Message From The Rabbi

Rabbi Max Miller

Last Rosh HaShanah, one of the habits I wanted to change about myself was my pleasure reading. In the year before, I read very few (zero) books just for fun. Meaning, all of the books I read were academic Jewish books or professional journal articles. This is fine if you plan on teaching a class on the Subversive Principles in Pirkei Avot. But I love sci-fi/fantasy novels set in different worlds, murder mysteries where I need to figure out whodunit, and quirky John Green books about the surprising connections between Tuberculosis and modern culture. So, I set out on a challenge to read ten “fun” books over the course of a year. I wanted to set a modest goal so I wouldn’t stress over any challenges I faced. Well, it seems I should have aimed higher, because it’s almost Rosh HaShanah and I am on book number thirty-two!

I have discovered a few things over the last year of intentional reading. For those wondering, I count listening to audiobooks as “reading,” and when I read from a book, I exclusively use a digital e-reader. First, bring your e-reader with you wherever you go. You never know when you’ll have a few moments to read ahead. Second, always have a book waiting for you on the holds shelf. Third, there are few things as fun as comparing books with other readers, hearing their reactions, and learning about their tastes.

As Jews, our culture and heritage are built around the interpretation of a book we’ve read over and again for thousands of years. We are, after all, the people of the Book. As we prepare for 5786, let us be open to new stories, new perspectives, and a healthy curiosity to explore the world around us. If my new reading habit has taught me anything, it is an appreciation for the twists and turns life will inevitably take.