Thank You Temple Sinai of Roslyn

A few weeks ago, Temple Sinai of Roslyn, honored me for my five years of service as one of their rabbis.  It was a true honor and gift.  These were the words I shared in gratitude for all of their support!  It has been a true honor.  From strength to ever greater strength as I journey forth to Bolton Street Synagogue in Baltimore!

One of the greatest gifts, I’ve been given as a rabbi, is to be welcomed into your lives at moments of great holiness and intimacy.  I’ve been invited to sit alongside you at the hospital room, to listen and hopefully bring a little bit of comfort.  I’ve been honored, to stand alongside side you at a funeral or shiva minyan and hear the stories of your loved ones.  And, I’ve been overjoyed to officiate at B’nai Mitzvah, weddings, baby namings, and countless services, to see the mazel and happiness in your lives!

These sacred stops alongside the journey of life have become an incredible gift to me.  Over the last five years, you’ve constantly reminded me about what matters most: family, friendship, love, dedication, making an impact on the world.  You’ve invited me into your lives, and through that invitation, you’ve changed me for the better.

With all of these blessings, there is one moment, that occurs often, yet not too often, that for me is the pinnacle experience, the most holy and sacred moment of my rabbinate.  That is when I’m able to share words with you from the Birkat Cohenim, the priestly benediction. 

I’m sure you’ve heard these words, probably countless times.  At B’nai Mitzvah, weddings, baby namings, even the High Holy Days.  May God Bless You and Keep You.  May God’s face shine upon You and be Gracious to You, May God’s face be lifted upon you and grant you peace.

When I stand upon this bima or at a beach, or a catering hall, or your home, when I look at the face of a wedding couple, a young thirteen year old, a tiny baby, a congregation filled to the max, and recite these words, I feel a sense of great joy.  I watch your faces as I bless you with these words.  And I reflect upon all of your hopes and dreams to come.  In its truest sense, it is an honor and a blessing to be given this great responsibility to share these words with you all.

And how fitting, that on this Shabbat, as I say goodbye, as I reflect upon my five years at Temple Sinai of Roslyn, that these words, the Birkat Cohenim, are found smack dab in the middle of this week’s Torah portion.  It is besheret, meant to be!

I’ve been thinking about why these words matter so much to me.  And I believe it connects to two different aspects that have been at the forefront of my rabbinate: Teaching AND Relationship!

This prayer was first recited by Aaron, Moses’ Brother, the first Cohen Gadol, High Priest of Israel.  He blessed the people three thousand years ago, yet amazingly this blessing continues to be given today.  As a rabbi, I have the great privilege of passing on the words of our tradition that have become the foundation of who we are!  When I offer this blessing, I think back to all of the other rabbis and leaders who have blessed our people and how from generation to generation, we continue to learn, grow, and strive. 

It has been my greatest honor to teach, to learn, and to continue to share the words of our tradition with you all.  It gives me great comfort to know that I stand upon the shoulders of all those who came before me, and to know, that others will continue this path after me.

But, most importantly, is that this blessing is offered face-to-face!  As the blessing is given, we look into each other’s eyes.  At that moment, we are not strangers, but we are in relationship.  And, it is the relationships that I have built during my time here that have been most important to me.  It is these relationships that have helped me flourish.  It is these relationship that matter the most.  I’ve been honored to be a part of this community, to learn from you, to grow from you, and be a part of you.  I have so many thank yous to be given, which I’ll share later at dinner, but I want to thank you all for all that you have done for me.  Todah Rabbah, it is so much appreciated.

Thank you for opening up your lives to me.  Thank you for making me one of your rabbis, your teachers.  Thank you for all of the blessing and kindness you’ve given me.  And thank you for being you, for your friendship!  I know that there will be many blessings and thank yous given to me, but now I have the opportunity to thank you all one last time.  I ask you now, to please rise:

May God Bless You and Keep You

May God’s Face Shine Upon You and be Gracious to You

May God’s Face be lifted Upon You and Grant You Peace.  Amen.