Rabbi’s Message: October 25, 2025

This week, I am excited to announce that I will be traveling to Israel for a quick solo visit during our traditional Rabbis’ Post-High Holy Days “Dark Week” (as an honor to the quiet month of Cheshvan and the recovery that is necessary for all Jewish clergy post-High Holy Days).

As a part of my travels in Israel, I am grateful to head to the Arava Desert for an Iyengar Yoga Retreat, led by my long-time, much beloved teacher Nancy Gardosh. While mentioned throughout the Tanakh, the Arava Desert is the setting for Deuteronomy and much of Moses’ wise advice to the people of Israel. In Isaiah 35, the Arava transforms into a symbol of spiritual renewal and blossoming. While I do not anticipate witnessing pillars of fire and darkness (Exodus 13:21–22; Numbers 9:15–23), nor finding a divine voice in a burning bush (Exodus 3:1-6), much like Hosea (Hosea 2:16–22), I am excited to open myself to opportunity of reconnection and renewal in one of Israel’s wild spaces. It is a blessing to be able to spend a Shabbat in spiritual reflection and intentional physical movement in a wilderness that is so rich with our people’s history and narratives.

During my four remaining days, I am looking forward to holding friends whose experiences have been weighing heavily upon my heart, hugging their children – including our “granddaughter” (who just turned one!) from our beloved adopted lone soldier Kayla and her husband – and, after I return from the desert, burying my feet in the Mediterranean’s sands with a cappuccino in hand. I cannot wait to be able to show you pictures.

Wishing you a week of rest and renewal in this quiet month of Cheshvan,

Rabbi Lauren