Sabbatical

Dear Solelniks,

The word “sabbatical” comes from the Hebrew word “Shabbat”, a time of rest and renewal, and is rooted in the instructions that God gave to Moses at Mt. Sinai. In the Torah, every seventh year is a sabbatical year where the land lies fallow. Sabbaticals are typically taken by rabbis in or after their seventh year of work for a congregation. Congregations that grant a sabbatical to their rabbis recognize the importance of providing an opportunity for their rabbi to periodically take some time to revitalize herself, and to return renewed and refreshed, both spiritually and professionally. I am grateful to be serving a community that recognizes the importance and value of a sabbatical.

Typically, clergy are granted a sabbatical period after seven years of service to the community. In January-February of 2023, I took two months away from Solel after eight years of service, for the first part of my sabbatical. After planning with our leadership, I will be away from Solel for the remaining part of my sabbatical this coming March through June, 2026. I will look forward to celebrating Purim with all of you on Monday March 2nd before my sabbatical begins.

I’ve been working with our leadership to ensure that I have the time I need to rejuvenate while keeping our community well cared for and advancing our programs and plans.

During the time that I am away, Shabbat and holiday services will be led by our wonderful lay leaders and by several guest clergy who will lead our community in prayer and song and learning. I hope that you will take advantage of the opportunity to join together to experience, learn, and be inspired by these gifted leaders. Please be sure to mark your calendars and plan to partake!

Our Bet Sefer school classes will continue as usual, led by Arliene Botnick. Our upcoming b’nei mitzvah students will continue their preparations with our great team of tutors. There will be opportunities for adult study that will be in a hybrid format so that you can attend in-person or on Zoom. We have also made arrangements for pastoral and emergency needs. In case of a death or serious illness, please call the Solel office and we will have a rabbi get in touch with you. If you have further questions about the sabbatical time, please contact Ruth Ostrower, our Solel president.

I am deeply grateful to Solel’s leadership who have worked on the planning for while I am away, especially to those who have volunteered to provide coverage for Shabbat services. Thank you so much for making this possible! I am very much looking forward to taking some time to rest and reorient, to learn, read and write, and spend time with family and friends. I am excited to have this time for deep reflection and study, and I look forward to returning to Solel with a refreshed spirit, with new ideas and a new perspective.

L’shalom,
Rabbi Audrey S. Pollack

Filed under: Rabbi's Message

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