Iyar 5784 (May 8, 2024)

My Torah for Iyar:

As we observe Rosh Chodesh Iyar, marking the beginning of a new month in our sacred calendar, I am drawn to reflect on the timeless wisdom of our tradition and its relevance to the challenges we face in our modern world.

The month of Iyar is also known as a time of healing, as reflected in its name, which is an acronym for the Hebrew phrase "Ani Adonai Rofecha," meaning "I am HaShem, your healer." Tradition teaches that Miriam's Well, a source of miraculous healing waters, first appeared during Iyar, offering solace and sustenance to the ancient Israelites during their desert journey.

My friends, our world is in dire need of healing. Recent events in Israel, Gaza, Palestine, and within our own communities have left many feeling wounded and divided. I am acutely aware of the fractures within our midst, both near and far. The violence in Israel Palestine and the protests on our college campuses weigh heavily on my heart.

Yet, in this despair, I find solace in the wisdom of our tradition.

In our sacred texts, we find numerous instances where our sages engaged in vigorous debate, honoring the multiplicity of perspectives within our tradition. The Talmud itself is replete with discussions where differing viewpoints are not only tolerated but cherished, reflecting the richness of our intellectual heritage.

In the Talmud there are many stories about Rabbi Hillel and Rabbi Shammai. In one, the two Rabbis held differing views on Jewish law and a divine voice declared, "These and those are the words of the living G!d" "אלו ואלו דברי אלקים" (Eruvin 13b). HaShem didn't say, "one of you is right and the other is wrong." 

What I notice the most about this story is that both of the arguers are both validated and pressed to learn more. Neither is told "the work is done, you've done it, you can go home now and rest on your laurels." They aren't told to ignore the other, or to speak louder to drown out the other's wisdom. Instead, they are taught that both points of view are important and needed — that both are G!dly. This is an example of "Mahloket L'Shem Shamayyim," a dispute for the sake of Heaven. 

And of course, the ethos of Elu v'Elu extends beyond the realm of scholarship to encompass the broader spectrum of human experience. Just as our sages engaged in respectful dialogue to uncover deeper truths, so too must we approach the multifaceted issues confronting us today with humility and openness. None of us are completely right, and none of us are completely wrong.

And what better time to learn that than during the counting of the Omer? 

As we journey through the counting of the Omer, we traverse the path from the liberation of Passover to the revelation of Shavuot. This period of introspection and spiritual growth is not only a time of counting days but also a journey of inner healing and transformation.

The path from freedom to revelation is not easy. Along the way, we encounter obstacles, doubts, and conflicts. Yet, it is through the process of grappling with these challenges that we find healing and growth.

Just as Rabbi Hillel and Rabbi Shammai engaged in respectful dialogue, honoring each other's perspectives despite their differences, so too must we approach our own disagreements with humility and openness. By recognizing the divine spark within each individual, and respecting each person's wisdom and boundaries, we can create space for healing and reconciliation.

This notion feels particularly pertinent in the wake of recent events, where we've witnessed turmoil within and beyond our communities. The violence in Israel, Gaza, and Palestine, coupled with protests on our college campuses, weighs heavily on our collective conscience.

Here in the USA:

Recent years have witnessed a resurgence of student activism on college campuses across the country, reflecting a passionate commitment to social justice. These protests often serve as catalysts for change, underscoring the importance of engaging with diverse perspectives in pursuit of the shared goal of peace. The protests, manifestations of passionate commitment to justice, highlight a crucial aspect of our journey toward collective healing: recognizing injustice.

Yet, they also pose challenges — in highlighting an injustice halfway across the world the protests and counter-protests have contributed to division, violence, and fear in our communities. The challenges posed by divisive rhetoric and disruptive tactics threaten to fracture our unity and impede progress. Some (not all, not even most) of these protests and counter-protests have gone too far, threatening students and faculty and making campus feel unsafe.

As inheritors of a tradition that values respectful discourse and peaceful resolution, it is our sacred duty to uphold these principles even in the face of adversity. Additionally, we must grapple with the implications of external intervention, particularly the involvement of law enforcement in student protests. While the right to protest is enshrined in our democratic values, the presence of armed authorities can exacerbate tensions and undermine the safety of all involved. It is imperative that we critically examine the role of police and systemic biases. 

How can we move forward?

I don't know. I'll admit that this week has me feeling helpless as I watch violence in Rafah on my TV screen with some folks in my feed calling it noble defense and others calling it evil warmongering, face strangers attacking my character and intelligence (from all directions) on social media, and experience some people in my life continue to transgress interpersonal boundaries, especially around this conflict.

Rabbi Toba Spitzer recently reminded me (in an email she sent to my childhood congregation) of something that the incredible Jewish Israeli peace activist, Vivian Silver, murdered on October 7, used to say:  “There is no path to peace; peace is the path.” I am still learning how to balance protecting my own peace with my own need to address the current moment.

In addressing this moment, let us draw inspiration from the wisdom of our tradition, which teaches us to seek understanding amidst differences and to pursue justice with compassion. By embracing the spirit of Elu v'Elu, we honor the sacred diversity of human experience and strive to build a world guided by the principles of justice, righteousness, and peace.

Chodesh Tov — a good month to all, as we strive to heal, transform, and pursue the path of peace together.

My updates from Nisan:

Personal Updates:

• • I got to spend about half of this past month with Lebron, which was incredible. He came for Passover, and we were able to spend time with my family and community at not one, not two, but THREE seders!

  • I'm working this month on learning how to lean into spaciousness without sinking into depression.

  • I've been working really hard on the Society Hill Synagogue website, which is not finished but is now mostly within our brand guide.

Jewish Learning:

• • It's the period of the counting of the Omer, and I'm loving my Taylor Swift Omer Counter (see below). It's also being featured on Ritualwell this year, which is very exciting!

  • I'm only taking one class this semester, Jewish Traditions (which I love). It's feeling much more exciting to learn now that it's not my full-time job! I do really miss being on campus, though.