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

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