Message From The Rabbi

Rabbi Max Miller

In our family the words, trip and vacation have very different meanings. Going on a trip involves itineraries, plans, even reservations. On the other hand, a vacation is when you book a flight, find a place to sleep, and relax for however many days you’re there. Trips are not restful, but you make many memories. Vacations are not active, but you rejuvenate your body and soul. Both are necessary but very different. You could say that Jews are experts at taking a vacation, we’ve been doing it every week for thousands of years—Shabbat. Shabbat is our weekly vacation from a week of creativity and work.  

This summer, I’ve been learning about all your trips, vacations, and plans for time away to reconnect, refuel, and return with more energy. While I’ve missed seeing you all around town and at Temple Emanu-El, I am excited to return from my own vacation-trip with that same spark you have hopefully found on your journeys.  

As you read this, Rabbi Rachael and I are enjoying time together with our family, away in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah. We look forward to seeing everyone coming back into the synagogue as the school and programmatic year begins in August.  

Don’t forget to welcome back Rabbi Spike as he is back from Sabbatical and in the office tomorrow! 

Shavua Tov, 

Rabbi Max