Over the past few years, I have been graced by connection through phone calls, emails, text messages, and other forms of communication from friends and family. Some of the most common inquiries I receive are “Merle, how have you been and what are you doing these days?” and “What aspects of your rabbinate have driven you the most throughout the years?”
Each question is intricate, yet when blended, they share a collective response: Torah.
Torah is the very text that stimulates my writings and thoughts, and the Torah remains my teacher as I fulfill my Judaic obligations. Perhaps most integral, the Torah is my primary agent when offering wisdom and counseling.
In 2019, I embarked on a new journey to explore the gift of Judaism and its universal values through a poetic voice and prose. Pieces expressed my life with Parkinson’s to lessons learned during the rabbinate, with the Torah set as the foundation but connection as the mission.
As the Torah teaches, all humans need to affiliate with others as connection is our natural way of survival. Since the pandemic, we all learned sophisticated ways to bond through technological methods, which helped build the bridge that distance otherwise created. Since then, togetherness has blossomed into a more significant commodity.
From the beginning of the Torah, we are introduced to Creation, where we hear the words, it is not suitable for man to be alone (Beraishit 2:18). Lest I update this phrase to reflect a more accurate text, it is unsuitable for man, woman, human, or any living being to be alone.
With those words in mind, I ask you to recall when you traveled to a zoo. What emotions did you sense while glancing at an animal found solo in an exhibit? Often, we may feel glee to spectate the wildlife, yet sentiments of gloom may be met despite the architectural glamour of the setting.
Now, recall a time when you glanced at two animals in a zoo setting. What feelings did those animals produce? Perhaps more joy due to connection? For the sake of this piece, let your mind imagine a few lions in a substantial zoo exhibit and how the company of two or more species stimulates a wholesome environment driven by connection. I use the zoo as an example, and yes, other paradigms may be incorporated, but let the message read to this: the Torah teaches all beings need connection as togetherness builds love and reinforces our self-esteem.
So, to the above inquiry of how my current days are spent, my response stems from connection through curating my blog and website, music and dance, temple, Jewish literature, and above all, through moments shared with family.
As a Rabbi, I appreciate a bond through Shabbat messages and sermons, but as mentioned to a temple member, I value connection through Judaic guidance and counseling foremost. When we can encourage hope and inspiration in others, connection has met its purpose.
Connection is the fundamental role of moral goodness, specifically today when faced with grave uncertainty and rising anti-Semitism. When we look at the objective of Tikkun Olam in times of challenge, our obligation to human bond helps repair the world and mend each being.
As the days and years pass at an epic pace, I encourage you to take the stance to make the call, initiate the text, and establish a gathering, as the mission of connection is paramount to all Jewish life.
Rabbi Merle E. Singer | Words with Merle 