Being a Rabbi has been a wonderful gift. From leading a great synagogue to connecting with people of other faiths worldwide, my rabbinical journey has been exceptional, from rabbinical school to my current time as a Rabbi Emeritus. As one could surmise, talking about the Torah and its lessons is something I enjoy, and I was fortunate, that my Rabbinical Assistant shares in the same desire.
In addition to maintaining my office, we often share our thoughts and words on the weekly Torah portion and how it impacts our lives. The dialogue is both meaningful and respectful of our different perspectives of Torah and daily life. Together, we bridge ancient wisdom and life challenges, inspiring our conversations to find relevance and guidance from words of Torah.
From my standpoint, the Torah is a timeless blueprint for living a purposeful and ethical life while combining the importance of compassion, kindness, and community care. With decades of experience, both as a student and a rabbi, I appreciate weaving Torah portions to uncover life lessons that offer inspiration and hope, a theme I remain dedicated about.
No matter the week or Torah portion, my assistant and I share meaningful conversations that blend my rabbinical perspective and her thoughtful insights on Torah and its relevance to daily life. Debi shared how she draws upon the Torah as a source of guidance during challenging times and a tool for spiritual reflection and personal growth, and it is through our weekly visits, she is better able to understand and implement some of the Judaic teachings and assess how they best align with her life goals.
As a Rabbi, I always value hearing her unique perspective on the Torah, particularly how its teachings intersect with today’s societal and political matters and her life experiences. We explore themes of human character, resilience, and the capacity for us to find purpose during adversities experienced as Jews and individuals. We address how life’s struggles and hardships can shape us into stronger people while offering opportunities for growth and purpose, a statement I firmly believe in.
Regardless of age or life experience, engaging in meaningful dialogue is a powerful way to expand your perspectives and foster compassion, even when viewpoints differ. Learning and expanding our horizon is a lifelong journey, serving as the gateway to gratitude.
Rabbi Merle E. Singer | Words with Merle 