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A Moment in Time: Celebrating my 25 Years in the Rabbinate

[additional-authors]
May 12, 2022

Dear all,

Next week I will receive my “Doctor of Divinity,” from the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR). This honorary doctorate celebrates my 25 years in the rabbinate. It feels like it has been just a moment in time since I was ordained (photo is above).

These 25 years have given me perspective, and I want to share the most important lessons I have learned:

  1. Take a step back. Then move forward.
  2. Wisdom can unfold in every person, every tree, every stone, and every experience.
  3. You never know how or where your words will land.
  4. Make time to cultivate your hobbies.
  5. Think about the people that you aren’t thinking about!
  6. The Torah just sits there until we breathe spirit into it.
  7. Judaism has so many treasures, and when we discover and rediscoverthem, life becomes really amazing.
  8. Have convictions – but allow your heart to be open to communicate with those with whom you disagree.
  9. Be a mensch.
  10. Put your family first.

Friends, I am so honored to serve my community. I am so grateful for your love, your kindnesses, and your genuine embrace of me, Ron, and our children.

Please help me celebrate this milestone. I want to raise $25,000 to support HUC-JIR, ensuring that Jewish professionals will continue to have an excellent eduction. In addition, I want to raise $25,000 to support Temple Akiba of Culver City. Your gift(s) mean the world to me and to our future. You can use this link to easily make your donation via Temple Akiba. Please specify the contribution will go to the “Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund.” We will appropriate the funds accordingly.

Thank you for these 25 years! I am truly blessed!

With love and Shalom,
Rabbi Zach Shapiro
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