July 2009
According to our rabbis, we are reminded that “it is not our duty to complete the work, but neither are we free to desist from it” (Pirkei Avot 2:21). One of the ongoing goals of my rabbinate is to help people enrich their lives by increasing their exposure to Torah and find entry-ways to discover, or rediscover, Torah, our most sacred text. Whether through worship, a life-cycle event, education, social action or a counseling session, I foster and support all efforts to embrace Judaism through different pathways while helping us come together as one community. I am truly blessed with a love of Judaism and welcome the diversity that supports our abilities to embrace Judaism through different pathways while helping us come together as one family.
Jewish traditions, worship, and spirituality stand at a congregation’s core and they are essential parts of my rabbinate. The worship experience must satisfy and reflect the needs of the congregation; as part of that ideal, I invite and encourage congregational participation in all facets of the worship service. I am dedicated to the full cycle of the Jewish calendar and marking sacred moments in our lives by composing innovative and creative rituals, where appropriate, and by drawing from the many liturgies (prayers) and rituals of our tradition.
The sanctity of life cycle events is also very important to me. It is always an honor and a privilege for me to be part of a sacred moment, whether one of great joy or great sadness, a time of celebration or a time of vulnerability or loss. I have worked with individuals, couples, and families in life cycle events of every nature, including bris/namings, B’nai Mitzvah, weddings, funerals, and moments for creative rituals. In addition, I counsel people about their own transgressions, or those of their loved ones, their feelings of fear, confusion, stress, theological questions, or more. It is a privilege for me to talk with individuals or couples on a wide variety of topics. For some people, I serve simply as a sympathetic ear, or as a sounding board, for other individuals I serve as an entry point back into Judaism. In all cases, I am humbled with the reminder that the synagogue should be a safe space in daily living throughout one’s life.
I am committed to a congregational rabbinate in which I can excel as both a teacher and student of Torah. Life-long Jewish learning for everyone is an essential part of my rabbinic vision, with teaching being one of my great joys. Jewish learning is vital to the life and vibrancy of a congregation, and I aim to provide high-quality Jewish educational programs for children and adults of all ages, Jews and non-Jews, and members and non-members. I am committed to offering a diversity of classes at any given season, helping to reach people wherever they may be. I delight in facilitating “aha” moments, watching peoples’ faces light up as they relate something in their lives to something Jewish or when they understand a new concept relating to our sacred religion. Learning and teaching take an active place in my life.
We are taught “na’aseh v’nishmah,” to learn in order to do (Exodus 24:7). I place great emphasis on tzedakah, and social action/social justice. We must reach within and beyond our own congregational family and offer support to people in need. Judaism has always been a role-model for other faith communities with its emphasis on tikkun olam, “repairing the world.” As part of my rabbinate, I am committed to participating on a personal level and leading the congregation in acts of gemilut chasadim (loving-kindness) and social justice. Interfaith dialogues are also crucial to me. Thirty-six times in Torah, more than any other commandment, we are taught to “welcome the stranger” and I hold that message close to my heart. In addition, we must support and guide interfaith families with opportunities to enhance their connection to Judaism and recognize their unique spiritual journeys.
A connection to Israel is also critical to my vision. Israel is enhanced by American Judaism and we are enriched by Israel. I advocate for people to visit there in order to experience first hand the richness of our sacred homeland. I enjoy sister-city partnerships with communities in Israel that allow all of us to learn and grow from one another.
Through Jewish “in-reach,” outreach, education, camps, youth groups, worship, social action, . . . the pathways are open. We can open whichever door or doors of our choosing, but all of these “doorways” uphold my vision that the congregational family can come together to build community, strengthen relationships, and give honor to Judaism.
In every element of my rabbinate I hope to provide strong leadership that works in partnership with lay leaders and other professionals to respond to the needs of the congregation. I am committed to being a rabbinic leader who brings integrity, holiness, respect, and a love of Judaism and Jewish living into all that I do.
L'shalom,
Rabbi Kobey
RabbiKobey@gmail.com