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The concept of a Sabbatical year occurs in three distinct passages in the Torah. Among the obligations tied to the Sabbatical year is a commandment to let the land lay fallow every seventh year, to neither till, plant, nor work the land and soil in any way. Our ancestors understood what contemporary agriculturalists do as well – for land to sustain its level of productivity, allowing time for it to rest and rejuvenate is essential.

With this same principle in mind, the concept of a sabbatical was extended to clergy at some point during the 20th century as an opportunity for rejuvenation, a time for study and recreation to allow focus on rest, renewal and health of body and spirit. I have been truly enriched and blessed by the sabbatical leave Sinai’s lay leadership, with the support of my amazing clergy colleagues, has periodically afforded me through the years. I am grateful to once again have an opportunity for some restorative time away during the next six weeks.

As such, please note that I will be away from the office from Sunday, June 29, through Monday, August 11 (at which point, I will be well into rehearsals for “Fiddler on the Roof”!). While I will not be checking email or voicemail during this six-week period, should you wish to leave me a message or schedule an appointment for when I return, please contact Rachel DeLine. Any matters requiring rabbinic attention should be directed to either Rabbis Brad Levenberg or Sam Trief. I am immeasurably grateful to the entire clergy team as well as to our entire staff for their partnership and support of this time away. Thank you as well to Temple Sinai President Chuck Fox, along with our officers and board for this invaluable gift of time.

Praying that the coming weeks will bring a yearned-for sense of safety, security and peace to the people of Israel and all innocents who are in harm’s way, and that, please Gd, the hostages will soon know release from their captivity.

With blessings of good health,

Rabbi Ron Segal