Rabbi Weill's Blog

Dear Friends,

The Hebrew Bible can be read as a study of leadership models – what works well and what does not, what is holy and what is not.

After making our way through the stories of our patriarchs and matriarchs in Genesis, we read about the development of Moses in the books of Exodus through Deuteronomy. Other leaders follow. We learn about Joshua and about judges, like Samson, Deborah and Gideon. We then come to the stories of the kings of Judah and Israel. Some we know well (David, Solomon); some we may have never heard of (Amatzia, Pekachia). Later we learn about the Maccabees. And so on.

EHNTJC will honor leaders this Shabbat. On Friday night, we will welcome a new board at our annual installation service. This is a momentous installation, as this board will usher our congregation through an important transition. I am grateful for their dedicated leadership.

I am also grateful to Rabbi Ralph Ruebner, whom we will honor at our Shabbat morning services. Ralph, who recently celebrated his eightieth birthday, has been a leader within the Jewish community for decades. He is a treasured leader of EHNT.

The health of any community depends on the good will and hard work of its leaders. Please come to services this Shabbat to honor those who have and will guide EHNT with a steady hand.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Jeffrey Weill

January 18th, 2024