Rabbi’s Message: Vayera (Nov 4 25)

Shalom,

Did you hear about the traveling sales person who relies so much on hotels?  They've actually become quite inn-dependent!  Haha!  I know I’m squarely in the chapter of my life for a good “dad-joke” now.

This week in Torah, parashat Valera, we are once again engaged in the early stories of our people, recounting the life of Abraham and Sarah.  Moving through this week, we discover again the stories of the Angels of Mamre visiting Abraham.  We are treated to story of hospitality.  It is from this episode that our tradition derives much of the teachings around the value of Hachnasat Orchim - Welcoming Guests.  We learn throughout our tradition about being a good host and about the responsibilities of being a good guest, too.  Hospitality is a balance and a relationship; it is based on mutuality between guest and host.  

Our community and our synagogue moments of engagement, whether it is Shabbat services, a social gathering, or religious school and beyond, are also about hospitality.  Sure, as members, we’re not quite guests, and as the leadership and staff, we’re not quite the hosts, there is a lot we can draw on in this realm of hospitality.  As we continue exploring ways to connect and build community, we must hold firm to the mutuality in this relationship.  Building community demands of us to show up.  It also requires our synagogue leaders, and the rabbis, to imagine and create the right kind of moments.  As we continue striving to honor our tradition, and innovate into our bright future, this does not occur without our presence! 

As we look ahead, there are many opportunities with Shabbat, Fiddler on the Roof, Shabbat on the Road, and Hannukah around the corner.  We will be striving to gather and be community and we hope you’ll join us!  If you have ideas about gathering and engaging, about events that would be meaningful and fun for you, please be in touch!

Shavua Tov,

Rabbi Evon