Rabbi Weitzman: A Season to Reflect, Rejoice, and Renew Together

This article first appeared in our May/Jun '25 edition of The Bulletin

As we welcome the season of spring, the world around us blooms with new life. The harshness of winter recedes as the warmth of the sun and the vibrancy of nature awaken once again. Spring, in all its beauty, is a season of renewal, growth, and hope - not only in the world of nature but also in the life of our community and our personal journeys. It is a time when we reflect on the past and look toward the future, embracing opportunities for progress.

This spring, as we approach the celebration of Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut, we find ourselves in a moment of collective reflection - remembering the sacrifices that led to the establishment of the State of Israel and celebrating its independence. These holidays invite us to contemplate the price of freedom, the resilience of our people, and the joy of progress. The themes of change and growth that define the spring season are echoed in these two days, which remind us that while change can be challenging, it can also lead to profound transformation and progress. Israel’s journey is a testament to the power of change for the better - a story of resilience and hope, of survival and triumph, much like the path we each walk in our own lives.

As we move from the solemnity of Yom HaZikaron to the joy of Yom Ha'atzmaut, we are reminded that progress does not come without hardship. The sacrifices made for Israel’s independence are immeasurable, and yet, Israel’s success as a nation is a symbol of what can be achieved through perseverance and vision. We, too, are called to reflect on the sacrifices made in our own lives and to recognize that meaningful change often requires resilience, courage, and the willingness to embrace the unknown.

This is especially poignant as we approach Shavuot, a holiday that celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Shavuot is a time when we reflect on the deep relationship between the Jewish people and God. It is not simply the celebration of a set of rules, but the recognition of a living, breathing tradition that provides us with wisdom and guidance. Torah offers a roadmap for navigating the complexities of life, for choosing paths of justice, compassion, and purpose.

The story of the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai is one of transformation. The Israelites, once slaves in Egypt, were about to receive a set of commandments that would forever alter their lives. They were called to rise to a new level of spiritual consciousness and responsibility, to live as free people united by divine law. This moment of profound change was difficult, yet it marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Jewish people - a chapter of growth, learning, and connection.

We too experience moments of transformation. Our journeys, like those of the Israelites, are filled with moments of challenge, but also with opportunities for growth. As individuals, families, and as a community, we are constantly evolving. Our personal and collective histories shape who we are, but they do not define who we will become. Just as the Torah was given to the Israelites as a tool for spiritual growth, our own lives present opportunities for us to deepen our understanding and commitment to our values, our community, and to living a life of meaning and purpose.

Shavuot also calls to mind the importance of Confirmation, a special tradition in Reform Judaism. For our young adults, Confirmation is not just a rite of passage, but a commitment to continue learning and growing in Jewish life. Just as the Israelites stood at Sinai to receive the Torah, so too do our confirmands stand today to affirm their connection to the Jewish people and the wisdom of our tradition. They are preparing to take on the mantle of Jewish responsibility and to carry the torch of Jewish life into the future.

As we celebrate Shavuot and the season of renewal, we are reminded that each of us has the potential for transformation. Just as our young people affirm their commitment to Jewish learning and discovery, we too are called to engage in this journey. The process of growing, of embracing the wisdom of the past, and applying it in new and meaningful ways, is a lifelong endeavor. Confirmation symbolizes a new chapter for our youth, one that is filled with promise and responsibility - a reminder that our connection to Torah and Jewish tradition is not static, but dynamic.

Change is inevitable. It is a natural part of life. But not all change is the same. Some change is unsettling, even painful, while other change opens new doors and offers us opportunities to evolve, to progress, to grow. This is the kind of change we seek: change that connects us more deeply to one another, to our faith, and to the world around us. This is the change that, through the teachings of Torah, brings us closer to God and to the better versions of ourselves.

This season is a reminder that while change can be challenging, it also offers incredible opportunities. Opportunities to grow, to learn, to contribute to a better world, and to create a community that reflects the best of who we are and all that we hope to become. Just as the earth blooms anew each spring, so too can our hearts and minds be renewed through our actions, our commitments, and our relationships.

As your Rabbi, I am here for you, whether you seek guidance, support, or simply someone to talk to. I invite you to reach out, to join me in conversation, and to share with me your hopes, dreams, and challenges. Together, we can explore how to embrace this season of renewal in the most meaningful way possible. 

May this season of renewal bring peace, joy, and a sense of hope for the future. May the lessons of these sacred days inspire us all to embrace the change that leads to progress, growth, and understanding. Ashley, Eden, Jonny and I look forward to being with you all soon.