Rabbinic Reflection: Rabbi Eliza McCarroll

“What could the heart and tongue compose,  
or spirit’s strength within me to suit You?” 
(Solomon ibn Gabirol, 11th century Spain)  

From biblical passages to medieval piyyutim, to modern Israeli ballads, the medium has long been the message as we have continually sought creative ways to express that which we and our ancestors have been unable to convey in conversation alone. 

As seen by this short line from the Middle Ages alone, it has been employed to explore the issues most pertinent to our hearts and minds, whether that’s connection to God, our Jewish identity, the human condition, or specific holidays and historical events. 

When we welcome in Shabbat, we usher it in first with psalms and then Lecha Dodi, a 16th-century acrostic. 

When we elevate our chaggim, including Pesach as it inches closer, we will do so with Hallel, verses of praise to the ultimate Author that express our joy and gratitude at the opportunity to celebrate. 

Conversely, just this last week, at our Reform Rabbis of Greater Toronto table, we studied with Israeli colleagues who brought us a number of examples of how their friends and colleagues had processed their grief, shock and trauma through what else, but poetry. 

It is with this storied tradition in mind that we encourage you to come and join in, and learn more, as we welcome guest poets Adam Sol, Alisha Kaplan, and Deborah Leipziger in the first Toronto Jewish Poetry Exchange – first with Wine & Cheese before Kabbalat Shabbat, then with Saturday morning Torah study in honour of the decades of Reform Jewish leadership of Carole Sterling and Elliot Jacobson, Saturday evening at the Koffler Centre, and Sunday morning with our Young Families. 

“What could the heart and tongue compose …” – we might not be sure just yet, but I’m certainly looking forward to finding out, as we gather in community, in prayer, and in poetry!