D'var Torah

Dear Friends,

This week we say our formal “l'hitraot” (see you soon) to Cantor Rachel Rhodes who will be leaving us next week to become the Senior Cantor of Temple Sinai in the District. It has been an amazing nine years of partnership with her and I’m so excited for Rachel to begin her new journey as a senior clergy leader of such a well-respected congregation.

Our Torah portion this week, B’haalot’cha, from the Book of Numbers (8:1-12:16) has a little bit to say about leadership, especially concerning Moses’ leadership. Moses comes upon two men who are “prophesying” in the camp. Naturally, you may feel threatened when someone takes on your job responsibilities when they aren’t supposed to. Are people rising against Moses (again?) and trying to oust him as a leader? In all his skill, Moses doesn’t get angry or upset but says: “Would that all of God’s people were prophets!” and welcomes them in their attempt to prophesy. Moses demonstrates that encouraging others to lead is an important trait of leaders.

Rachel has this same ability to inspire others in the sacred work she has overseen at TRS. She is an exceptional leader because of how she listens to others, acknowledges the work of others, empathizes with those whom she interacts, and motivates others through her positive attitude, care, and compassion.

Rachel came to us after being newly ordained. She learned the reality of clergy work and the Cantorate here at TRS and has blossomed into a magnificent clergy leader, cantor and colleague. We are so lucky to have had the opportunity to be both her teachers and her students, and now we get to watch her light continue to shine as she leads her new congregation and clergy colleagues and inspires them. The impact that Rachel has had on us, from her work in environmental social action to her online music classes during COVID, to her incredible warmth and beautiful artistry on the bimah is beyond measure. I feel blessed to have had these nine years with Cantor Rachel Rhodes as my trusted friend, partner, and singer of harmony! I’m sure you share a wish for her success and blessing at Temple Sinai. We will miss Rachel, Dov, Oren and Lev here at TRS, but we look forward to seeing them thrive in the greater community.

Moses showed the Jewish people that he was a leader because he promoted leadership in others. May Rachel continue to inspire people through this same type of leadership. And may all her journeys be filled with blessings.

Cantor Michael Shochet