Shabbat Shalom Informative Speech

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Shabbat Shalom. Thank you Carolyn for the warm introduction…My wife Tami and I are so thrilled to be here. Many of you may not know that I grew up at camp in Zionsville, and in many ways it was formative in the development of my Jewish path. I could not wait to show my family the special place I knew Indianapolis to be. And we have arrived to thunderous applause – or that could just be the storms we’ve experienced over the past weeks, I’m not sure.
Many times during my rabbinate I have been asked, “why did you become a rabbi?” and I usually explain that working for God has the best retirement benefits. Plus, standing behind this podium makes me look taller.
No, actually, I tell people what an honor it is to be invited into people’s lives at their most celebratory moments, and during their most painful losses; to bring comfort to individuals who are struggling, and to provide opportunities for people to open their hearts. It has been an incredible profession so far, and I love it more with every passing year.
But there is another answer as well. Tonight I want to share with you another reason I became a rabbi. There is an old story told of a group of disciples who came to their rabbi with real fear in their eyes. “Rabbi,” they said, “we have tried sending one of our group down into the cellar for supplies, but it is dark and damp and we fear that spirits will take us.” The Rabbi replied, “you are correct to be afraid – the next time you enter the cellar, bring with you brooms and bats to protect yourself, and you will no longer be afraid.” A few days later they returned, saying, “Rabbi, it is no use. The brooms and bats cannot protect us, the spirits are too powerful.” And then the rabbi replied, “of course, these are no ordinary s...

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...opportunities and programs, we can create holy community.
These words from Moses have inspired me throughout my rabbinate, and they continue to shape the way in which I strive to work. I cannot ascend to the heavens to bring back God’s word and teach it to you. Nevertheless, I can help us along the path, to remind us to light a candle rather than curse the darkness.
In the weeks, months, and God-willing, years to come, my door is open. I hope you will stop by, introduce yourselves to me, study with me, pray with me, and share with me. Teach me what you know. As we come to know one another, may we put our hands, our minds, and our hearts together to create a vibrant and exciting Jewish home. Moreover, on this Shabbat, may God bless each one of you with chazak, chazak ve’nitcahzek. May we go from strength to strength, and find strength from one another. Shabbat Shalom.

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