Rabbi's Column - June 2022

Dear TBT Friends,

It’s trivia time! Could you name the very first letter in the Torah? It’s a bet, the second letter of the Hebrew alef-bet. Take a look at this letter:

ב

The ancient sages wondered why the Torah begins with this particular letter. One answer: its shape, closed on all sides except for its forward-facing left (we read Hebrew from right to left), reminds us to focus on that which is in front of us. Have you ever heard that the windshield is larger than the rearview mirror for a reason? I think this is a similar idea.

This season is full of endings and new beginnings: graduations, weddings; leadership transitions. Summer is just around the corner. Perhaps we’ve begun a new professional role, or recently welcomed a new member of the family. Occasions like these fill our hearts with excitement and hope.

At the same time, we are deeply aware of the losses of the past two years: milestones postponed; family gatherings canceled; loved ones who are no longer with us. It is impossible to move into the future without carrying the weight of these losses. Judaism also values memory of life’s hardships. Remember how Moses, seeing the Israelites worshiping a golden calf, threw down the tablets of the ten commandments in anger? According to the Midrash, the Israelites carried those broken fragments in the Ark of the Covenant right underneath the second versions that Moses carved. The broken pieces from our past become part of us.

I would contend that it is precisely because of this imperative to remember, that our ancient teachers direct our attention to the present moment. “Im lo achshav, eimatai?” asks the great sage Hillel — If not now, when? We keep our eyes focused on where we are, now. We acknowledge unmet expectations and unrealized hopes. We may find it impossible (or unhelpful) to jettison these lived realities. But they don’t need to weigh us down; rather, they occupy their own little corner of our psyche, like the rearview mirror, in balance with all that lies ahead.

Shalom,
Rabbi Danny Moss

Rabbi's Column - April 2022

Dear Friends,

I recently encountered this reflection on social media; it hit me like a punch to the gut.

 I am washing my face before bed while a country is on fire.
It feels absurd to wash my face, and equally absurd not to
It has never been this way, and it has always been this way
Someone has always clinked a cocktail glass in one hemisphere
As someone loses a home in another;
While someone falls in love in the same apartment building
Where someone grieves.

When we read the news, we are affected on a human level. And on a Jewish level, too: how can we help but be reminded of the invasions, pogroms, and expulsions of the Jewish past? For many of our Ukrainian brothers and sisters — whether Jewish or not — such violence is hardly consigned to the past. As I write this, millions of refugees amass in Poland and other friendly countries. Thousands of Ukrainian Jews have made (or will soon make) Aliyah, fleeing for the safe haven of Eretz Yisrael.

When we witness the horrific devastation of this unjust war, we feel helpless. Our lives march on while, simultaneously, human beings suffer half a world away. This cognitive dissonance — a mental tug of war — pulls us in two directions at once. It disturbs us. How could it not? As people of conscience, we feel an unresolvable conflict between our world and the world; between our safety and the role we might play to secure others’ safety.

I am grateful that people at TBT really care, and are ready to follow their words with actions. So far, we’ve raised thousands of dollars, donated life-saving supplies, become informed about Ukraine’s Jewish history, and gathered to pray and offer words of hope within our broader Shoreline Community. There will undoubtedly be refugees to support in months to come. Thanks to our TBT Ukraine-response task force, we have not been complacent. We can all get involved; we all have a role to play.

And conversely, for such a profound geopolitical issue, we can only do so much at once. That is why Rabbi Tarfon reminds us: The work is not all yours to complete; but neither are you free to desist from it. (Lo alecha ham’lacha ligmor; v’lo atah ben chorin l’hibatel mimenah). -- (Mishnah Avot, 2.16).

Among the gifts Ukraine gave to the Jewish world is the Hasidic movement. One of the early teachers, the great Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav, taught: “The Exodus from Egypt occurs in every human being, in every era, in every year, and in every day.” Rabbi Nachman’s teaching will be on my lips this Passover, as I share in telling the story of our people’s journey from degradation to liberation; from oppression to freedom.

L’shalom - with fervent wishes for peace –

Rabbi Danny Moss

Rabbi's Column - March 2022

Dear TBT Family,

What makes a sanctuary? Reading the book of Exodus over the past several weeks, we’ve encountered details about the ancient Israelite sanctuary, the mishkan. The section begins with Moses collecting gifts of gold, silver, acacia wood, fine linen and more, in order to furnish it beautifully. Reading this section in Torah study, we remarked that this was the very first capital campaign in Jewish History!

And, as with the Capital Campaign, we quickly learn that the more interesting question becomes not what makes a sanctuary but who. In the Torah, no one is instructed to give. Rather, Moses is instructed to collect gifts from every Israelite whose “heart is moved…” – in Hebrew, asher yidvenu libo. G-d does not command participation; rather, the Israelites had faith that everyone would do their part.

So, too, with TBT. No one is commanded to give; only those whose “hearts are moved” need do it. For those of us who have been the “collectors” we stand in awe and appreciation of the more than 70% of our congregation who have helped us to raise nearly $6.5 million of our $8 million goal. We wonder if Moses felt the same – appreciation for how generous the people were, how willing to help the community, how much they gave from their own resources to make sure the community would thrive. Each gift touches us not only because it gets us closer to our goal, but because it gives us confidence in the future of our community and the people who are working so hard to secure its stability.

We read further in the Torah about the artisans Betzalel and Ohalieb, who designed the mishkan not only to make it functional, but also beautiful. We are similarly grateful for the ongoing work of our interior design committee, whose labors will make our renovated spaces beautiful and special – truly a place we can call home for the next generation. As you drive by our campus, you can already see the progress taking shape on the exterior of the building and on our grounds. In the coming weeks, we plan to offer tours of the interior so that you can see the amazing progress for yourself!

Among the Torah’s intricate descriptions of the mishkan, perhaps the most notable details are the ones that are missing: where did all of this finery come from, in the middle of the desert? What sorts of supply-chain issues and commerce delays (camel shipping is not fast in the best of times…) did they encounter during their big building project? It can’t have been easy, for those newly-freed Israelite slaves making their way through the desert. Likewise, it hasn’t been easy for our congregation, in the middle of a global pandemic, to keep our eye on the future in the midst of the storm.

Yet, whatever challenges or complications the Israelites experienced dropped out of the story at some point, because truly, in retrospect, they simply fade away. We know it will be the same for TBT. And then, at the end, all that remains is a beautiful sanctuary; a place to call home.

L’Shalom, Sarah Mervine & Rabbi Danny Moss

Rabbi's Column - January February 2022

Dear Friends,

We Jews have many opportunities to mark time and reflect on days gone by. We likely think of Rosh HaShanah as the beginning of the Jewish year. But did you know that even Rosh HaShanah is not the only Jewish New Year? In fact, the Mishnah (Rosh HaShanah 1.1) describes four distinct dates that mark the New Year:

There are four days in the year that serve as the New Year:
• On the first of Nisan is the New Year for kings and for pilgrimage festivals;
• On the first of the month of Elul is the New Year for animal tithes;
• On the first of Tishrei is the New Year for counting years; for calculating special years of rest; for planting, and for tithing vegetables.
• On the first of the month Shevat is the New Year for the tree, according to the words of the School of Shammai; But the School of Hillel say: The New Year for trees is on the fifteenth of Shevat.

As our Confirmation students have learned this year, in ancient disagreements between the schools of Hillel and Shammai, the wise and gracious Hillel almost always wins. So it is in this case: our celebration of the holiday of the trees takes place on the 15th of Shevat (Heb.: Tu BiShevat), this year corresponding to January 16. It seems strange to observe a Jewish Arbor Day when the bite of winter is still very present. But in Israel, the rainy season is in full force at this time of year; farmers and nature enthusiasts alike anticipate the first blossoms of spring, just around the corner.

The first century sage Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai teaches, “If you have a sapling in your hand, and someone should say to you that the Messiah has come, stay and complete the planting, and then go to greet the Messiah.” (Midrash Avot de Rabbi Natan, 31b)

I believe Rabbi Yochanan intends to teach us that even as we gaze expectantly toward a brighter future, we must not discount our own role in bringing that future about. Hence, when it comes to planting for tomorrow, even the Messiah can wait. What a radical thought! I offer my heartfelt thanks to the many teachers, volunteers, lay leaders, as well as our incredible and dedicated staff — all of whom are working hard to plant the seeds of a bright future for TBT. What we plant today has unlimited potential. That bright future may be closer than we think.

Bivracha (With Blessings),
Rabbi Moss

Rabbi's Column - December 2021

Dear Friends,

As I write this letter, the joyous festival of Chanukah has just begun. Is it any coincidence that so many global cultures — ours, of course among them — observe winter holidays by kindling flames? The essential message of Chanukah is that great miracles are possible, even in the darkest times.

The four letters on the dreidel, nun, gimel, hey, shin stand for the Hebrew phrase nes gadol hayah sham: A great miracle happened there. This makes sense for a fairly young tradition (dreidel) that developed in the diaspora.

But did you know that it’s possible to find dreidels with other letters written on them? I have one that comes from Israel. That dreidel has a different final letter: peh, which stands for po (“here” instead of “there”). In Israel, folks celebrate the miracle locally!

I like to keep both of these dreidels in my collection. That way, I remember that the story of Chanukah took place in our homeland; but the possibilities of the miraculous exist in every land.

Another spiritual component of this holiday is the placement of the Chanukiyah (Chanukah menorah). We are told to place the lit chanukiyah near a window or in a box near the entrance of our home. This is called pirsum ha-nes, or the public display of the miracle. The joyful remembrance is meant to be shared with others!

And of course, as the days grow shorter and darkness lingers, we all crave a bit of light and connection. Luckily, our in-person Shabbat Services are running strong at Camp Laurelwood! If you haven’t yet given our temporary service space a try, you will be surprised by how accessible and convenient it is. We meet in Zachs Rec Hall, just about a 20 second drive straight down the hill from Laurelwood’s main gate. You can park right there. We now have improved lighting and a ramp for accessibility.

Our first three Friday nights of December all feature something special: December 3rd is our community bringyour-own-chanukiyah service, as well as our new student consecration! On December 10, we will welcome guest shlichim (New Haven emissaries from Israel). Then on December 17, we will celebrate a joyous “Camp Shabbat,” with special songs and activities for kids and families. Please refer to your Shofar Blast for the details. We can’t wait to see you there. And in the meantime, I wish you and your family very sincerely,

a Chag Urim Sameach - Happy Chanukah,
Rabbi Moss

Rabbi's Column - November 2021

Dear Friends,

Is there anything better than autumn in Connecticut? Nature puts on a glorious show for us. Amidst the colorful leaves and cooler temperatures continue to enjoy the out-of-doors together, whether on a Kol Ami hike, Israeli folk dancing with our teens, or singing together with Cantor Boyle in our Religious School Tefilah. Of course, we are all looking forward to re-entering our sanctuary and social hall again in the near future. But more on that in a minute.

This year, autumn also brings us into the holiday of Chanukah. Like the High Holidays, it comes a little bit early this year: we light the first candle the evening of Sunday, November 28. We all know about the bright twinkling lights of the Menorah, the spinning dreidel games, and the irresistible aroma of potato latkes. But there are a few other things about Chanukah that perhaps you did not know. Three of them are especially relevant this year:

First - Chanukah means “Dedication.” The first Chanukah came about following a military victory: an ancient band of Jewish fighters against the Seleucid (‘Greek”) Empire over 2000 years ago. But the name of the holiday comes from a religious symbol: the rededication of the Temple after it was defiled under the orders of King Antiochus. The famous story of the long-lasting oil came on the scene only hundreds of years after the historic dedication of the Temple and its altar. If you want to read more, here’s an entertaining look at the development of this minor holiday.

Second - Chanukah is actually a delayed Sukkot. Yes, you read that correctly! The persecutions of Antiochus made it impossible for the Jews to celebrate this autumn holiday, which was in Temple times the most significant festival on the Jewish calendar. So according to an ancient text called II Maccabees, the Maccabees took up the Lulav and Etrog and celebrated a delayed Sukkot. That’s the first historical answer to the question: why is Chanukah eight days long? The story of eight days of oil first appeared in the Talmud, around 600 years later.

Third - The dedication happened before the work was complete. Speaking of that story, we have all heard the tale of the little cruse of oil that was supposed to last for only one day but instead burned for eight. Remember, this took place in the midst of a war. The setting of that story indicates that the Temple was in shambles during this “dedication.” The holy vessels had been plundered and the altar was covered in un-kosher pig parts. Gross!

And yet — the Maccabees decided to hold their dedication even in the midst of the mess. I hope that we will take this lesson to heart. We won’t have to wait until our own sanctuary feels “finally ready” to appreciate it; to sanctify it; to explore it; and to think of it as ‘home.’ I look forward to seeing you at the TBT campus in days to come. Because even if the work isn’t yet done, we can still gather together in our sacred home. I wish you and your family a beautiful autumn season, and a Happy Chanukah!

L’Shalom,
Rabbi Moss

Rabbi's Column - October 2021

Dear Friends,

This year, the month of October mostly corresponds to the Hebrew month of Cheshvan. Cheshvan, or Marcheshvan (“bitter” Cheshvan), is devoid of Jewish holidays — hence the bitter nickname the ancient rabbis assigned it.

But there’s nothing bitter about October at TBT! To the contrary: with our autumn holidays in the rearview mirror, there is still so much to look forward to! Our Religious School is off to a terrific start, and our Men’s Club and Kol Ami have an exciting roster of events. Our teens gathered for Confirmation, j-Chat, and their first SALTY event of the year: a “Great Gatsby” - themed Havdalah party!

Furthermore, this is a month of joyful transitions, as I have the privilege of being formally installed as Temple Beth Tikvah’s Rabbi at Shabbat Services on Friday, October 15th. I hope to see many of you in person for a festive outdoor oneg at 5:30pm at Dudley Farm, followed by the service at 6:30pm. Please carefully read the enclosed information about the service, which will take place both in person (advance registration required) and on Zoom.

Finally, we are starting to receive some wonderful responses to the question, “Why be Jewish in 2021?” If you would like to share your thoughts, feel free to send your reflections to whybejewishtbt@gmail.com! In the future we will find forums to share and discuss your thoughtful responses.

October is far and away my favorite month on the secular calendar. The weather is crisp and delightful; the autumn bounty brings us aromas of milled cider and pumpkin pie; and who could possibly deny the exceptional beauty of the New England foliage? Yes, blessings abound in this season of abundance. I am so glad to we can share them together.

תיִׁשאֵרְּב הֶׂשֲעַמ הֶׂשֹוע ,םָלֹועָה ְךֶלֶמ ּוניֵהֹלֱא הָוֹהְי הָּתַא ְךּורָּב

Baruch Atah Adonai - Oseh Ma’aseh B’reishit.

Blessed are You, Eternal God, for the miracles of creation!

Bivracha (Blessings),
Rabbi Moss

Rabbi's Column - Summer 2021

Dear Friends,

This is a season of transitions. Summer has arrived, and with it, a new sense of possibility. We are stepping out more and socializing with family and friends face-to-face. As I write this, my social media feed is full of smiles: kids arriving at summer camp for the first time in two years! Although much has changed, ‘“normal life” is finally starting to feel within reach.

As you know, this is also a time of significant transition for TBT. I am so deeply honored to serve as your new rabbi, effective July 1st. Many people have been working behind the scenes to make this transition a smooth one: Marlene Schwartz and Karen Goldberg, our Transition Committee Co-Chairs; Sarah Mervine; and my staff and clergy partners: Kim, Bonnie, and Cantor Boyle. I’d especially like to recognize Rabbi Offner. Over the course of many months she has been both generous with her time and gracious in welcoming me as her successor.

I hope you’ll indulge me in a few words of introduction. My wife Susan (pictured with me, below) and I recently relocated to the Shoreline from Norwalk, where we have lived for the last four years while I served a congregation in Westport. Susan, who is also a rabbi, works as a chaplain on the palliative care team at Bridgeport Hospital. We look forward to getting to know you throughout the summer.

In fact, I hope to meet as many families as possible before the High Holy Days! To that end, please consider attending one of the many gatherings we have planned for July and August. Some meetings are scheduled for the daytime, and others at night; some will take place in congregants’ homes and still others will convene on zoom. We hope you’ll find a time and location that aligns with your family’s needs. If you can’t, though, just send an email to Bonnie and we’ll find another time.

As we enter an era that feels at once familiar and brand new, many of us are following the building renovation progress eagerly. Although the timeline for completion has changed slightly from the initial estimate, our professional staff and RAC volunteers have been working diligently to find solutions for both in-person and online access which will give honor and sanctity to our holiest time of year. Rest assured: our High Holy Day observances will be wonderful, meaningful, and spiritually revitalizing.

Transitions can be challenging, but they are also full of tremendous promise. As we prepare to open the book of life for the upcoming Hebrew year of 5782, I feel blessed to be starting a new chapter, together.

Bivracha (Blessings),
Rabbi Danny Moss

Rabbi's Column - June 2021

Note: These remarks were offered by Rabbi Offner at the Annual Meeting on May 19th:

Dear Friends,

“The year in review.” My goodness. In my 37 years in the rabbinate, I have never gasped at that phrase as I do this year, the year of the greatest pandemic to ever hit us. This has, beyond doubt, been the most difficult year of my career – and yes, for those of you who were there for my Jewish Journey – more difficult than any challenge I have ever faced before.

And yet. “Af al pi chen.” We Jews are so good at staring down horrors that we have a phrase for it. “Af al pi chen” we say: NEVERTHELESS.

NEVERTHELESS, Temple Beth Tikvah has just walked through one of the greatest years in our history. We have broken ground on a new building. We have raised millions of dollars to assure that there will be a tomorrow as well as a yesterday for Jewish life on the Shoreline. We have welcomed a new Cantor, hired entirely on Zoom back in the day when we all thought that ‘zoom’ was a word we used to describe what airplanes do as they fly overhead. And that Cantor, God bless her, has flourished and taught and guided, beyond our greatest expectations.

And Kim Romine. There are no words. Stalwart, faithful, devoted tirelessly and effectively to all things TBT.

And oh yes, also one year ago: Sarah Mervine said ‘yes’ to the call to be president of TBT. She did so before “Covid” was a word in our vocabulary. Sarah Mervine, unbeknownst to her, inherited a building project, a capital campaign, a cantor transition and oh why not throw in a rabbi transition, and a COVID lockdown. Sarah: you have been my partner in all things in every way. You have selflessly, tirelessly, courageously, led our synagogue during this year of all years. YOU are amazing. And it has surely been one of the greatest gifts for me, to top off my rabbinate with getting to work side by side with you. Thank you.

In the midst of all the pandemic challenges, there have been blessings. Serious blessings that I hope we will take with us into the future. One: we have discovered the out-of-doors. KOL AMI has brought hiking into our Jewish lives. Services have been taken outside. Classes meet outside. Bar & Bat Mitzvahs are under tents. The Israelites in the desert first gathered under tents to seek God’s presence and now we know why. I haven’t met a Bar or Bat Mitzvah family all year long that hasn’t been grateful for the forced simplicity of their events. It has given them permission to focus on the truly important part of becoming B’nei Mitzvah.

This has also been a year of far more intentional connectedness. Through Helping Hands, first envisioned and established by Steve Eppler-Epstein, and the 2-Way L’Dor VaDor program that has been brilliantly steered by Donna Fedus, we have learned that “kol yisrael aravin zeh-ba-zeh,’ “all Israel is connected one to the other.” Just two more thoughts and then I will stop.

One: we have accepted technology into our events. What was once unseemly is now holy. Burying our loved ones and being able to live-stream from the cemetery, or getting married under the chupah and having grandparents who can’t travel able to attend, and my favorite example: I actually did a Brit Shalom, a baby-naming, where the parents and their baby were in Australia, one set of grandparents were in Montreal, the other grandparents were in Tel Aviv, and the proud aunt was here in Connecticut. These are nothing short of miracles and they not only helped us during a pandemic, they changed us and the way we practice Judaism, for the better.

And finally: we have witnessed a return to what has always been the central sanctuary of Jewish life: the home. I have watched each of you take charge of your Jewish lives. And that is a good thing. Rabbis are not meant to be in charge. We Jews do not believe in intermediaries. Rather, we believe in “Torah, Avodah and Gemilut Chasadim.” We believe in growing and stretching ourselves and doing acts of kindness. God bless you all, this has been a year of growing in Torah and envigorating our worship and doing countless acts of love & kindness. TBT can surely look to the future, as we open a new building and welcome a new rabbi, with gusto and enthusiasm.

Rabbi Stacy Offner