​This week we begin reading the Book of Leviticus.  For many, this section of the Torah seems challenging and distant. It describes for us the different categories of sacrifice, as well as how we are to offer sacrifices. It includes many chapters on aspects of Jewish ritual and observance that are no longer relevant.
 
And yet, this book is filled with parallels and lessons for Judaism today. First of all, in this book we find many sections about kedusha, holiness, and the idea that we must strive to be holy each and every day, in every relationship and with every act. Furthermore, we know that our rabbis of old taught us that prayer should be the replacement for sacrifice. Just as sacrifice was the ancient way for the Israelites to connect with God, so today prayer becomes the new way to connect people with our God.
 
While traveling throughout Israel this past week, I have been learning about 14 networks of new intentional communities that comprise approximately 250 different communities throughout Israel. The process by which these communities are developing, and have developed, reminds me of the challenge our ancestors had when there was no more Temple, and we needed to find a new way to connect with our God.  Thousands of Israelis have found new ways to connect to their Zionism, and similarly, we in the United States must find new ways to connect with our Judaism.
 
Our Makom NY, like the Makom in Israel, the name of the organization of networks of intentional communities, is striving to find new ways of connection. And the inclusion of the teachings of kedushah, of holiness, within this book just reinforces the importance of this holy work. May we continue to find new ways to connect, and may the excitement of the Israelis in building new communities be transferred to the American Jewish community.
 
Shabbat Shalom from Israel,
Rabbi Bravo

Our Torah lessons are not simply found in the words of the Torah themselves, but also in the placement of these words. This week is a reminder of that notion.  This week’s portion, Vayakhel, in very simple terms, is the partner to the portion of Terumah from a few weeks ago.  In that portion, we learned the prescription for the instructions for the Tabernacle; this week we are presented with a somewhat briefer description of what happened. However, of greater interest to me is the mentioning in each passabe about Shabbat.

Parashat Terumah concludes with a passage about Shabbat, and this week’s portion begins with the directive to observe Shabbat. To be precise, the text tells us “on six days work may be done, but on the seventh day you shall have a Shabbat of complete rest, holy to God…” (Exodus 35:2)  If we are to pay attention not only to the words in the Torah, but also to the placement of these words, then we must question as to why the Torah places the commandment to cease work on Shabbat next to the work of the Tabernacle, not once but twice.

In The Torah: A Women’s Commentary, Dr. Carol Meyers teaches that the prominent position of Shabbat as a day of rest after six days of labor is in contrast to the intensity of the work on the Tabernacle; perhaps it relates to the importance of Shabbat as part of the Israelite identity at that time. 
I’m not sure I ever truly understood this idea of Shabbat as a celebration in response to the work of the week until two weeks ago, when I was spending Shabbat at the Kotel in Jerusalem. Our group had divided between the women’s section of the Kotel and the men’s side.  As we were about to exit from the women’s section, we noticed a large group of very young chayalot (soldiers) forming a circle toward the back of the women’s section. In that moment, they broke out in song and dance, dozens and dozens of young girls in uniform, singing old Israeli melodies.

Their circle grew very quickly, as did their ruach (spirit). They opened the circle to include all of us, and we joined in dance and song. The circle grew to stretch out over more than half of the women’s side – truly unbelievable. When the men across the mechitzah (divider) felt the energy coming from the women’s side, some of them tried to increase their volume, but that only caused the chayalot to sing with even greater strength and pride.  No one was going to stop these incredible young soldiers.  We danced and sang for quite some time, like nothing I had ever experienced at the Kotel.
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I learned afterward that they had just completed a challenging regiment and were celebrating their induction into the Israeli Army.  I am certain that the work of their week was difficult, physically taxing and all encompassing. They may not have been busy with the building of a Tabernacle, but they were busy with the work of the Israelis in this time.

When we pause to rest on Shabbat, may we truly find rest in response to the intensity of the work we do the rest of the week; may the joy and spirit and energy of those young Israeli soldiers remind us to find our own sense of joy and spirit and energy as we observe Shabbat.
 
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Bravo

Our final Shabbat was spent in Jerusalem, and Shabbat in Jerusalem is not like any other Shabbat experience. And THIS Shabbat in Jerusalem was like no other. Even for those of us who have traveled to Israel frequently, this was new and incredible.  We began the day by spending time at Massada and the Dead Sea, in the warmth of the sun (despite the fact that it is still winter in Israel).  We walked around the top of Massada, hearing the story of those who fought the Romans until the very end, and then some of our group even decided to walk down the mountain. We made our way to Ein Gedi, where we floated in the Dead Sea and had a beautiful afternoon.
 
We quickly returned to Jerusalem, ran to our rooms to get “appropriate attire”, and made our way to the Kotel, the Western Wall, just in time for Kabbalat Shabbat, the Welcoming of Shabbat. We made a plan that the men could spend some time on the traditional men’s side, and the women could do the same on the women’s side. (We had already spent time together in a location where we could all pray in an egalitarian manner.)  The men had a lovely but typical experience on their side of the Kotel, and made their way back to our “meeting place”. But the women – what an utter and incredible surprise.
 
Many of us made our way to the Kotel to offer prayers and place the notes that we had written and those we had brought for hundreds of others not able to journey with us.  As we were walking backwards away from the Kotel (it is customary not to turn your back on the Kotel), we paused toward the back of the women’s section. There was a large group of young women soldiers (we might call them girls if they weren’t wearing uniforms) who began to break out in song, and then in dance. We learned later that they had recently been inducted into the army, and were there with a guide in celebration. 
 
Their energy and excitement was contagious. It felt as if they were sensing the energy from the men’s side of the Kotel, and they wanted to create their own sense of welcoming Shabbat on this most joyous of days. Typically, if a group of women broke out into song and dance on the women’s side, they would be quieted or asked to leave that side. But no one was asking a group of dozens and dozens of soldiers to be quiet or to leave. Instead, they invited us and others around us to join them, and with great joy and pride, we danced and sang with these soldiers.  The sense of Shabbat, Israel, joy and celebration was like no other.
 
We made our way to our “gathering place”, where we shared with the others from our group what we had just experienced. We then found a quiet place in the plaza, looking at the kotel, where we welcomed Shabbat “Makom Style”, and we all knew how unique and special it is to celebrate Shabbat in Jerusalem.  That moment will stay with us forever!

In Reflection of a Great Journey,
Rabbi Bravo and the Makom NY Israel Participants, 2016

​What an incredible week this has been. Our group has come to know one another well, and we have experienced Israel, history and Judaism at the same time.  Our visit in the North concluded with a day that began on the border of Lebanon and Israel, on a kibbutz called Misgav Am.  We met soldiers who guard that border, and learned about the history of that kibbutz, that region and the now rather peaceful circumstance that we pray will remain.
 
We then visited the city of Tzfat, the ancient mystical city, where we saw some of the mystical synagogues, walked the narrow, winding roads of Tzfat, and concluded our day with a trip to the STAM Center, the place where we learned about writing a Sefer Torah (a Torah scroll), Tefillin and Mezuzah.  It is an interactive place, and everyone met the Sofer (the scribe) and had a chance to write their name in Hebrew calligraphy as well.
 
The next day was the day we had all been waiting for – the day we would drive to Jerusalem. We said goodbye to the Kibbutz and the North, made our way to Tzippori, the ancient city from the times of the Mishnah, with the beautiful mosaic floors, and then traveled to Jerusalem.  We arrived in Jerusalem just as the sun was setting, and had the most spectacular view from Mount Scopus of the whole Jerusalem of Gold. 
 
Our first day in Jerusalem was spent in the New City.  We visited the wonderful Herzl Museum, where we learned about the Zionist Congress and Herzl’s dream to create a modern Israel state.  We then walked around Mount Herzl, where we paid our respects to the greater leaders and founders of the State of Israel, including Herzl, Rabin, Golda Meir and so many others.
 
We then transitioned just down the road to Yad VaShem, the Holocaust Memorial Museum. We were so thrilled that our favorite docent, Malki, was able to be with us.  As an intergenerational group spanning 6 decades, Malki carefully guided us through the Museum, beginning with the life that once existed in Eastern Europe before the war, and taking us through the various stages of the war, but all by telling story and sharing through individuals eyes, since it is impossible to comprehend the vastness of the war unless we hear the story. The visit concluded with a meaningful ceremony where our two B’nai Mitvah were presented with certificates for twinning with a child who perished in the Holocaust. It was incredibly moving and emotional. 
 
We then went from the “holy” to the “mundane”, by making our way to Machaneh Yehudah, where we visited the largest shuk in Israel. The colors, tastes, sounds and smells of a wonderful market. And the following day we spent in the Old City of Jerusalem. But that will require another blog for another day.
 
Hoping this is giving you a taste of Israel so that you might participate in our next Journey of a Lifetime to Israel!

Greetings from Jerusalem,
Rabbi Bravo and the Makom NY Israel Participants, 2016

Our first few days in Israel have been packed with many important accomplishments: getting to know one another in our group, getting a taste of Jewish and Israel history, ancient and modern, celebrating Shabbat, digging for archeological finds, experiencing a taste of the “other religions” within Israel, a tour of the Golan Heights, an introduction to the wine industry, an introduction to Kibbutz life then and now, and so much more. 
 
We landed and immediately felt at home (see my last blog). After pulling together 20 people from varying geographic, demographic, religious backgrounds, as well as varying levels of connection to Israel, over our first dinner (Middle-Eastern food, our course), we quickly came together as one group.  Our shehecheyanu was not just for being together in Israel for the first time this year, but also for coming together as a new and incredible community.
 
Our first full day began with most of us experiencing the Palmach Museum, where we learned the history of the Palmach, and truly gained a sense of understanding of determined the early Zionists were to help create and defend the State of Israel.  Afterward, we experienced an afternoon of digging and spelunking as we visited Beit Guvrin, where we learned the detail by which archeologists search to learn our ancient history.  Those who had been to Israel numerous times visited the Diaspora Museum and walked the streets of Tel Aviv, learning about the different neighborhoods.
 
Then we celebrated Shabbat, and like every Shabbat in Israel, it was extremely special. We changed into nicer, clean clothes and made our way to Beit Tfila Yisraeli, a pluralistic community that meets on the beach in the warmer months and in a school during the cooler months.  It was a warm, musical, participatory experience in a community that reaches out to secular Israelis and brings them in to a religious environment.  The perfect place for Makom NY to celebrate Shabbat!
 
On Saturday, we left the Tel Aviv area and drove to Caesarea, where we walked around the ancient ruins, learned the many layers of story of the city of Caesarea and simply enjoyed the beauty of the Mediterranean.  We then made our way to Haifa, the city that strives to bring Arabs and Jews together in dialogue, activity and friendship. We also viewed the beautiful Bahai Gardens, as we embraced the many aspects of religion in Israel.  We perused the mixed city of Acco and made our way north to Kibbutz Kfar Blum, where we are staying for several days as we peruse the North of Israel. We concluded the day with a sweet havdalah ceremony, where people shared a taste of what they did this past week that was impactful or important to them.
 
We began the day today by touring the Kibbutz and hearing about the differences between kibbutz life then and now. We learned how kibbutzim have completely transformed themselves in order to remain alive and current. We then took jeep rides through the Golan Heights, learned a great deal about security in Israel, and concluded with a little Israeli culture: wine tasting and cow milking. Both brought to life the essence of living in Israel. 
 
As we travel throughout Israel, from North to South, we are not only learning about our history and culture, we are learning about decisions Jews have needed to make throughout time, outside influences on Jewish history and people who made a difference for the Jews. We are also learning how to question, how to discover and how to listen. Every day helps bring Israel to life, and by doing so, makes us a part of the Jewish experience. We can’t wait for the next day to come!

Greetings from Northern Israel,
Rabbi Bravo and the Makom NY Israel Participants, 2016

​As I reflect on this week's Torah portion, Terumah, which talks not only about the building of the Tabernacle and precisely how to build it, but also about the importance of gifts, I am reminded first and foremost what a privilege it is to bring a group to Israel as the leader of our community.

It is a gift to travel the land of Israel with people who are vising for the first time, who immediately sense the awe in the holiness and uniqueness in the mundane.  It is a gift to travel throughout the land of Israel with people who have been here many times, who always find something new, something so fulfilling and exciting.

It is a gift to be with the youngest members of our group (we have seven children ages 7-15) who are having fun and being silly, as kids should on a trip, but then, in the most surprising of moments, they ask a deep, meaningful question, that almost brings tears to one's eyes.  It is a gift as well to be with the more senior members of our group (we have 3 grandparents on our trip), who are so proud to know that Israel exists, and thrive, to see how Israel has changed throughout the years, and to see her being embraced by the next generations. 

It is a gift to have a talented guide, travel agent and driver who navigate so intentionally our journey through Israel, so that we notice every flower, every sunset, every story and each moment of Shabbat. They engage every individual on our trip with a unique viewpoint and focus.  

It is a gift that we brought in our first Shabbat in Israel by attending services at a beautiful progressive, pluralistic service with incredible music, spirit and intention.  Like Makom NY, this community began with the purpose of reaching the completely secular Israelis in the greater Tel Aviv area, and it is now a thriving community for thousands of Israelis throughout Israel. 

In this week's Torah portion we learn:  "And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them."  We are seeing God's sanctuary throughout Israel during this ten day visit. Just like Makom NY, we need not be focused on any one place, but we are finding God's sanctuary in so many places. We will continue to share these holy experiences with you as we journey through Eretz Yisrael.
 
Shabbat Shalom from Tel Aviv,
Rabbi Bravo

In this week’s Torah portion, Bo, taking place near the beginning of the Book of Exodus, we often focus on the final plagues, and if not that, we examine in depth the command to observe Passover as a festival.  However, in this portion as well, we find the very first commandment given to the people of Israel.  One might think the first commandment would be about Shabbat, or praying to God, or treating one another with kindness, but those all come later.
 
The first commandment in the Torah is to create a calendar by which to live. We may be surprised by this seemingly every day act that is deemed important enough to be the first, but we should understand what is behind this commandment.  When the Israelites were living in Egypt, and then when they were wandering in the desert, they lacked clarity, organization and direction. 
 
God instructed the Israelites to determine the New Moon each month (Rosh Chodesh), and to create a lunar calendar.  Whether we use paper calendars, electronic calendars, or some combination of the two, most of us have come to live by our calendar, and I believer there is good and bad in this action.  On the one hand, keeping a calendar, having a cycle that guides us month by month, year by year, gives us order to an otherwise busy and chaotic life.  However, sometimes it seems as if our calendar is running our lives, as opposed to us taking charge of what is important enough (or not) to be on our calendar.
 
This week, as we are reminded of the mitzvah of keeping a calendar, let us embrace the gifts that an organized calendar gives us, but let us remember not to allow it to take over. Let us be free to simply be, to live, to experience, to feel and to see. Let the calendar be a tool, but not a compass; a guide but not a teacher; an order, but not orderer. 
 
Many of the ancient lessons are so relevant today.  One might ponder why this is the first mitzvah given to the Israelites. Perhaps it was meant to be a reminder that calendar is important, but don’t allow it to take over your lives. The existence of calendar allows us to celebrate and to mourn, to gather and to assemble, but it is meant to create a steady pace by which to live, not to become what the living is all about.
 
This year, let us find ways to embrace the rituals put on the calendar, but not let the calendar take over our lives.
 
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Deborah Bravo

​As I reflect on 2015, I realize that, on one hand, it was a year I could never have expected, and on the other hand, it was precisely the culmination of the past 17 years of my rabbinate.  Anyone who knows me knows that I typically do things with my full attention, energy and focus.  Partner that with the fact that I pride myself in being a change agent.  I have often felt privileged to work in settings that allowed and encouraged me to make professional change within the walls of my given synagogue.  I recall participating in a Women’s Rabbinic Network conference in Chicago a number of years ago, and we actually mapped our interest and comfort with change.  I stood with just a few colleagues on the far end of the change spectrum.  It was then that I first formally realized how being a change agent needed to be part of my rabbinate.
 
Fast forward to this year, the 18th year in my rabbinate; only now do I fully understand what it means to make systemic, organizational change.  After spending 17 wonderful years working in a variety of synagogue settings from Washington DC to Long Island, I realized that my rabbinic journey was about to take a sharp turn.  I understood (with the help of a great coach, teachers, colleagues, friends and family) that I was being called to serve the changing Jewish landscape in new and different ways. 

This past MLK Jr. Day, I decided to make the time to see the movie Selma.  I have always been moved by the words of MLK Jr., and this movie reminded me of his courage, his passion and his strength.  The movie did a terrific job depicting his undetermined vision and passion, his inner struggle and conflict with others, even within his own community.

I was particularly struck this week by King’s desire to remain peaceful, even when others were inclined to use force to get ahead.  Given the world in which we live today, I was especially impressed with his unwavering stand on peaceful demonstrations.  I only wish we could follow his lead today, and allow our voices and our beings to make statements, instead of our weapons.

I was also taken by the conversation surrounding the movie about the Jewish presence or lack their of.  I am well aware and quite proud of the fact that Jews, in particular rabbis, came down to Selma to march with MLK.  Many were put in jail with him, and take great pride in this experience.  I have often shared the words of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel and Rabbi Yoachim Prinz, who were among the great rabbis to stand up for Civil Rights.  However, I was not disappointed by the lack of Jewish presence depicted in the movie. I saw several actors wearing kippot, obviously playing rabbis, and that was enough for me.  This movie was not focused on the clergy or others who came to support MLK; it was about the events in Selma in 1964, and for that, it did a great job.