Dear Hevreh,

Chances are that if you’re reading this message, there’s been at least one seminal moment in your life when you either felt a connection to being Jewish, or (if you don’t identify as Jewish) you developed an appreciation for what Judaism has to offer. In other words, regardless of our particular experiences, we share a universal feeling of the importance of whatever-it-is-that-we-call-“Jewish.”

Our weekend’s scholar Rabbi Porath will spend some time on Friday night helping us articulate and appreciate these seminal experiences of being/feeling Jewish. Understanding these experiences is critical because they spark our “inner yid,” the part of us that feels a deep attachment to Judaism, and it is only by tapping into that “inner yid” that we can begin to more deeply explore the importance, relevance, and impact that Judaism can have on our lives.

Music is also a key pathway for igniting our “inner yid.” I’ve been in conversations with many of you in which we’ve talked about the critical role that music plays developing a connection to Judaism. For some that’s discovering a new tune and for others it’s harnessing the nostalgic power of traditional melodies, both of which Cantor Mullin and I will utilize during Friday night’s service. All of us — myself, Cantor Mullin, and Rabbi Porath — want you to leave Friday night feeling the warmth of your “inner yid,” whether it’s with a tune, thought, or story bouncing through your head as you leave, because once you feel that “inner yid” there’s no limit as to how much whatever-it-is-that-we-call-“Jewish” can make a positive impact in your life.

Kol Tuv,

Rabbi Ari Saks