This week’s Torah portion, Chayei Sarah (the life of Sarah,) opens not with life, as the title might suggest, but instead with Sarah’s death. We find Abraham in deep grief- mourning, weeping, and likely wondering how he will move forward without her.
But rather than withdrawing from society, or weeping by Sarah’s side forever, we read “vayakam Avraham,” which means “Abraham rose.” Abraham rises up from his darkest moment and begins taking action. First, he purchases land for Sarah’s burial, securing a final resting place for generations to come. Then, he sends his servant out to look for a wife for his son, ensuring the continuation of his people. Abraham rises, and he takes the first steps towards his family’s next chapter, carrying the covenant forward.
Thinking about the ideas of rising up and moving forward, I’m excited to share what took place last week in Jerusalem at the World Zionist Congress. As many of you know, I was proud to be part of the Reform slate. Through all of your votes and action the Reform slate received more votes than any other slate — not only in this election, but in the entire history of the WZC! The Reform movement was well-represented at the congress thanks to the hard work of many in this community.
At the congress, representatives of Jewish communities from around the world of different denominations and backgrounds came together to help determine priorities and funding for the future of Israel and the global Jewish people. Though I wasn’t there in person, I couldn’t be prouder of what our movement and our partners accomplished. Our movement stood tall, speaking up for democracy, pluralism, and inclusion. Through coalition-building and organizing with other progressive Jewish groups, they achieved amazing results, including:
- Securing equal government protection for Reform and liberal congregations in Israel.
- Expanding access to the egalitarian section of the Western Wall
- Creating a national mental-health taskforce for victims of terror and soldiers
- Halting funding for settlement expansion in Gaza and elsewhere
- Expanding youth movements and Israel education throughout the world
- Strengthening support for Holocaust survivors.
These amazing wins will not only benefit our movement and community, but the entirety of the Jewish people. They remind us of the importance of peoplehood, collective reasonably, and tikkun olam, repairing our world. I thank everyone who worked so hard to bring our Reform movement to such a prominent spot in the WZC and make all of this possible. May we all be inspired, like Abraham, to rise, and build a legacy and future we can each be proud of.
Shabbat Shalom,
Cantor Sydney Michaeli
