Dear all,
Each Friday before I head to Temple Akiba of Culver City for Shabbat, Ron and I share a ritual with our children. We sing, put money in the tzeddakah jar, light candles, drink juice, eat challah, and offer blessings to one another.
I have to admit. There are some Friday afternoons I feel a little rushed. I have not finished a sermon. I have yet to respond to emails. I have calls to make. And sometimes, if I am honest, I’m just not “feeling” it.
But special moments don’t magically appear. They happen because we make them happen. As rushed as I might be, I have never regretted creating this moment in time to stop, offer gratitude, and embrace those I love. Indeed, that time to pause is necessary to enable me to move forward.
Your ritual might look different. I hope is does! It belongs to you. Just make it regular – and allow it to lift your souls.
With love and shalom,
Rabbi Zach Shapiro
