Rabbi Guzik - A Bisl Torah

The last few weeks, I have looked through other’s books. I was invited to look through Rabbi Zvi Dershowitz’s extensive library. Our beloved emeritus rabbi of blessed memory possessed quite a collection of seforim and contemporary wisdom. As Rabbi David Wolpe nears retirement, I have also been gifted the opportunity to look and take from his impressive study. Subjects include: Talmud, Jewish ethics, poetry, psychology, history, prayer, Shabbat, and rabbinic reflections; the list goes on and on.

As summer begins, so does the loosening of rigid schedules and regularly programmed calendars. Later sunsets lean into what feels like longer days, infused with the nostalgia of barbecues, baseball games, park visits, beach trips, and endless visits to the ice cream store.

It’s graduation season. The cessation of one journey and beginning of another. Our own daughter completed her lower school education at Sinai Akiba Academy and will continue her excellent SAA career in middle school. At various graduation ceremonies, I’ve heard advice from teachers and reflections from students. Wisdom that will inspire graduates on what they’ll encounter in years to come.

I spent one hour with my family in an escape room. An escape room involves a series of puzzles, symbols, and clues that eventually lead you to unlock a door, leading to freedom. At first glance, it feels as if there is no obvious way out. Locks in every direction. No visible sign as to where one should start. We became overwhelmed by the number of obstacles standing in our way. Finally, we took a deep breath and decided to “begin again”, suddenly realizing that the first clue was right before us. Thus, began our path towards opening the door.

We are just hours away from the holiday of Shavuot, the festival in which we commemorate the giving of Torah at Har Sinai. The image of Shavuot as a betrothal between the Jewish people and God is most compelling. Jewish weddings begin with the signing of the ketubah, the marriage contract. In this case, the ketubah is the Torah. While witnesses do not sign anything on the holiday itself, we stand as the Ten Commandments are read from the Torah, testifying to its receival and reaffirm our commitment to God and the Jewish people.

Disneyland is known as the happiest place on earth. And I’m starting to understand why. Happiness is a fleeting, temporary emotion. Imagine the rapid high experienced during a rollercoaster ride. The thrilling turns, an exhilaration felt as a fear is conquered. Yet, the ride ends almost as soon as it begins. There’s an immediate need to either go on the ride again or try out a new one. The happiness comes and the happiness goes.

An article recently came out regarding the research of “hope molecules.” Myokines are chemicals secreted when muscles contract. Myokines are known for their positive effects: Anti-aging qualities, improvement of negative mood, and overall increased mental and physical health. The research shows that exercise is a great source for these molecules of hope.

Throughout the year, different communities put on a “challah bake.” Hundreds of women come together to learn about this ancient Jewish ritual, connecting with our past and connecting with each other. This Thursday, Sinai Temple’s Sisterhood hosted our own evening of learning, baking, bonding, transforming, and growing.

This week, our community is mourning the loss of Jonah Anschell. In his eighteen years of life, Jonah was known for unabashedly being himself. Brilliant, witty, a first responder, someone who both commanded and deserved respect. As we shared stories about this beautiful boy, each person was in awe of his ability to walk through this world with integrity and heart.

It is the season of memory. We’ve recently emerged from the holiday of Pesach, remembering the exodus from Egypt. Soon after we mark Yom Hashoah, commemorating the millions of Jews that perished under Nazi rule.