Rabbi Eshel's Shabbat Message - March 28, 2025

We’re all in this together! No, not the immortal words of Disney’s High School Musical. Rather, the immortal words of our torah and the power of our community—our shared history, values, and the sacred responsibility we have to one another. Parshah Pekudei, the final portion of the Book of Exodus, reminds us that every individual contribution, no matter how small, plays a role in building something greater than ourselves. It tells of the careful record-keeping and collective effort that went into constructing the Mishkan (Tabernacle), a holy space that reflected the unity and dedication of the Israelite community.

Today, we too are called to contribute to something larger than ourselves. The upcoming elections for the World Zionist Congress present us with a profound opportunity to shape the future of Israel and the global Jewish community. Just as our ancestors took responsibility for building a just and sacred space, we must take responsibility for ensuring that our values and vision are reflected in Israel’s future.

When we vote for the Reform slate, we are voting for an Israel that upholds the principles of democracy, pluralism, and equality. We are standing up for a vibrant Jewish peoplehood, one that embraces diversity and ensures that all Jews—regardless of gender, background, or denomination—have a place in Israel’s spiritual and communal life. We are supporting our Israeli Reform Movement as it builds new, authentic expressions of Jewish identity and works tirelessly to lift up those who are marginalized in Israeli society.

More than ever, our voice matters. We remain steadfast in our prayers and actions for the release of the hostages and for an end to the war. We stand against the rising threats of antisemitism and anti-Zionism in the U.S. and around the world. Every vote we cast is like the gold, silver, and acacia wood given for the Mishkan—it is an offering of commitment, a declaration that we will not stand idly by but will instead take ownership of our shared destiny.

Pekudei teaches us that leadership requires accountability, vision, and action. This is not a time for passivity or indifference. It is a time to engage, to ensure that our Reform Movement continues to shape an Israel that is strong, secure, inclusive, and a beacon of Jewish values.

This Shabbat, as we conclude the Book of Exodus and proclaim “Chazak, Chazak, v’Nitchazek”—“Be strong, be strong, and let us be strengthened”—let us take these words to heart. Let us strengthen Israel and our people by making our voices heard. Please join me as we vote Reform and help build the future we dream of—together.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi David Eshel