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From the Assistant RabbiJune 2005From the Desk of Rabbi SharffWhen I came to town at the beginning of May to interview for the assistant rabbi position at Temple Emanu-El, there was an eerily similar event going on just across the Atlantic. While the members of Temple Emanu-El were looking to hire their new assistant rabbi, the Catholic Church was in the process of choosing their new pope. Now I would never say that I am in the same league as a Pope, though we both like to wear kippot, the ensuing discussions about the white smoke coming from the Vatican got me to thinking about the issue of change. Critics have accused Judaism of being a religion resistant to change; yet history would indicate that our heritage is centered on the idea of transformation. When it comes to the topic of leadership, Judaism always appears to be looking ahead. God and Moses prepared the Israelites for Moses’ eventual departure by naming Joshua early on as Moses’ successor. Elisha stepped in for Elijah. David handed the reigns to Solomon, though sadly it would not be as easy for their descendants. Likewise the early rabbis trained their students to continue the process of teaching and learning, so that Judaism would constantly grow in new and profound ways. Our Siddur, our Haggadah, and even our laws and rituals though grounded in the past, are also in a constant state of flux. This is because Judaism, even before the days of the Reform Movement, changed over time to fit the demands of each generation. If anything, we are a people who in many ways are always in a state of transition. Our ability to adapt is perhaps one of the most significant reasons for our continued survival when so many other civilizations have died out. Yet change is never easy. It was not easy for our ancestors, and it is not easy for us. A valued, trusted, energetic, and talented member of the clergy team is moving onto his own pulpit. At the same time a new and unknown person will be stepping in. Though I will give it my all to fill the role David is leaving behind, I must admit that I have very large shoes to fill, both literally and figuratively. With transition comes anxiety and excitement, and our tradition teaches us that the most effective way to work through transition is communication. Just as God prepared Moses and the Israelite community for change, it too teaches us to plan, prepare, and most of all talk with one another about how we are doing through the process. In order to do that I would like to tell you a little bit about myself. I was born at a very early age in Cincinnati, OH. The son of a rabbi, I grew up in Houston with my parents and my younger brother Micah. From early on I found I had a passion for all things Jewish. I attended religious school, summer camp, and later on I was very active at the University of Texas Hillel before deciding to go to Israel and the Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion in 1998. While in Cincinnati I met Joy at the wedding of a mutual friend. After putting many miles on my Honda Civic driving between Cincinnati and St. Louis, where Joy was in medical school, we decided to get married in Atlanta before settling in Cincinnati. After my ordination in 2004 and a brief sojourn in Atlanta, we have decided, like most good Jews, to return to the desert. I enjoy playing the guitar, SCUBA diving, occasionally exercising, and most importantly, I especially like getting to know people. I am very excited about joining this wonderful community here in Tucson, and I am looking forward to meeting all of you. My door is always open, and I hope that you all stop by (though perhaps not all at the same time). I pray you that have a wonderful summer and that God grants us a season of not too much warmth with plenty of glorious late afternoon showers. Rabbi Ben Sharff |
