Spring‘25/Summer ‘25
Shalom, Temple Beth El family,
As I write this summer column, there’s a rare and beautiful stillness in our home. Reese, our now five-month-old daughter (how did that happen so quickly?), is taking a much-prayed-for nap. Our dog, Millie, is sprawled across the cool tile floor, recovering from her favorite park, Barkyard n’ Brews. My wife and I are soaking in the sweet Florida quiet that only comes when you've finally gotten the baby to nap and the dog to stop barking at iguanas.
Summer in South Florida is not just a season – it’s an experience. It’s the way the ocean breeze cuts through a 90-degree day, the Birkenstocks at shul, and iced coffee before services. It’s about community, warmth, and, yes, plenty of sunscreen. This summer feels especially layered.
I promise you – I’ve never been so emotionally invested in a sport played on ice while living in a state where ice only exists in drinks. Our Cats brought home the Stanley Cup(AGAIN!). Their win reminded us that perseverance pays off, that the underdog still has a shot, and that joy can come even in the swelter of June.
On the other hand, our hearts are heavy. The tension and uncertainty in Israel continue to weigh on our souls. As Reform Jews, Zionists, and human beings, we hold both the ache of conflict and the hope for peace. We worry for the safety of Israelis and Palestinians. We mourn the loss of innocent lives. We pray – really pray – for leaders of wisdom, restraint, and vision. And we remind ourselves that, as Jews, we do not turn away from discomfort – we lean in, we engage, and we act.
These two poles – celebration and sorrow – are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they are deeply Jewish. Our tradition has always taught us how to dance at weddings, even as we remember the destruction of Jerusalem, and how to recite Shehechiyanu, even when we’re uncertain about what the next day will bring.
And so, this summer, I find myself doing just that: holding Reese in one arm and holding the weight of the world in the other. Singing Oseh Shalom at bedtime, hoping she will one day learn that those words are more than melody – they are our mission.
At Temple Beth El, we’re embracing that sacred balance. From joyful Shabbat gatherings to meaningful conversations about Israel, from beachside Torah study to moments of quiet prayer – we are a community that celebrates life while working to heal it.
Wishing each of you a summer filled with laughter, learning, and love. Come as you are, stay cool, and if you see me chasing a baby down Hollywood Blvd or Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale, just wave and know I'm still trying to figure out how to baby-wear in 98% humidity.
With warmth and blessings,
Rabbi Sataloff