Hello Temple Emanu-El!
Well… I’m back (for a short while, I’m heading to Jerusalem to study in July) for a sabbatical, and it was everything that I hoped it would be. I’ll share a story (and lesson learned) or two at Shabbat services tomorrow night, in what I hope will be a light and spiritually uplifting service. With all the heaviness that we Jews are experiencing with Israel and antisemitism, we need the respite of Shabbat to feel joy and community through song, stories, and tradition. At least sometimes…
However, along those lines of a heavy heart, I do want to share an uplifting story that just happened today. Earlier this week, I was driving my son, Moses, to driving school and we passed that little church on the corner of Spalding and Roberts. You know the one. It’s called Faith Cornerstone Church.
He pointed as we went past and said, “Hey dad, look! They have an Israeli flag next to the American flag in front of their building.” And he was right.
We called to see if they wanted to meet up, and, accepting our invitation, this morning I had coffee with the Pastors, Craig and Libby Passow. They are so nice. We had a wonderful conversation about their spiritual journey, the connections between Christianity and Judaism, and their support of Israel and the Jewish people. In many ways, the conversation was not so different than similar ones that we have had since October 7th with local clergy from the Mormon, Baptist, and Catholic churches. But one thing that impressed me most, and continues to leave an impression on me, is the object that drew my attention to them in the first place. A flag. To openly display a symbol of one’s values, like an Israeli flag (by non-Jews), brings to me a sense of humbleness and gratitude. Unfurling a flag for all to see (on a busy corner) makes a statement that I find so many institutions, organizations, movements, and individuals cannot, or will not, make. It takes courage. It displays conviction. And once again, it reinforces to me that we are in a struggle where we have allies to connect with, and extended hands to embrace.
We have a long journey ahead of us and we have already come so far.
I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow night at services.
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Spike
