Shabbat Message from Rabbi Ariel Russo

Week of March 18, 2022

Judith Kaplan, the eldest daughter of Rabbi Mordecai M. Kaplan, became the first American girl to have a bat mitzvah ceremony on March 18, 1922 in New York, N.Y. A clipping from the temple bulletin of Rhoda Shapiro's bat mitzvah announcement.

Jewish Women's Archive; Rhoda Shapiro

What is your Bat Mitzvah story?  Perhaps you are the first woman in your family to have a Bat Mitzvah.  Perhaps you had a Bat Mitzvah as an adult.  Or maybe you created opportunities for your daughter to have a Bat Mitzvah.  I would love to hear your stories and with your permission, we will share them on Facebook.  Please include a picture if you have one.  

This Shabbat marks the 100th anniversary of the first Bat Mitzvah.  On March 18, 1922, Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan, a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary, and the founder of Reconstructing Judaism officiated at the first Bat Mitzvah for his daughter, Judith.  Judith's Bat Mitzvah took place exactly 100 years ago today.  The Conservative Movement ran with this idea and Bat Mitzvahs became commonplace in Judaism.  I remember fondly when I first arrived at CSI Nyack, almost 8 years ago, and you hosted many Meet and Greet gatherings for me and Matt.  A theme that stood out is that many of you came to CSI because it was the first synagogue in Rockland County that was egalitarian.  Now the expectation is that all of our students of all genders will be called to the Torah for B'nei Mitzvah.

How fitting is it that we will be celebrating a Bat Mitzvah from our community this Shabbat?  The name of this week's Torah reading is Parashat Tzav, coming from the same root as Mitzvah, commandment.  The second line is a command for Aharon from God (via Moshe).  Rashi, one of our commentators, wrote "COMMAND AARON — The expression “Command …!” always implies urging on to carry out a command, implying too, that it comes into force at once, and is binding upon future generations."  Our future generations are taking on the command and celebrating Bat Mitzvahs with full hearts.  A gift to this generation and all future generations.  I look forward to hearing your stories and to celebrating with you this Shabbat. 

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Russo 

Shabbat Message from Rabbi Ariel Russo

Week of March 11, 2022

We read in Megillat Esther this week that  “grief turned into joy, a day of mourning into a day of celebration.” (Esther 9:22). 

Purim underscores the reality that life can change without warning.  While we normally assert the illusion of control, Purim reminds us that both joy and pain may be right around the corner.  We lean into this reality on Purim with revelry.  We respond to the fragility of life with drinking, masking, and partying (and CSI has an epic party planned for #PurimFest this year).    

Lest we despair with the knowledge that we live on the edge and a crisis may be right around the corner, Purim has more wisdom for us.  Of the four mitzvot associated with the holiday including, hearing Megillat Esther (Wednesday night at CSI), Mishloah Manot (I hope you have received yours by now or will soon), Seudat Mitzvah (feasting), and Matanot L'evyonim (sending gifts to those in need).  I want to focus on Matanot L'evyonim right now because we are in a crisis.  The news from Ukraine is devastating.  We heard meaningful and heartbreaking stories from our guests who fled the Taliban last Shabbat.  Another response to the capriciousness of life is to give generously.  Purim reminds us of what we already know and sometimes push aside.  

Join us this week for mitzvot, revelry, megillah, hamantashen, and a pretty spectacular party as we cultivate joy and celebrate the highs.  We also give generously on Purim because we know that things change quickly and that while we celebrate, others are in crisis.  

• Wednesday, March 16, 2022 - Erev Purim!

  • 6:00 pm Astonishing Andrew Magic Show

  • 7:00 pm Purim Shpiel and Megillah Reading

• Sunday, March 20, 2022 @ 3 - 5 - Purim Fest 

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Russo