Rabbi's Message

First, I want to again say thank you.  This past Sunday evening was beyond special as I was honored at TBS’ Evening of Tribute. It was truly humbling to be honored with Bonnie Friedman and Milt and Emily Gottschalk, three pillars of our TBS community who are beyond worthy of every accolade and honor.  I was also deeply touched (in case you couldn’t tell by the happy tears…) by the outpouring of love, kindness, and support from all of you, my beloved TBS family.  Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.  

There were many highlights of the evening, but for me personally, the greatest highlight of all were our children, our MCs for the evening.  Thank you to Kira and Coby Waxman, Rivelle and Zaya Hills, and Alyssa and Julianna Jacobs!  Adorable does not even begin to describe them.  And then, towards the end of the program my twins, Meyer and Gavi, got up to speak, an experience that for me, was beyond words.  A moment of pure love, joy, and pride that I will never forget. What an incredible evening, with our children leading the way. Our children are our future and are our greatest blessing.

We learn about the gift of children in this week’s Torah portion, Vayera as we read about the birth of Isaac.  Sarah, our matriarch, was barren, convinced that she would never have children of her own, when one day at the age of 90, three emissaries of God arrive to inform her that she and Abraham will in fact give birth to a child, Isaac.  Isaac’s birth completes Sarah’s life.  Blessing fulfilled.
Over the last few days, I have been thinking a lot about our parasha and about this past Sunday evening with Meyer and Gavi up on the bimah, papers in hand, smiles from ear-to-ear.  As I think about them, I am also thinking about all of the children in Israel right now whose bright smiles have been turned upside down.  I am thinking about the children in Israel for whom the blasts of a siren have become more common than the blasts of the shofar on Rosh Hashanah.  I am thinking about the children who remain traumatized by terror and violence.  I am thinking about the children who lost parents and loved ones to the hands of Hamas. I am thinking about the children whose lives were tragically cut short in the massacre of October 7th. And I am thinking about the 30 some Israeli children that remain hostages in Gaza.  Please God, bring them home.

The other day, Rabbi Lindemann shared with me THIS  VIDEO of Israeli children singing “Stand By Me.” It begins with a young Israeli girl saying “we the children in Israel are going through very sad, scary, and difficult times. We want to ask you for only one thing… Stand by Me.”  

May we hug our children, the children of our TBS community, a little tighter today and in the days to come.  In doing so, may we send the message to our brothers and sisters in Israel, especially the children:

WE STAND BY YOU.  WE WILL ALWAYS STAND WITH YOU.