Throughout our lives, transitions cause us to think about where we have been in the past and where we are headed in the future. Whether we change jobs or move to a different place across the country, the packing and the moving that we go through bless us and allow us to enjoy what we have created before and more importantly, what awaits to be created in the future.
For the last three years, the Torah that I have taught, learned and shared with my congregation in California has been rewarding, enriching and enjoyable. As I began to pack (and continued to pack and pack!) boxes with my books and pictures, files and memories, the reality of moving to Bet Shira Congregation became a holy, awesome and powerful beginning.
Now, as I have started to unpack my boxes, I have started to envision the “Torah” that we will create and share together as a community. While the unknown pathway of the future that God has provided for us is mysterious, the relationships that will be built and the programs that await us are exciting and infinite.
Whenever we read the Torah publicly, be it on Shabbat, a Yom Tov, Rosh Chodesh, Monday or Thursday during the week, or any other time, there is a powerful prayer that we recite when we return her to the Aron HaKodesh, the Holy Ark. We say: “Etz Chayim Hi L’Machazikim Bah, V’Tomkheha MeUshar- It is a Tree of Life to Those That Hold Fast To It, and All of Its Supporters Are Happy!”
As I begin my tenure as the Rabbi of Bet Shira, it is my mission and my hope that we live up to such an expectation. The Torah and the synagogue that Bet Shira has created for the last twenty years is a Torah that has enriched the lives of so many people. Now, as we move into the future, we must continue to build on what has already been created. We must continue to take pride in our tradition, in our community and in our synagogue reaching greater heights together.
I look forward to working with each and every person in our synagogue as we begin to create our “life of Torah” together. God has provided for us a wonderful opportunity to move forward. May we do so with joy, may we do so with strength and may we be a congregation who is not only an example to the rest of the Jewish people, but also, to the rest of the world.
Michelle, Brianah, Julia and I are truly blessed to be a part of our “new community” and we look forward to a new and exciting journey together for many years to come.
Kol Tuv,
Rabbi Micah Caplan
