What an exciting time it is. In just over a week I will know where I will have the honor to serve as Rabbi. This new challenge is at times daunting, but the excitement I have for the future overpowers that fear.



The potential for Judaism in America is great and we have the opportunity to realize the dreams of past and present generations and lay the foundation for the future. It is a complex American Jewish world and there are so many different challenges and opportunities into which we must sink our teeth.







How can we more effectively and authentically embrace the diversity that is now reflected in the Jewish families that seek community? One thing is for sure; we cannot afford not to embrace them. The reality of the Jew in America is that she has found such acceptance and has achieved to such a degree the 'American Dream' that a blended family (Jew, Christian, Muslim, Budhist, etc. and Black, White, Latino, Asian, etc. and one, two, three or more parent families) is more the norm than the "traditional" two parent, white, Jewish family with 2.3 children and a dog named "Moshe" image to which the Jewish community still clings.



We have an opportunity to fashion a vision of American Judaism that embraces and celebrates the most diverse era of the Jewish people. We can seek to fulfill our charge to be a "light unto the nations," and perhaps if we are successful, and throw open the doors of our communities, the light will pour out, and all who wish to come and worship will be able to find a spiritual home. We are charged with building and nurturing these communities so they can embrace all with love and learning.