Dear Temple Beth El Family,
I’m writing to you from Spain, where I am leading our congregational trip through the places our Sephardic ancestors once called home. Walking through the winding streets of Seville and Granada, I feel the weight and beauty of our shared history—the rhythm of ups and downs that has shaped our journey. Across continents and generations, our Sephardic ancestors built lives rooted in Jewish values, engaged with the world around them, contributed to broader societies, and transformed hardship into strength time and again. Their legacy teaches us that resilience is not only about enduring adversity; it’s about nurturing relationships, holding fast to our values, and fostering connection and hope even amidst change.
Today, while walking through the Jewish quarter of Granada, I saw graffiti that said, “Look for the Light.” This perspective calls us to root ourselves and our community in compassion, respect, and integrity. The Sephardic experience reminds us that our traditions support and ground us when we live them fully, with both courage and openness. In times of tension and uncertainty, we find resilience not only in the strength of our shared heritage but in the light that comes from our commitment to each other and to a wider world.
In the wake of this election, which has stirred so many strong feelings, let us be reminded that while we may hold different views, we share a deep sense of belonging and concern for our people and our future. This moment calls us to focus on what unites us: mutual respect, integrity, and our dedication to building a community that reflects the best of who we are and who we can be. Now is the time to stand together, fostering resilience through unity and showing up for one another.
In that vein, we invite you to join us Friday evening at 6:13pm, as we gather for Shabbat services. This week, we will celebrate our country by honoring our veterans, and Rabbi Erdheim and Rabbi Nichols will offer reflections on this election season and the path forward.
Please remember, if you need a space to talk or reflect, do not hesitate to reach out to our clergy team. Our clergy assistant, Renata Rosenberg, is ready to help you find time to connect with us. At the same time, we want to remind you of our message earlier this week of our sacred obligation to engage in activities that nourish our spirits, minds, and bodies.
Thank you for being part of this community. Together, we will be for future generations what our ancestors were for us, a beacon of resilience, compassion, and hope.
With gratitude and faith in the journey ahead,
Rabbi Asher Knight
