It was always about
Helping people
Explore their tradition
Examine their values
And find their way.
It was not about
Telling them
How to explore and examine
Or what to think
Or preventing them
From taking part
In rituals and leadership
Due to their approach
Their views
Or their opinions.
There was always a possibility
To widen someone else’s horizons
And, for me, to learn something new,
By keeping a door open
Rather shutting them out.
This is my life as a rabbi.
To see religious leaders
Of my faith or others
Rejecting those out of hand
Who disagree with them
Is, sadly, not surprising,
But it is painful.
And, I believe, that the God in whom I believe
And in whom those of a different mind than mine
Claim to believe
Is large enough to encompass us all
To enable us to gain insights from one another
And to bring us together
Despite what drives us apart.
Will we ever listen to that voice of the divine
That speaks inside of us
Seeking to move us closer to the mountain
And the perspective
of the Eternal One.
May we reach that holy space
Soon.
