“I make this covenant, with its sanctions, not with you alone, but with both those who are standing here with us this day before the Eternal our God and with those who are not with us here this day.” (Deuteronomy 29:13-14)
Tonight, I will be installed as rabbi of Temple Emanuel of Tempe. It is a deep honor to serve this vibrant, varied, and caring community. It is a true privilege to be invited into your lives in such profound ways. It is a profound responsibility to shepherd the congregation into the future.
As Temple Emanuel’s rabbi, I am always aware of our past—the noble traditions of the Jewish people and the exceptional accomplishments of Temple Emanuel’s history. I am engaged with the present: the people immediately in front of my eyes—in the sanctuary, in a classroom, in my office, in the hallway, in a hospital room. And I am ever mindful of our future: ensuring that Temple Emanuel will continue to thrive so that it will serve Jews in the East Valley for many years to come.
It is truly an awesome responsibility. But, as this week’s Torah portion further instructs, “the thing is very close to you, in your mouth and in your heart, to do it.” (30:14)
The task is great and the hour is late. Come—let us begin.
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