Rabbinic Reflection: Rabbi Samuel Kaye

At Tot Shabbat there’s a moment we call for “mazel moments!” Mazel moments are the things we have accomplished since we last were together, good and exciting life cycle events, and other expressions of gratitude. At Tot Shabbat there’s often a wiggly tooth, a birthday, or a new baby sibling.  

My mazel moment, which I am honoured and excited to announce, is that I have been accepted into the prestigious Amplify Israel Rabbinic Fellowship, out of Steven Wise Free Synagogue in New York. I will be joining 23 other young rabbis, each of us ordained within the last decade, on a journey of learning, professional development, and advocacy. Together we will be exploring the power of Zionism and Jewish peoplehood and delve into its evolving nuances inside of our Reform Jewish community.  

I have many old friends, colleagues, and peers in this cohort, including familiar local faces! Both Rabbi Jodan Shaner from Temple Sinai and Rabbi Zachary Goodman, who was our assistant rabbi here at Holy Blossom and now serves at Wise Temple in Cincinnati, are fellows as well.  If you’d like to learn more about the fellowship, you can read more from its inaugural launch last year at this story from eJewish philanthropy.  

Many of you know how dear and important Israel is to me. Both as an epicentre in my spiritual journey and as the place I called home for several years. Those of you who have studied with me know that it has been a source of deep heartache for me that since October 7th, I have not been able to return. As part of this fellowship, in January, I will be going to Israel for a week of study, meeting with a veritable whose who of English-speaking Zionist voices, representatives of our Israeli Reform movement, and leading thinkers from across the spectrum of Israeli life. I have no doubt that we will also make the terrible journey, both south and north, to visit communities deeply affected and afflicted by the last 14 months of war and the atrocities of October 7th. I am already bringing gifts with me for representatives of those communities, thanks to our incomparable Judaica and Art Shop, operated by the Women of Holy Blossom. Please know that you will be with me as I make these visits of solidarity and comfort, witnessing the rebuilding of our people.  

I want to thank the congregation and our community for making this opportunity possible for me and for pushing me to apply. The time that this fellowship demands is not insignificant, and I am grateful for the opportunity to do this important work as one of your rabbis.