Message From The Rabbi

Rabbi Max Miller

Last week, I went to Camp Barney Medintz with Rabbi Rachael, our DFRS director, Beth Blick, and our rabbinical intern, Sydney Levy. This is always a trip we look forward to. Even though it’s only 90 minutes from Temple Emanu-El, you could have easily fooled me into thinking we were in a different universe—a place filled with unbridled joy, energy, and, most of all—Jewish pride. I don’t believe this is unique to Camp Barney; Jewish joy and pride can be found across the country at Jewish overnight and day camps. There is a chasm between the reality of being Jewish at camp and being Jewish in the outside world. That’s where Temple Emanu-El comes in to provide that same safe haven of Jewish spirit. Just like camp, it works best when we show up with our friends, or we walk in ready to make new ones. 

In these times of great anxiety and uncertainty, we need more Jewish pride, Jewish joy, and Jewish spirit, not less. We need to come together, physically as a Jewish community. We need to look at one another in a way as if to say, “I’ve got you.” Shabbat is a natural time to find Jewish community, but so are the other days of the week. If you need the embrace of our kehillah, find us at 1580 Spalding Drive. We’re here for you. 

L’shalom, 

Rabbi Max