I’m a firm believer that you can never be too old to learn. Across my almost half-century in the rabbinate, both in my Delaware congregation and my Virginia part-timers, I’ve requested an occasional report card so I would know where changes might lead to a more effective rabbinate. Constructive criticism is important in every sphere of life, and truly whether it is with regard to sermons, personal relationships, teaching, etc. that’s how I’m able to move forward, as the expression goes. Since I’ll be with you in the coming year, the expression has meaning. Please respond to Michelle before June 22nd.
In this week’s Torah portion, B’haalot’cha,” Moses is approached by Joshua, soon to be his successor, who says to him in a tizzy, “Moses, Eldad and Medad are prophesying all over the camp!” It seems that Joshua was jealous for Moses’ sake, but the great leader said, “Would that all our people be capable to offer prophecy!” Well, we have no more prophets, but we do have you, those who are sharp enough to know what should be and what shouldn’t.
Please direct your comments to Michelle, not me. And P L E A S E include your name. Michelle DOES NOT HAVE TO forward your name to me, but I believe there’s more substance to a comment – good or not good - when there is a name connected to it. It’s easier to move from “constructive” to “destructive” when someone feels the sky’s the limit if s/he cannot be identified. It’s happened to colleagues of mine. We have to remember that where Joshua was more caustic, Moses manifested his usual compassionate self.
On another related point. I recently heard the word “survey” mentioned. Some congregations send out occasional “surveys.” Most clergy are very much against them especially the anonymous kind of survey. So often there are those who would have absolutely no opinion about a topic/issue but once the bait is out there, they’ll come up with something, and in far too many instances responses are not relevant. They tend to add fuel to a non-existent fire until there is a fire. My request is not a survey. It’s specific, and I’m asking you to respond to the question of improvements.
Thanks so much for your honesty regardless what direction your comments take. Again, I’d like them to be received by Michelle by June 22nd.
(Speaking of Virginia…God was missing for six days. Eventually, Michael the angel, found God, resting on the seventh day. He asked, “Where have You been?” God smiled deeply and proudly pointed downwards through the clouds. “Look, Michael. Look what I’ve made.” Michael looked puzzled and said, “What is it?” “It’s a planet,” replied God, “and I’ve put life on it. I’m going to call it Earth and it’s going to be a place to test Balance.” Michael inquired, “Balance? I’m still confused.” God explained, pointing to the different parts of earth. “For example, Northern Europe will be a place of great opportunity and wealth, while Southern Europe is going to be poor. Over here I’ve placed a continent of Black people. Balance in all things.” God continued pointing to different countries. “This one will be extremely hot, while this one will be very cold and covered in ice.” Michael, impressed by God’s work, then pointed to a land area and said, “What’s that one?” God replied, “That’s Virginia, the most glorious place on earth. There are beautiful mountains, rivers and streams, lakes, forests, hills and plains. The people from Virginia are going to be handsome, modest, intelligent, and humorous, and they are going to travel the world. They will be extremely sociable, hardworking, high achieving, carriers of peace, and producers of good things.” Michael gasped in wonder and admiration, but then asked, “But what about balance, God? You said there would be balance.” God smiled. “Right next to Virginia is Washington, DC. Wait til you see the idiots I put there!”)