11 Tishrei, 5781
Dear Colleagues,
For our congregation’s Yom Kippur afternoon text study this year, I decided to address the topic of hakarat hatov. With a list of concerns, fears, grievances, and worries that continues to grow for so many, dedicating an hour to an appreciation of life’s blessings and the importance of cultivating gratitude seemed particularly timely and needed. Included in the texts I selected for study was one in Mishkan HaNefesh (p. 313), “For Every Act of Goodness,” which invites the reader to consider personal acts of healing and repair, the good we have done during the past year.
Although the responsibilities of Sukkot and beyond have already moved to the front of the line, it also seems timely to invite an individual and collective rabbinic pause … for our personal, incredibly well-earned hakarat hatov. With little to no training in the art and skill of virtual rabbinic leadership (at least for most), we navigated some of the most intense and stressful months many of us have confronted in our rabbinates. And, with whatever resources we had at our disposal, despite any unforeseen or uncontrollable glitches or interruptions, and to the best of our ability, we managed to lead and guide our communities through these Days of Awe.
While it may not be our nature to “pat ourselves on the back,” I hope we can pause long enough to recognize the extraordinary work we have done for our communities and for the Jewish people over these past several months. In the wake of these previously unimaginable Holy Days, this is surely a fitting time to appreciate the good we have done…
• by approaching these days with integrity and a commitment to infuse them with meaning to the best of our abilities;
• by learning new technologies to serve our communities;
• by employing creative approaches to tradition;
• by showing concern for the most vulnerable and isolated members of our congregations and communities;
• by sharing resources with colleagues to help with Holy Day preparation;
• by pushing through personal exhaustion or overwhelm and rising to meet the unprecedented challenges of this moment in time; and
• by striving to address the spiritual needs and yearning of all whom we serve during these emotionally taxing days.
In whatever ways we observed, led, navigated, or endured this year’s Yamim Noraim, may we all appreciate that “we were enough” for this moment and recognize what we have accomplished for our congregations, our communities, and the Jewish people. Within the bubble of our shared rabbinic community, let us wish one another a well-deserved “yasher koach” for exceptional rabbinic leadership and dedication!
May 5781 be a year of peace, blessing, good health, and new promise for you and your loved ones.
Ron Segal