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Rabbi Wolfe’s Corner

About the Rabbi

Over the past decade, Rabbi Wolfe, his wife Julie and two children Noah and Ariella, have become a cherished and indispensable part of our House of Friends.

Rabbi’s Statement

My rabbinate is driven by two passions: my love of working with people in a vibrant and rich community, and a deep desire to create opportunities for people to enhance their Jewish lives. I look forward to working with each Bet Haverim member, creating a sense of teamwork and a passionate community, alive with Judaism. I am excited about teaching – opening doors to the spiritual, cultural and historical traditions that make Judaism so rich. I believe that we all possess the power to make a difference in the world and in people’s lives, and that Judaism provides the sacred tools to accomplish our tasks. I hope you will join us.

The essence of Judaism is the ongoing dialogue that we have with our God. This is a conversation that has animated the Jewish people for centuries; exciting, challenging and even frustrating, but always necessary, nurturing us as Jews and human beings. Out of this conversation grows our sense of who we are as individuals and as a people – our values, our history and our convictions.

As your rabbi, I hope to become partners with you in this age-old dialogue as we explore what it means to be a Jewish community today. We are not in search of specific answers, for God allows us to hear the divine word in diverse ways. Rather, we strive simply to participate in the conversation of Judaism.

Shalom, Rabbi Greg Wolfe

Rabbi Wolfe’s Writing: Essays, Stories & Sermons

Read some of the rabbi’s featured writings.

Rabbi Wolfe’s May eTone article (continued)

The Wisdom of Counting:  Can We Count on You?

How do we count on you?  Let us count 7 ways (in honor of Shavuot) that you can truly make a difference in the life of our congregation.  Each of the 7 ways also reflects a theme of the sephirot (God’s Divine emanations) that inform and color each week of the counting of the Omer.  (I have drawn much of this information from a wonderful new book by Rabbi Min Kantrowitz, Counting The Omer:  A Kabbalistic Meditation Guide.)

We count on you to:

1.  Take the initiative to LEARN about the many different kinds of activities and programs we provide, from the cultural to the educational, and the social to the spiritual.  We invite you to read your E-Tone and weekly E-News regularly, and visit our website often (www.behaverim.org) to stay aware of and be actively engaged in the many programs and events that are taking place at Bet Haverim.  This path reflects the quality of the second sephirah, Gevurah or Discernment, and depends upon commitment to deepen our understanding and awareness of what is available to us.

2.  MAKE GETTING INVOLVED A PRIORITY for you and your family.  Make a commitment to come and participate in the wide array of programs, events and celebrations that our congregation provides.  We have something for everyone.  And if you don’t see what you want, we invite you to work with us to make it happen.  Become a regular at something that the synagogue can offer to your own Jewish growth.  This path reflects the quality of the third sephirah, Tiferet or Heart-Centered Integration, which leads to a wonderful new sense of balance and harmony as we connect more deeply with the congregation.

3.  BECOME A LEADER and take on a role in planning programs and/or serving on committees.  The working groups of Bet Haverim are the heart and soul of our community.  Here is where you can really make a difference on the ground.  Here is where you can make your Jewish dreams come true!  This path reflects the quality of the  seventh sephirah, Malchut or Leadership; “the sacred container that holds all that has been received, nurtures it and passes it on.” (Kantrowitz p. 205)

4.  SHARE YOUR AMAZING TALENTS with us in the congregation…teach something you are passionate about or utilize your skills to help our community grow towards excellence.  Everyone has unique gifts that can become beautiful blessings for our congregation.  What are yours?  This path reflects the quality of the fifth sephirah, Hod or The Reverberations of Splendor, which celebrates your singular uniqueness.  There is no one like you, and like a pebble tossed into a pond, your impact upon the community radiates out in powerful and even unknown ways.

5.  REACH OUT TO NEW PARTNERS and make them feel welcome.  Each person at Bet Haverim is a valuable ambassador who represents the face of our community.  Be a welcoming presence, help others make connections and friends.  This is what brings people into community, this is why people stay.  Never underestimate the power you possess with a simple smile or greeting to make someone new feel at home, like they belong.  And while you are at it, why not also reach out to those who have been a part of the Bet Haverim family for awhile whom you haven’t had a chance to really get to know yet.  Amazing, life-long friendships are waiting to be discovered!  This path reflects the quality of the first sephirah, Chesed or Lovingkindness, which is the essence of the warm and welcoming community that we are creating together.

6. REACH OUT TO YOUR JEWISH FRIENDS and NEIGHBORS and introduce them to the warm and welcoming Jewish opportunities that Bet Haverim offers to celebrate Jewish living, learning and the life of the spirit.  Think about what got you connected and involved at Bet Haverim and share that gift with others.  This path reflects the quality of the sixth sephirah, Yesod or Foundation for the Future, which focuses on generativity and those tasks that help us grow and build the next generations of our community.

7.  REALIZE YOUR FULL POTENTIAL AS A SACRED PARTNER in sustaining the health and well-being of our congregation.  This is especially true during these times of financial challenge.  We welcome and encourage you to explore this next year the various ways you can strengthen the role you play through your annual commitment and/or directed giving.  This last path reflects the quality of the fourth sephirah, Netzach or Sustainability, which is conceived of as the perpetual energy force that keeps all things going in the universe in an organized way towards a particular goal.  Please know that you are a vital part of ensuring the long-term success and vibrancy of this sacred community–this House of Friends–that belongs to all of us.

Over the 49 days of counting the Omer, we come to understand that everything we do counts.  May you come to appreciate during this time of year what really counts in your life and respond in a manner that will deepen the ways in which your life counts.

With gratitude and appreciation for all the blessings that you bring to my life and the life of our community,

Rabbi Greg

Rabbi Wolfe’s Newsletter Articles:

Feb 2011 Rabbi article
Dec 2010 Rabbi article
November 2010 Rabbi article
October 2010 Rabbi article

Contact Rabbi Wolfe

Contact the Rabbi at (530) 758-0842 ext. 102.

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