Shabbat Shalom ~ Parashat Devarim 2026

Shalom WJC Family,

It was great to be away on vacation and it is great to be back at WJC. Having had such a wonderful trip that spanned the Pacific Northwest and the Mojave Desert, I am reminded how much there is to be grateful for in the world. I found myself saying the blessings for seeing majestic mountains (Baruch Atah…Oseh Ma’aseh Bereshit,) seeing the ocean (Baruch Atah…she’asah et HaYam HaGadol), and seeing a rainbow (Baruch Atah…zocher ha’brit v’ne’eman bivrito v’kayam b’ma’amaro.) But I was even more grateful for all the people here at WJC who made the travels possible – thank you to all those of you who ran and attended daily minyans, participated in summer Shabbat services, and special thanks to Cindy Heller and Victor Badner who coordinate all the summer Shabbat service leaders. I cannot tell you all how grateful I feel to be part of a congregation that is so talented and committed that the clergy can take some time off and our community can continue to hold meaningful services. WJC is a prime example that it is the people, even more than the place, that makes something special.

In our summer travels, we had some opportunities to experience this same idea.  Our travels took us through Seattle and Los Angeles at times that they were hosting World Cup matches. It was incredible to see the diversity of travelers from all over the world, the gracious hospitality of the host cities, and the splendors of America through the visitors’ eyes. We were literally witnessing the bridging of continents and cultures and recognizing that neither would ever be exactly the same again. The energy of diverse people coming together to celebrate their differences and discover their commonalities, well that is blessing-worthy too (Baruch Atah…Meshaneh Ha-briyot). The places were a privilege to visit and the people from all over were the greatest part of the journey.

It was all a reminder of how important it is to have opportunities to be together and experience beautiful things, learning, and singing as a group. We get a taste of that every Shabbat, but it is most special on the High Holidays. We are planning beautiful services with our regular offerings and some new and meaningful music and offerings. I hope you’ve had a chance to review the High Holiday materials and register. If not, here is the link. Please take a look and we look forward to sharing that poignant and healing experience with our diverse and wonderful community.

In the meantime, I look forward to sharing our summer Shabbatot with you. I always enjoy learning from our members as they teach and lead the services.

See you in shul,

RJA