We are living in a time when what we choose to see can change the future of our country. What do we see in the news coverage of a protest or when we march in a protest ourselves? What do we see when we watch a video of a man being murdered? What do we see when today's date, June 19, Juneteenth, appears on our calendars? These have all happened before--do we see them differently this time?
And what do we envision for the future?

"Justice, justice shall you pursue..." (Deuteronomy 16:20)
Our commandment to pursue justice repeats the word justice (tzedek). Perhaps it is to underscore its importance. And perhaps it is to remind us to pursue justice with justice.
Jews often like to talk. We talk about our families, our texts, our holiday plans, what gives us joy and what keeps us up at night.

Last year, close to 70 people sat squeezed next to each other, enjoying food from a communal buffet, and sharing hugs, singing, and laughter as Rabbi Alana Alpert and I kicked off our Tikkun Leil Shavuot. Kids were passed from one set of loving arms to another, as were shared plates and water bottles.

Nine weeks ago (but who's counting?) we held our first Shabbat services on Zoom. At the time, I thought it would be a short term response to a short term challenge...it is now clear that it may be a long term response to a long term challenge for a whole lot of people. So I've been thinking about what I miss about being together in our building, as well as trying to focus on the benefits of being online, at least for now...
Ten things I miss about Shabbat in the building (in no particular order):

Rabbi Elka Abrahamson, who is President of the Wexner Foundation and one of my beloved teachers, recently concluded a group email with the words "Be healthy. Be safe. Be kind." I pray that each of you is remaining healthy and safe. I also appreciate Rabbi Abrahamson's reminder that during these challenging times, kindness is just as important, and perhaps requires just as much energy, as health and safety.

The other day, your rabbi was making some challah toast for herself. August is watching, totally rapt. I come in the kitchen and he says to me, with authentic astonishment in his voice, “Daddy, Mommy can cut bread! Look, she’s cutting bread! Did you know that Mommy can cut bread?!”