I want to start by thanking all the people of Congregation Beth Shalom of the Santa Clarita Valley who have welcomed me as their new rabbi. The short time that I’ve been here has been so amazing. I’d be lying if I said that it hasn’t been a little hectic and meshugah at times; it hardly seems real, but I’ve been thoroughly enjoying it.
It also hardly seems real that it is the High Holy Day season again, as we approach the year 5768 in the Jewish calendar. There is a Bruce Springsteen song that says: “You can’t start a fire without a spark.” I think this concept applies to the High Holy Days. For one to be truly inspired by these special days, one must enter the New Year with a personal spark.
Some of you may be wondering: “How am I supposed to do that?” My answer is very simple: start by connecting and reconnecting with the people in your life. One of the ways we put mitzvoth, religious commandments or instructions, into different categories is by referring to mitzvot between a person and God and mitzvot between people. So, it is important for us to start making sure that we are right with the people in our lives before we take on the lofty goal of trying to be right with the source of blessings in our lives.
There is a tradition of asking forgiveness from anyone we may have slighted, intentionally or unintentionally, throughout the year. So, if there is anyone who you feel you have in any way slighted, disrespected or insulted, please ask for their forgiveness and make things right. It is my hope that we can all join together with a spark of love and appreciation. The individual spark of creativity, insight and uniqueness that each of us brings to the world is what is needed to start a fire of warmth, commitment and unity that will continue to burn for eternity; or, God willing, at least until next year.
On behalf of myself, my wife Cantor Beth, and my sons Jonah and Eli, I want to wish everyone all the best for a healthy, meaningful and prosperous year.
L’Shanah Tovah (To a Good Year).
Congregation Beth Shalom is a Conservative Jewish congregation, which has served the Santa Clarita Valley since 1976. CBS is located at 21430 Centre Pointe Parkway, between Soledad Canyon and Golden Valley Roads.
For more information, for High Holy Days tickets, information about worship service schedule and location, please contact the CBS office at 661-254-2411.