Hi everyone!
We're back from our family trip and thank G-d it was amazing. We enjoyed sightseeing, exploring, hiking and visiting with some of our family and friends. Although we didn't have Shabbos services while we were gone, Tefillin club and the weekly Torah class continued. Thank you to Michael and Robyn Barnett for making it happen!
As a Rabbi, when I’m not in synagogue or in town, does it mean I’m not connected to the community?
In this week’s Torah portion, we're learning about the 2.5 tribes who made their homes on the other side of the Jordan river. Although it wasn't technically part of Israel, Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh were given special dispensation to live there to properly care for their vast amounts of cattle. As they were separated geographically from the rest of the Jewish community, there was a concern that they would also be disengaged from the traditions and culture that are synonymous with living in a Jewish community.
Therefore, when the Land of Israel was divided among the tribes, the tribe of Levi did not receive a specific section of land. Instead, they resided in cities spread throughout the other tribes' territories, including the areas of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh.
The Levites, were an integral tribe of the Jewish people, one of their roles was that of teachers who helped preserve Jewish tradition, going all the way back to their time in Egypt. By designating several cities in the disconnected areas for the Levites, those tribes were now guaranteed to retain their Jewish identities. And by sacrificing their own spiritual well-being and desire to live in Israel, those Levites were able to ensure that generations of entire tribes remained steadfast in their commitment to Judaism.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe OB”M, had a similar idea. He sent people, called shluchim, to different parts of the world so that every Jew could stay connected to our community and live proudly as a Jew. I realized that even though I was physically far away, I was still connected to all of you through our shared values and traditions. There wasn't a day that went by that we weren't thinking, doing, and connecting with the community back home, continuing to ensure that our community, our tribe, remains steadfast in their commitment and connection to Judaism.
Thank you for being such a wonderful community. I'm grateful to be back, surrounded by all of you, and hope to see those who can make it to Shabbos services at 10am.
Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Kushi Schusterman
P.S. What do you think? When the Rabbi, is out of town, does that mean they are not connected to the community When the Rabbi, is out of town, does that mean they are not connected to the community?