I want to first share my gratitude to all of you for a remarkable first week as your new rabbi. It has been a pleasure to meet with many of you already both in person over coffee or lunch and virtually as well. Thank you for all of your messages of welcome. I have felt your excitement for our new journey together. I am truly grateful to begin this next chapter of KHN’s remarkable story with you.
This week we read parshat Korach which recounts the rebellion of Korach and his followers against Moses and Aaron. This rebellion leads to chaos; the ground opens up and swallows some of the rebels, others are killed by fire and plague. In this story it is hard not to imagine- for right or for wrong- our own American political theater. But at least in Torah’s version there is a clear winner in Moses, who Gd continues to choose as the leader of the community of Israel.
In addition to reading the parsha, I try to take note of moments during the week that inspire me as a part of my spiritual practice. These can be connections I’ve made with people I know or strangers around me; art and music that moves me; a dog’s particularly joyful tail wag as I approach to pet him. All of these moments fill my well, so to speak, so that on Shabbas I can lay these moments out in front of me as one would with small personal treasures and look back on the week with feelings of wholeness.
I’ll admit some weeks are easier than others. The reality of the world we live in is complicated. We can be pulled into a cycle of doom and anger everytime we check a phone update or read the news. There are countless ways to feel overwhelmed and hopeless. For me, being a spiritual person means taking all of our experiences, the bad and the ugly, yes, but also the magnificent and the (holy) mundane and remembering what a gift it is to be alive.
In addition to this, I believe that being a Jew is remembering that our collective history is filled with difficulty as well as hope and beauty. When I think, What do we do in a world that feels like it’s breaking? I remember that our ancestors have asked this very same question time and time again.As we read in D’varim (Deuteronomy 30:19), “I have put before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life.” In a season of political turmoil, fractured humanity, climate disaster, continuing devastation in Israel and Gaza, and our own personal trials, don’t forget the good, even in times of darkness. Acknowledge pain and sadness. Work for a better world. And, remember the blessing, however small or brief it may be.
Here are some of those moments I am bringing into this Shabbat with me:
Connecting with a congregant over a delicious iced chai latte
Seeing the change in surroundings driving from Mt. Airy to New Hope
Children proudly acting out a skit for Ravens Run Art Camp and dancing to pop music in KHN's social hall
Having a chance to hold Elias after a spontaneous run in with Rabbi Diana in Lambertville
Before I go, just a quick reminder that you can always reach out to me by phone (267) 396-5760 or RabbiJanine@gmail.com. I also have a Calendly set up for scheduling times to meet. The only time I do not check my email or phone is on Shabbat.
I pray that this Shabbat is one of peace and reflection. I hope you will join me for our first Kabbalat Shabbat service next week on July 12th. I look forward to celebrating all the good with you.
Zay gezunt, be well,
Rabbi Janine Jankovitz She/Her
Kehilat HaNahar 85 West Mechanic St. New Hope, PA 18938
