We mourn, but we cannot let terrorism keep us from Jewish joy. We must proudly scream: I LOVE BEING JEWISH!

I hope we can embody the complexity and nuance of Yosef Haim Brenner and accept the complexity and nuance of other Jews who hold different perspectives. I hope we can embody Brenner’s fearless realism and unblinkingly observe the reality in front of us. And I hope, perhaps most importantly, that we can embody his incessant optimism that believed with every ounce of his being that the Jews will prevail.

There is another world; a world of connection and beauty, a world of savoring moments and milestones, a hidden world right here within this one – whenever we pay attention, whenever we put our phones down and live in the moment.

I hope in 5784, you lean into community. I hope we can rise above the noise and tumult of the world to realize our holiness exists alongside our struggles. And most importantly, I hope we can all learn to love where we’re at and feel safe to share our whole, beautiful selves with the world.

As we move into a New Year, may we approach the crossings to come with humility and openness. May we embrace change and evolution in 5783. And may we take steps, together, toward who we becoming in the year ahead.

As we move into a New Year, may we approach the crossings to come with humility and openness. May we embrace change and evolution in 5783. And may we take steps, together, toward who we becoming in the year ahead.

Our synagogue isn’t a “goodly, Jewish tent” because we’re in it. Our tent is “goodly” because of how we choose to behave in it and what we do from it – outside its walls.

As we move into a New Year, may we approach the crossings to come with humility and openness. May we embrace change and evolution in 5783. And may we take steps, together, toward who we becoming in the year ahead.