At the Confluence of Av and Awe

I have started this Shabbat message several times already. I have been thinking about the confluence of our 4th of July holiday and Shabbat Korach (this week’s Torah portion is all about a populist leadership rebellion). However, I decided we have all had enough political angst in the past few weeks, and this Torah portion is pretty heavy. 

So, as we enter this Shabbat, I want to share a vision of summer spirituality with you. 

When folks around the country ask me about our Glacier Jewish Community, I explain that, just like pluralistic, pan-denominational Jewish communities anywhere, we are an eclectic bunch. What is unique about our Jewish community, from my perspective, is that its members have chosen to live in Northwestern Montana – surrounded by mountains, extraordinary natural beauty, and vast vistas of land and sky. If Jewish community is a person’s number one priority, they probably don’t end up here. And, Jews (and others) who live here generally love the outdoors and care deeply about the environment and ecosystems, plants and animals, water and weather, people and planet. “These people are my kind of Jews,” I tell anyone who asks. You are a people of the land and a people who value your connections to Judaism.

This summer, I invite you to join me in leaning into the spirituality of our connection with the land all around us. What is Jewish about that connection? SO many things! Together, let’s practice Jewish ways of listening, sharing, praying, singing, hiking, resting, chanting, learning, playing, making, baking, eating, and resting that integrate our love of our human and environmental ecosystems. 

I am working with members of our community to plan a variety of activities that I hope will speak to your sense of summer fun as well as your interest in deepening your understanding of Judaism’s treasure trove of spiritual wisdom. 

I know that many of you have been holding the first weekend of August for our GJC Eco-Jewish Shabbat Retreat. Early next week, you will receive an invitation with more information about how to register. In order to offer a meaningful experience, we will have a limited number of spots for folks who want to participate in this exciting multi-generational retreat weekend at a beautiful lodge and conference center in Lincoln, Montana. I hope you will be joining us for this special Shabbat, August 2nd - 4th.

I am SO overjoyed to be on my way in just a few days, and am jazzed to be a part of your summer plans! 

Wishing everyone a beautiful Interdependence Day and a Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Jessica