day to water it is Thursday.”

A trite joke for a serious purpose. The Keren Kayemet L’Yisrael – the Jewish National Fund (JNF) – was founded in 1901 to rebuild the land of our ancestors. Its leaders and supporters around the world raised funds to purchase land - currently it owns 13% of the land of Israel! They have indeed planted trees to turn the desert green. They have also built 180 dams and reservoirs to ensure access to water and established more than 1,000 parks!

Why am I talking about this now, in January? Because Tu Bishvat – the new year of the trees – is coming. Tu Bishvat is one of the several new years that we celebrate as Jews. (Rosh Hashanah – when the date changes, Simchat Torah – when we start a new year of Torah, January 1st , when we celebrate with the secular world, and the first day of the month of Nisan, just before Pesach, which the Torah calls the first month of the year).

As a religious school kid, I wondered why the New Year of the Trees fell while I was shoveling six inches of partly cloudy from my driveway in suburban Chicago. Turns out, January/ February is prime early planting season in the land of Israel. There is an expression over there that that from Pesach to Sukkot, there is no rain, and from Sukkot to Pesach the rain rarely stops. This is a country where everyone follows and talks about the water level of Lake Kinneret.

This year, Erev Tu Bishvat falls on Wednesday, February 12. That gives us time to invite YOU to plant a tree in Israel this year. We will be distributing information through the school and making it available to all to enable us to contribute to the JNF and plant a tree.

By the way, the card was not really a joke. In the picture you can see me actually planting a tree on the grounds of a middle school in South Tel Aviv ON TU BISHVAT! There was a drought that year, and very few trees were being planted. This school has a concentration on environmental studies and was granted special permission. Let’s plant a tree together. We can talk about going over there to water it soon enough!

L’ Shalom

Ira Wise

TBT Temple Educator
















Rabbi's Column - December 2024

Dear Friends,

In the days and weeks since Haviv Rettig Gur’s visit as our Scholar-in-Residence, my mind has been spinning with so many new ideas. I learned a great deal from Haviv’s visit, which I found highly educational, stimulating, and sometimes very challenging. I hope you enjoyed him as much as I did.

As I reflect on all Haviv shared with us, a few points stand out. I thought

I’d share my top take-aways with you, as he offered a lot of insight to bridge

divides: between generational perspectives; between Israelis and diaspora Jewry;

and between our current knowledge and where we all want to be. Because truly, we could be better informed (myself included)!