As 2025 draws to a close, we are surrounded by invitations to look back. From "best-of" lists to music streaming services telling us our top songs and "listening age," secular culture nudges us to ask: How has this year shaped us? As Jews, we’re lucky; we get to do this twice. We have Rosh Hashanah for our cheshbon ha-nefesh—our "soul-accounting"—and then the secular New Year offers a second look. It’s a gift, really. We need these frequent check-ins to ensure we’re staying on course, to enable us to grow. This week’s Torah portion, Vayigash, illustrates this process through the character of Judah. Importantly, it is ultimately from his name, Yehudah, that we take our own: Yehudim. Standing before the Egyptian viceroy—unaware it is his brother Joseph—Judah pleads for his youngest brother, Benjamin. He speaks a painful truth: he acknowledges that his father, Jacob, still plays favorites. He accepts that Benjamin is loved more than the rest. [...]

I can’t remember when I first learned the Hanukkah song Banu Choshech Legaresh, or when I first really paid attention to it. It presents as a simple children’s song — catchy, repetitive, the kind of tune sung in preschools and community gatherings. But recently I’ve learned more about its origins and meaning, and I’ve come to appreciate how deeply it captures the heart of Hanukkah and points us toward something essential about what it means to be a Jew.The song was written in 1960 by Sarah Levi-Tanai and Emanuel Amiran and quickly became a staple — not because of historical circumstance, but because of the truth it conveys so simply. One line in particular really stands out:כָּל אֶחָד הוּא אוֹר קָטָן וְכֻלָּנוּ אוֹר אֵיתָן!Each of us is a small light, but together, we are a strong light.In many ways, that single line encapsulates the essence of Hanukkah — and of Jewish resilience. Each [...]

Joseph’s simple words from this week’s parasha linger with me as we prepare for Shabbat: “I am looking for my brothers (אֶת־אַחַ֖י אָנֹכִ֣י מְבַקֵּ֑שׁ).” (Genesis 37:16) On the most literal level, Joseph is simply trying to find them as his father has requested. But on a more spiritual level, Joseph is seeking their well-being — their shalom — and everything that goes with it: connection, understanding, responsibility, love, and care. I’ve been thinking about that verse a lot this week as we celebrate extraordinary leaders in our community. Last night’s Blue and White Ball gave us the opportunity to honor four remarkable people: Lowell Milken, Sandra Salka Milken, and Natalie and Michael Zarabi. So much of their leadership is rooted in service — in lifting up our Wise family, the brothers and sisters who make this place not just a congregation but a home. Again and again, these leaders have stepped up, not only for their own [...]