Shabbat Shalom,
This week’s parsha, Sh’mini, is about stepping into a long-awaited moment and taking the time to recognize the people who helped get you there. I find that in the busyness of our ever-evolving world, we don’t always pause to appreciate just how meaningful it is to lift up the people around us who truly make a difference.
So here’s a simple challenge: take a moment to recognize someone in your life. A few words of appreciation or encouragement can go much further than we often realize.
And in that spirit, with this being Rabbi Cohen’s bar mitzvah portion, I want to do just that, to lift up the incredible leader he has been and the impact he has had on me and on our entire community.
I’ve been thinking a lot about how grateful I am for the past five years working alongside Rabbi Cohen. In that time, I’ve had a front-row, and sometimes backseat, view of what it looks like to lead with care, curiosity, and a real openness to trying new things.
Whether it’s jumping into new initiatives like our Sunday morning high school college credit course with American Jewish University, teaching the adult B’nai Mitzvah class, or showing up for the everyday moments that make a community what it is, Rabbi Cohen has always leaned in.
And also… truly one of the great baby-whisperers! There is something special about watching him connect with the youngest members of our community, especially his twin grandchildren, and bringing an instant sense of warmth and joy.
In Sh’mini, Aaron steps into a new phase of leadership, surrounded by both celebration and complexity. What stands out is not just his role, but his presence, grounded, steady, and deeply human in the midst of it all. That is a quality I have seen in Rabbi Cohen again and again.
Working in a synagogue, we often say community feels like family, but the truth is, it goes even deeper than that. I have had the privilege of seeing the care and empathy Rabbi Cohen brings to this congregation in ways that extend far beyond what most people get to see.
As we approach our celebrations of Rabbi Cohen in the coming months, I also find myself appreciating what an incredible team we have at Temple Jeremiah. I am especially grateful not only for the impact he has had, but for the way he has helped shape what comes next, being so present and intentional in setting us up for a strong transition alongside Rabbi Heaps, Cantor Lianna, Danny, and soon Rabbi Ben Rosen.
I feel lucky to be part of this moment, and part of the continued leadership and future of this community.
Shabbat Shalom,
Matt Rissien