This is a moving piece. I'm so sorry that so many in our larger community have made things so hard for you. I remember talking to a friend in rabbinical school a couple of decades ago who only had misogyny to deal with, without the racism. I'm glad you've hung in there, because I really value you as a rabbi, I pay attention to what you've got to say, and I too am looking for a Jewish community where I belong. I'd be honored to join yours. Shana Tova!
Thank you so much for your honesty! I truly wish that those who you have highlighted as instigators of the messiness you face could be as eloquent in their own introspection. I count myself as a member of your community-- we are everywhere! Shabbat Shalom!
Your honesty and openness in sharing this is so powerful and valuable and meaningful. Longing for the world that provides what you need and fully accepts what you have to offer, and so grateful for what you have been able to do through these barriers you write about. May the coming year bring an expansion of the community you need - for you and for all of us. Shana tova.
This just breaks my heart for you and for our world. It is the Jewish community’s loss that they have not accepted you into the fold. I feel very fortunate to have come across your writings because I guess I would call myself a somewhat lapsed Jew these days, but your writing definitely resonates with me! I hope you find a community you feel good about and please know there are those of us out here who are grateful for your existence! 💙
You have always inspired me. As I follow your example I admit that I don't practice Judaism anymore because the experiences you encountered are shared experiences within many Jewish communities; my Jewish community included. Those struggles drove me out as I tired of straining to project myself as understanding, compassionate, and forgiving towards bigots and hypocrites. Today, I am a proud member of a spiritual society which was part of the underground railroad system that helped escaped slaves reach the American northeast and Canada during the bleak years of enslavement. This community acknowledges stolen land and genocidal practices against indigenous populations, recognizes and repudiates racism, and openly welcomes those who identify as LGBTQ+. Please know that I am not recruiting you or seeking to "convert" you to anything. I simply wanted to let you know that you are not alone.
Thank you for sharing your reality as a Rabbi. This reflection brought me to tears--that you don't have community and that there is so much repetition in the racism and sexism within the Jewish community and beyond. I thank you for this past year's musings and teachings, which enrich my life. May this next year bring you community and continued strength to help us all become more open to our failings and ways to address them. Shana Tova Umetukah.
Shabbat Shalom, sitting beside you, wishing things were different, appreciating your public honesty & hard to know & true even Jews are slow learners & need to learn to love Hagar for once we were one & it hurt- don’t do to others what is hurtful to
I live in Germany and love your posts. I learn so much. I appreciate your voice, your wisdom and how you handle those struggles. This IS the space where community actually is, even if it feels intangible.
This is a moving piece. I'm so sorry that so many in our larger community have made things so hard for you. I remember talking to a friend in rabbinical school a couple of decades ago who only had misogyny to deal with, without the racism. I'm glad you've hung in there, because I really value you as a rabbi, I pay attention to what you've got to say, and I too am looking for a Jewish community where I belong. I'd be honored to join yours. Shana Tova!
Thank you. Sending love
!גם לח
Thank you so much for your honesty! I truly wish that those who you have highlighted as instigators of the messiness you face could be as eloquent in their own introspection. I count myself as a member of your community-- we are everywhere! Shabbat Shalom!
Thank you
Your honesty and openness in sharing this is so powerful and valuable and meaningful. Longing for the world that provides what you need and fully accepts what you have to offer, and so grateful for what you have been able to do through these barriers you write about. May the coming year bring an expansion of the community you need - for you and for all of us. Shana tova.
This just breaks my heart for you and for our world. It is the Jewish community’s loss that they have not accepted you into the fold. I feel very fortunate to have come across your writings because I guess I would call myself a somewhat lapsed Jew these days, but your writing definitely resonates with me! I hope you find a community you feel good about and please know there are those of us out here who are grateful for your existence! 💙
Dear Rabbi Sandra,
You have always inspired me. As I follow your example I admit that I don't practice Judaism anymore because the experiences you encountered are shared experiences within many Jewish communities; my Jewish community included. Those struggles drove me out as I tired of straining to project myself as understanding, compassionate, and forgiving towards bigots and hypocrites. Today, I am a proud member of a spiritual society which was part of the underground railroad system that helped escaped slaves reach the American northeast and Canada during the bleak years of enslavement. This community acknowledges stolen land and genocidal practices against indigenous populations, recognizes and repudiates racism, and openly welcomes those who identify as LGBTQ+. Please know that I am not recruiting you or seeking to "convert" you to anything. I simply wanted to let you know that you are not alone.
Thank you
Thank you for sharing your reality as a Rabbi. This reflection brought me to tears--that you don't have community and that there is so much repetition in the racism and sexism within the Jewish community and beyond. I thank you for this past year's musings and teachings, which enrich my life. May this next year bring you community and continued strength to help us all become more open to our failings and ways to address them. Shana Tova Umetukah.
Let’s build that place together. You know where to find me. Shabbat Shalom ❤️ -Patrick
Black Lives Matter
Shabbat Shalom, sitting beside you, wishing things were different, appreciating your public honesty & hard to know & true even Jews are slow learners & need to learn to love Hagar for once we were one & it hurt- don’t do to others what is hurtful to
Would love to connect sometime
I think u r awesome
Reb TZiPi
Thevavnikrebbe@gmail.com
I live in Germany and love your posts. I learn so much. I appreciate your voice, your wisdom and how you handle those struggles. This IS the space where community actually is, even if it feels intangible.
Thank you. Sending love though the interwebs.