Torah for Today
Anat Katzir, Kol Dorot Educator
There are times when it feels like we have been struggling with some of the same challenges in our society for so long that nothing seems to be changing. Sometimes it even feels like we can take our family and move to a new place and the same major challenges exist in your new home.
In my teens, I remember the youth group volunteering many times at the Ethiopian immigration center, and over time, creating meaningful relationships and learning about challenges we couldn’t imagine facing. We couldn’t grasp the idea that someone would be treated differently based on the color of their skin in the same country where people were attacked for their religion in different countries and continents, or the same people who fought for their middle-eastern and North African culture to be accepted by the European Zionists that could not appreciate their gifts for many years. We also volunteered with “Keshet Cafe” where teens and young adults were free to share their sexual orientation and gender identities in a supportive environment. It was a very little step in changing the rest of society.
This week, we saw a meaningful step forward in the Supreme Court’s decision. This was truly a moment of celebration and hope. We have a long way to go to achieve freedom and equality for all, but this is certainly an encouraging achievement.
I am sharing a song that includes some rebuke but also a hopeful message and inspired me when I was a teenager and still does today. You'll see Israeli artists of different origins, cultures, religions, sexual orientation and even musical styles:
"A Coat of Many Colors" - Various Israeli Artists
First Anniversary Service
Friday, June 19th, 6:00pm
Check your daily email for information on how to join in.
Bring out your candles! Candles from "Shabbat ShaBag," any Shabbat candles, any kind of candle... We will begin on Friday by sharing light with each other and blessing the day of rest together.
We will have our Religious School students singing (pre-recorded)! We will install our new President and Board of Trustees! We will bless our high school and college graduates! We will come together to mark the first full year of Kol Dorot.
This service will not be long—please join us if you can. Participate with your children. This is a community milestone we will look back on for years to come. Don't miss it!
In Case You Missed It
On Friday we honored Rabbi David Widzer at his final service with Kol Dorot. For those who were not able to join us, here are two very meaningful moments from that service: