A Lesson from Rabbi Weitzman: Shabbat Message 5.15.26

Dear Congregation Beth Emeth,

This week we begin the Book of Bamidbar, the Book of Numbers, with a Torah portion that opens in a surprising way: with a census. Tribe by tribe, family by family, person by person, the Israelites are counted and organized as they prepare to journey through the wilderness together.

At first glance, it can seem administrative or logistical. But beneath the counting lies a powerful spiritual truth: every person counts. Every individual matters. Every tribe carries its own identity, its own banner, its own gifts and yet all gather around a shared center, the Mishkan, the sacred space that binds the community together.

Bamidbar reminds us that strong communities are not built by erasing differences, but by honoring them while working toward a common purpose.

This message felt especially meaningful to me this past Tuesday evening, when I had the privilege of attending the annual Rev. Robert Lamar Memorial Dinner hosted by The Interfaith Alliance of Upstate New York. The dinner honors the legacy of one of our Capital Region's great interfaith leaders and celebrates those who continue the sacred work of building bridges across faiths and beliefs.

I was incredibly proud that our very own Ruth Mendel received an award recognizing her extraordinary work throughout the Capital Region. Ruth has long embodied the values at the heart of both Bamidbar and interfaith engagement: the belief that every voice matters, that relationships matter, and that communities grow stronger when we choose connection over division.

In many ways, interfaith work mirrors the journey of the Israelites in the wilderness. The desert is a place of uncertainty, vulnerability, and dependence upon one another. It is also a place where new relationships can emerge and where people learn to build something sacred together. In our own fractured and often divided world, creating spaces of respectful dialogue, shared action, and mutual care is holy work.

The tribes in Bamidbar each traveled under their own banner, maintaining their distinct identities, traditions, and stories. Yet they moved together toward a shared future. That is the vision of the community we continue striving to build within our congregation, throughout the Capital Region, and beyond.

As we enter Shabbat, may we remember that every person is counted. Every soul carries dignity. And every act of bridge-building helps bring greater compassion, understanding, and holiness into our world.

And to Ruth: thank you for representing Beth Emeth with such wisdom, generosity, and grace. We are blessed by your leadership and proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor.

Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful and meaningful Shabbat,

Rabbi Weitzman