Rabbi Aaron
Rabbi Aaron
Summer 2024
As I begin my third year at Temple Beth El, I'm reminded of how lucky I am to work with such an amazing community; not only the staff, but also the members that really comprise this amazing group of folks. What I have felt is nothing short of audacious hospitality. My family (which has grown by one — our new puppy, Millie) has been welcomed with open arms by Beth El since we first arrived. This welcoming spirit makes our community truly special, and I sincerely appreciate it.
Since our magazine is called Chai Times, I reflect on the word chai itself. Chai, unlike its counterpart noun, chayyim (meaning life), is a verb meaning LIVING. Life at Beth El is not static, but grows and evolves as the days move forward. Like in my life, I have said my goodbyes, most recently to my dog Charlie, but I've also had the opportunity for joyful hellos. We've said goodbye to members we've lost this year who we will never forget and always cherish, but we've also said hello to the new folks who joined us and brightened our synagogue with their spirit and joy. The same can be said about rituals on Shabbat — programming, fundraising, our building — and Hollywood itself, which looks different daily.
Life is a verb (well, metaphorically). While cliché and simple, it reminds us that every day is a renewal of creation. We can be excited and thankful for these things while remembering what once was, to which I say, "L'chayyim Tovim" — may we not merely live, but instead live a GOOD life.
Cheers to us and to living our best lives at Temple Beth El. I'm looking forward to another fantastic year.
Rabbi Aaron Sataloff
Spring 2024
UNDER (standing) CONSTRUCTION
I pass at least ten construction zones on my walk from our new Townhome to downtown Fort Lauderdale. New condos, apartments, schools, and state park enhancements. As soon as one is completed, it's as if another springs up the very next day. I recall moving into our new apartment on Las Olas with a clear view of the New River, only to have it obstructed merely 3 months later by another fancier, loftier Highrise. And as wonderful as it all is for the city (and our property values), it can be rather aggravating.
Ear-piercing drilling dampens the sounds of chirping birds, barking dogs, and neighbors' sidewalk conversations. Nowadays, I even keep a keen eye on soaring cranes as I walk below. I think, "As soon as this one or that one is done, it'll finally be peaceful and perfect." But deep down, I know that will never be the case. There will always be one construction zone or another. Because that's just the game of progress.
I tend to have the same outlook on life. A hopeful yet false belief that on the other side of some condition, construction zone, disturbance, or problematic circumstance lies serenity and zen. But life doesn't work that way. It is more like various construction zones at varying speeds. And from the perspectives of neighbors or newcomers moving in, they can be blessings or curses. Life is a hodge-podge juggling act. Really, there is no peace unless we make peace with the continuous unfolding of life's construction zones.
In Hebrew, however, it is no coincidence that the words for construction, B'ni'ah (בְּנִיָּה), and understanding Binah (בִּינָה), are practically identical – they have the same letters but different placements. Thus, gaining understanding means tearing down and building up new structures of concepts and knowledge. Understanding really is a construction process. It's only possible to gain understanding by getting a little dirty. Breaking a few eggs is the only way to make an omelet.
Further, it takes time and patience to gather proper materials. Consider the years that pass for suitable wood to be grown and used for roofs or walls in our homes. Finding the appropriate supervisor for a project is essential for the finished project. Similarly, understanding also takes finding suitable educational materials, teachers, mentors, and time and tolerance. Like its citizens, Hollywood is constantly changing, evolving, emerging, and becoming something new. But new understandings force us to embrace new ways of thinking and viewing things like new structures and landscapes do.
Here at Beth El, while we have finished (for now) the construction of our roof and other projects, we are now beginning a new phase of construction: that of our community, which changes and evolves as our understanding of Judaism grows. So, word of advice. Wear a hard hat and stay patient. As the sign says, "SLOW, PEOPLE WORKING…on themselves."
Be Well,
Rabbi Aaron Sataloff
Fri, October 18 2024
16 Tishrei 5785
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