From the Bima Blog

Keep an eye out for our new, semi-regular clergy message in the Friday Shabbat Shalom e-newsletter! We'll be sharing thoughts, teachings, book recommendations, and whatever else may be on our collective minds (it probably will not be weekly.) We hope you enjoy these glimpses into our perspectives. It might be wise, it might be witty, and it's always from the heart. We hope our words will comfort you, amuse you, inspire you, and connect with you. It is shared with love, and admiration and appreciation for the privilege of being in community with you.

Purim / Adar 5785

Today Jews around the world celebrate Purim, a joyful, complicated holiday grounded in the story of Megillat Esther. It is a tall tale of sorts, a purposeful, smart satire that commemorates the courage of individuals against a tyrannical, self-involved king and his self-appointed court of jesters. The characters, like Queen Esther, her uncle Mordecai, King Ahasuerus and even evil Haman, capture our imagination. Their behaviors, as they navigate a time of unprecedented events, draw us in. We laugh at the absurdity of the story’s villains and cheer for the heroes who inspire us to channel their bravery, activism and resilience in our own time.

At its core, Purim is a holiday that shares a familiar story of upside-down times – and how we can best respond as individuals and a community when things feel overwhelming and uncertain. It tells the story with humor, so that we laugh and find joy even when we feel sad and angry. It teaches us that one person can make a difference, even a small one and even when they are terrified. And it reminds us that we are stronger together.

 So, what can we do when we feel upside down in our times? We find that action in these moments helps us feel less lost, more hopeful. A few actions to consider:

 1.        Be like Esther: 
Use your voice to make a difference. Join an organized protest or consider calling your representatives in Congress to share your concerns.

 2.        Be like Mordecai:
Refuse to ignore the absurd events occurring around you. Be a smart consumer of the news (i.e. turn your phone off sometimes, especially on Shabbat) but don’t be afraid to question the authority of those who demean others for the sake of their own interests. For example, we clergy are proud to stand with the CCAR’s recent statement about the importance of the rule of law and due process. 

 3.        Be like Esther & Mordecai:
Reach out to family and friends and your communities – like Temple Shalom -- for help and support. Don’t sit at home alone and worry about the world doom scrolling social media. Come to Shabbat services or Saturday morning Torah study.  Join us for our Purim celebration on Sunday or at an upcoming event found on our overflowing program calendar. We are in this together!

One last thing: the clergy of Temple Shalom are always here to listen! We want to know you and make sure you are not walking alone in this world. We welcome your connections and stories. Please reach out as needed.

Sending peace and strength from the back conference room,
Rabbi Laura Abrasley, Rabbi Jen Gubitz and Cantor Jen Keren