My dear friends,
I am heartbroken that we once again will not be able to spend Shabbat together in person. Even though it is absolutely the best thing we can do to protect ourselves and our wider community, I want to acknowledge what many if not most of us are doubtlessly feeling — that this physical distancing is a struggle on so many levels. Personally, Adira and I are trying to juggle both of our professional and parental responsibilities as best we can, while also trying to care for ourselves and each other, and while we wrestle with our own uncertainty, fear, and even anger about this current situation. I am grateful, at least, that we have virtual means of connecting with each other, so that we might remain spiritually close even when we are physically distant. It’s in that spirit that I share this message:
Ever since Lilah was born, Adira and I have sung a prayer called "B’shem Hashem (The Angel Song)” to our children each night at bedtime, using a melody from Rabbi Solomon Carlebach. It’s a lovely ritual, but like all rituals, it is more or less at this point a somewhat mindless routine. But last night, for the first time in a long time, the prayer hit me especially hard. To understand why, consider the words of the prayer, translated into English: “In the name of the Infinite, the God of Israel — may the angel Michael be on my right, and may the angel Gabriel be on my left. May the angel Uriel be in front of me, and may the angel Raphael be behind me. And may the Imminent Presence of God be over my head.”
In Jewish tradition, the angel Michael symbolizes possibility; the angel Gabriel, strength; the angel Uriel, clarity; and the angel Raphael (behind us to catch us if we fall), healing. And God’s imminent presence is an image evoked in the Torah and in later Jewish tradition to depict loving, nurturing protection. The image of these angels surrounding us is meant to be a prayer for support; or, if you prefer, a faithful affirmation that “God has ordered angels to guard you wherever you may go” (Psalm 91:11).
I want to bless all of us as Adira and I bless our children each night: May possibility and strength be close at hand. May you see the path ahead with clarity, And may healing be near when you fall. And may you always feel divine encircling protection. For those of us who believe in God, remember that God is with you, always. And for those of us who may wrestle with belief in God, remember that we are all in this together. In either case, you are not alone.
Finally, this Shabbat, we will conclude Sefer Shemot, the biblical Book of Exodus, and exclaim the words, “Hazak, hazak, venit’hazek,” be strong, be strong, and may we continue to strengthen ourselves and each other. Let us, this Shabbat, turn these words into a prayer — may we have the strength to endure this challenging time, may we have vigor of body and resilience of spirit, and may we do whatever we can to support each other.
I look forward to seeing you in one of our congregation’s many virtual gatheringsin the coming days, and in person, God willing, sometime very soon. Please do not hesitate to reach out if I can support you in any way.
In fact, I wanted to let you know that Cantor and I will be offering Virtual Office Hours for congregants who are in need of pastoral counseling, learning/conversation, or just want to check in and chat. These meetings are by appointment only, first-come first-served, and subject to availability. Appointments with me can be scheduled via Norma at n.fiedler@bethelrichmond.org. To schedule with the Cantor, please email her directly at cantor.rosenblatt@bethelrichmond.org .
Rabbi’s Virtual Office Hours
Mondays 1:00pm - 3:00pm, 4:00pm - 4:30pm, and after 7:00pm
Tuesdays 10:00am - 12:00pm, 1:00pm - 3:00pm, 4:00pm - 4:30pm, and after 7:00pm
Wednesdays after 7:00pm
Thursdays 1:00pm - 3:00pm, 4:00pm - 5:00pm, and after 7:00pm
Fridays 1:00pm - 3:00pm, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Cantor’s Virtual Office Hours
Mondays between 10AM-12PM
Thursdays between 9AM-11AM
Fridays between 11AM-1PM
Finally, I wanted to let you know that Cantor Rosenblatt and I will be joining all of our community's clergy this Sunday to lead community-wide a morning Havdalah to greet the new week. The rabbis will provide words of wisdom for the new week ahead while the cantors will begin and conclude our video event with inspirational song and prayer. Please click HERE to join via video conference. (Call in option is also available at 425-436-6387 ID 568511#).
May we all be blessed with a Shabbat of true shalom.
Warmly,
Rabbi Michael Knopf
