Parshat Bechukotai / Shabbat Mevarchim Chodesh Sivan

“It seems to be in our nature and it seems to be part of what God has given to us as a challenge as human beings: how to reduce the impact of the curses and amplify the impact of the blessings.”

During her drashah as we marked the 5th anniversary of CBST’s Ark Immigration Clinic, Senior Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum reflected on the challenges of blessings and curses — and how much easier it is to focus on the curses — particularly in the context of immigration. 

In naming the experiences of those who did not choose and those who longed to come to this country, Rabbi Kleinbaum reminded us that no experience is universal and that holding on to the blessings we can find is a way to sustain our care for ourselves and each other through actions like volunteering, standing up to bullies, and creating a humanitarian guard.

Rabbi Kleinbaum delivered this drashah at Kabbalat Shabbat services on Friday, May 31, 2024 /  23 Iyyar 5784.

Be in community with CBST at Kabbalat Shabbat services, Fridays at 6:30pm EST, either in person or streaming live.

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