A message from Rabbi Sara Abrams
It’s my bat mitzvah this month—not my first reading from the Torah, but my “rabbi bat mitzvah.”
Thirteen years ago, on May 19th, 2013, I was ordained as a Reform rabbi. As I call that day to mind, I am flooded with warm memories, particularly of the presence of family, friends, colleagues, and mentors who walked so tenderly and kindly with me so that I could wear the title “rabbi” proudly. Many of those who taught me and modeled for me how to be a rabbi have passed on, yet their teachings remain.
Rabbi Richard Levy (z”l) nurtured so many rabbinical students with his love for Judaism, God, and his deep commitment to the spirituality of the Jewish community. His gentleness, wisdom, and scholarship continue to inspire my work. Or Rabbi David Ellenson (z”l), who gave me smicha before the ark at Temple Israel of Hollywood, laying hands on me and whispering a blessing I have not yet forgotten. Or my mentor, Rabbi Laura Geller, who blessed me publicly in front of those gathered—these souls, and many more, poured themselves into my colleagues and me so that we would have the confidence, wherewithal, and grace to give of ourselves to the many souls we would serve in the years to come.
I am deeply thankful for them and for the many people who have shaped me over these past 13 years. The lessons along the way were not always easy. There have been ups and downs, mistakes and victories, embarrassments and disappointments, losses and wins, along with much questioning, celebrating, mourning, and rejoicing with so many precious people that I have lost count. Each person, both before and after my ordination—whether in Spokane, WA; Beverly Hills, CA; Scarsdale, NY; Chico, CA; or Los Angeles—has been my teacher, and I their student. Some people offered more grace as I set out, and some less, but each helped shape me into the rabbi I am. Through both adversity and kindness, I have learned to accept myself—strengths and weaknesses alike.
That is part of my prayer for all of you: that as you prepare to welcome your new Rabbi Sarah, you remember that just as she will be your teacher and rav, you will be her teachers as well. Pirkei Avot 1:6 teaches, “Find yourself a teacher; acquire for yourself a friend.” It is a special privilege to be the community that receives a newly ordained rabbi: you will teach one another, grow with one another, and, please God, discover in one another the unique friendship that can exist between a clergy person and her congregants. Like all relationships, it will require patience, kindness, the extension of grace, the assumption of goodwill, and a willingness to be open and honest with one another.
I know all of you are up to the task. Over these next two months, I will do my best to share whatever remaining wisdom I have as you prepare for a very promising new chapter.
With blessing,
—
Rabbi Sara Abrams
323.942.1865
rabbisaraabrams@gmail.com
rabbisaraabrams.com