Let’s Talk About Vision

It’s the weekend you’ve all been waiting for: PICKLEBALL debuts at Temple (and with it, the distinct likelihood of embarrassing myself – so join me in doing so)!!!  I am confident this religious school year, which we are kicking off on Sunday will be great, but you’ve heard me talk about the year before (shameless plug: there’s still time to register).  Rather let’s talk about vision. 

This Shabbat is known as Shabbat Chazon: The Shabbat of Vision or Prophecy.  Traditionally the name comes from the Haftarah portion, Isaiah’s vision over Judah and Jerusalem, namely the prophecy of their destruction, on this last Shabbat before Tisha B’av, before we get to the seven portions of “comfort” leading to Rosh Hashanah.  The Reform Movement has largely put a positive spin (get it?) on Tisha B’av, dwelling more in the hope for a future and the potential to build, or rebuild, aspects of our communities to prevent the baseless hatred, and other moral sins that get attributed to causing the destruction of the Temples. 

With our fall holidays falling relatively “late” this year, it puts this transition, from wallowing in grief and mourning to serving up hope and a vision for the future right on the dividing line between the end of summer and the start of the academic year, between the end of our reading of Numbers and the start of Moses’ speeches recounting our journeys in Deuteronomy, and the line between the year that was, and the year that will be (with Tisha B’av next week being the last ‘big’ observance of the current Jewish year). 

So, let it be a Shabbat of Vision: Imagine what the year ahead could bring.  Imagine trying something new.  Imagine picking up an old (positive) habit.  Create a vision of your goals fulfilled.

And who better to envision a year with than your friends at Temple Israel:
We’ll have a wonderful view from the Riverboat tomorrow night for our Festival Appreciation Shabbat (RSVP’s were mandatory, no walk-ins) – so I’ll see you to hop on the bus at XXX at Temple.

In the spirit of new beginnings, we invite you – one and all – this is for everyone – yes you – to try something new, just bring your enthusiasm (and a paddle if you have one – but we have too) on SUNDAY at 11am here at Temple.

Kibbitz Café will be starting to stock up on snack items – so feel free to bring a donation, or share your vision of what you’d like us to serve up.

Looking forward to seeing you this weekend as I envision the possibilities for the year ahead!