I am often asked the question: Why did you become a rabbi? Usually, I respond with a story about Jewish identity and what it was like to grow up Jewish in Orange County. But that isn’t actually a real answer. I may have initially chosen my life’s profession because of a triggering event or two. But I continue to be a rabbi because I believe the foundation of Torah and strength of one’s faith helps us navigate and exist within an unpredictable world. And who knew? Within the litany of sacrifices mentioned in this week’s Torah portion, is the direct calling and mission of a faith leader.
Leviticus 6:5 reads, “The fire upon the altar shall be kept burning in it…and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning.” The Alshich, a 16th century rabbi, explains, “There is a fire of love for God that burns within every soul. It is the task of the kohen—the spiritual leaders of the generation—to feed and preserve this fire.”
If I am not actively tending the cinders of one’s faith, I am not doing my job. Faith in God and faith in our community—there are clearly different ways to fan those flames. But they must be sought out. Never ignored.
Faith leaders and those that despair a day in which the power of faith feels rare…let us reignite our own spark to search out the cold embers among us.
It is time to relight that fire.
Shabbat Shalom
