Rabbinic Reflection: Rabbi Eliza McCarroll 

With all the difficult news currently emerging from Israel, I’ve been reflecting a lot lately on what comfort means, and how it is manifesting for myself and for all of us at the moment. 

It hasn’t been easy, but I’ll admit that the two conclusions I have come to are as follows: turning to words of our tradition, and to hope for the future. 

Nowhere is this more evident than in the combination of tefillah and in seeing our children continue to make their spiritual homes here at Holy Blossom. 

For me, this is on Sunday mornings in our Youth Chapel with our YEC. Did you know that we are now starting with worship, and inviting our parents to stay to model the values of Jewish prayer and community by participating? 

There is something so deeply powerful about seeing children and parents sitting and singing in the pews, the words of the Shema leaving their lips and filling the space with their sweet sounds, their sweet voices. 

There feels like no more poignant scene than to have our families together, affirming our collective faith as one People under one God, and sharing that chain of tradition from generation to generation. At a time when it is so easy to be afraid, it is truly impactful to see them joyously living Jewishly, and defiantly declaring: Hinenu, we are here, and we are proud. 

We invite not just our YEC families (though they are included, too), but all of our families, to take advantage of not one, but two opportunities to create such memories in these coming weeks with our upcoming Family Services. Taking place on both November 11th and November 18th at 10:30 am, we welcome the whole family unit to bring their ruach (spirit) and enjoy the relaxed, interactive, camp-like environment. Joyful noise is encouraged, and we always have a wonderful time with snacks, stories, music and more! Further details can be found here. 

These moments to bring our congregation together are what bring me comfort at this time, and are the way to ensure that we have the confidence and courage to ensure a bright future, whatever it may bring – proudly, joyfully, and Jewishly.