Rabbis are nervous during this season. We call it the season of renewal.
Membership renewal—ensuring congregants return as members, enabling synagogues to provide strong Jewish and Israel education, to create pathways for growth in Jewish identity, and to be a beacon of light for those in need. It’s a daunting and inspiring task—each year, reflecting on why the synagogue matters—to the member, to the community, to the Jewish people.
It’s also the season of renewal: Renewing our personal purpose, looking at the ways we present ourselves, and determining whether this is the path we’re meant to walk upon. Do we like who we are? How we treat others and how we treat ourselves? What is it that we want to renew within ourselves, strengthen, embolden, and what characteristics and traits should ultimately be discarded?
I watched another adult admonish a child with the words, “This isn’t you.” But each year, we ask a version of that statement—who am I now and is this the version of myself I want to be?
Don’t forget the story of Zusya. Upon his deathbed, Rabbi Zusya lamented, “When I soon meet with God, God won’t ask me, ‘Why were you not more like Moses?’ God will ask me, ‘Why were you not more like Zusya?’”
In other words, figure out how to be more like you. The best versions of you. The you that is needed right now.
It’s the season of renewal. Renew your membership. It’s time!
And renew your soul. It’s time for that, too.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Nicole Guzik is senior rabbi at Sinai Temple. She can be reached at her Facebook page at Rabbi Nicole Guzik or on Instagram @rabbiguzik. For more writings, visit Rabbi Guzik’s blog section from Sinai Temple’s website.
