Before anything else is said, it is important to remember that this past year was not a Shana Tova for our people. It was a year of disaster, war, worry, brutality, and growing antizionism and its twin, antisemitism. We strengthen ourselves, stand steadfast in our support of Israel, mourn the needless and wanton ending of so many holy lives, and pray that peace and tranquility will return soon. It’s so hard to stay optimistic, but if there is one message of the High Holidays and Teshuva, it is this: Never give up! The world, as well as each of us, can always change and get better!
L’Shana Tova Friends,
As the holidays approach (a month later than usual, but yet they still come quickly), I want to extend a loving Shalom Aleichem to all of you. Many of you I have seen week after week in shul on Shabbos or in classes or Shabbat dinners. Many of you I have not seen or even spoken to in a long while. For that I apologize. As a rabbi it is my deepest intention to be in relationship with everyone who considers me their rabbi. Because of the limited hours of each day, and weeks that seem to fly by week after week, month after month, until a whole year has passed by again, I am not able to give everyone the attention I want. Time and its trickiness usually only let me respond to those who need my help in the moment or on an ongoing basis. I try to make each interaction I have with people holy and meaningful as that is what a rabbi is here to do. In that pursuit I am usually successful. I have a large capacity to spiritually teach, lead, and heal a lot of people each year.
For those who are members or supporters who don’t use my time, please know that you are giving the
gift of my time and attention to many others who need me very much for a whole range of issues. Also remember that I am here for you and do not hesitate to call me for anything I can do to help you.
At the center of my rabbinate is my shul – MMAE. I would be nothing without this shul. Well, maybe
I’d be something, but not a Baltimore community Jewish spiritual leader, but the shul needs our help. We all know that shuls are having a tough time surviving. Thank God MMAE is doing well, but it needs your help to keep the momentum going in the right direction. This includes attending whenever possible, referring your friends and family members to try the shul out and become members, as well as donations of your time and money.
If music is your thing, become a regular at the Katz Music Venue. Refer young families to the Sylvia
Rosenblatt Hebrew Unschool which is flourishing. If you like study, check out the class offerings including
the monthly scholar in residencies and my Talmud class I will be starting again after the holidays. Bring your children or grandchildren, neighbors and friends, to taste the sweetness of holidays, community, and Jewish tradition with us. We offer so much and it’s so good for everyone’s soul.
As the New Year enters, may we all go from strength to strength. May we be blessed to recognize all
the gifts we have been given and may those gifts stay with us. May we enjoy each day and realize that each moment is perfect in its own way “Ki Ata Imadi”- “because You are with me.”
Kesiva V’Chasima Tova,
Rabbi Yerachmiel Shapiro
