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Valentine’s Day has become a multi-billion-dollar industry, seamlessly woven into our yearly rhythm. Yet, we rarely pause to consider its origins. The heart shape we associate with love can be traced back to ivy and fig leaves found in ancient artwork, as well as the silphium plant, which once flourished in North Africa. Silphium was so valuable—prized as both a cure-all and a natural contraceptive—that it brought immense wealth to Cyrene, the richest city on the continent. Its seed pods were even engraved on Cyrene’s coins.
About 180 years ago, Richard Cadbury revolutionized chocolate by blending bitter drinking chocolate with sugar, sparking an obsession with edible chocolate. He sold his chocolates in red, heart-shaped boxes, forever linking them to Valentine’s Day. And a century ago, Joyce Hall introduced Valentine’s Day cards to the United States—an endeavor born out of necessity after a fire destroyed the building where he and his brother stored their printing equipment.
We rarely stop to reflect on the origins of our traditions, both collective and personal. But this week’s Torah portion invites us to do just that.
In Parashat Yitro, we return to the moment that defined us as a people. Until this point in the Torah, we were the Israelites—a wandering group of monotheists led by the passionate and charismatic Moses. But with the giving of the Ten Commandments, we underwent a profound transformation. We became the Jewish people, bound together by a brit—a covenant—with God.
Of course, we received more than just the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. In total, we were given 613 mitzvot. Nowhere in the Torah does it say that the Ten Commandments are more important than the others, but 613 is a daunting number. It’s natural, even necessary, to focus on a smaller, more tangible set of guiding principles.
Right now, many aspects of our world feel daunting, disconcerting, and overwhelming—the fires, the hostages, the divisive political landscape, the unrelenting news cycle. In times like these, it helps to be reminded of our core principles—the guideposts that help us navigate uncertainty and complexity.
With that in mind, I want to share some of the central Jewish values that shape our work at Wilshire Boulevard Temple. While not an exhaustive list, these values reflect the heart of our mission.
Core Jewish Principles Guiding Our Community
B’tzelem Elohim – In God’s Image
"And God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, after our likeness…’" (Genesis 1:26)
From the very first chapter of the Torah, we are taught that every person carries inherent dignity and worth. B’tzelem Elohim reminds us that we are all reflections of the Divine. At Wilshire Boulevard Temple, we are committed to fostering respect for the humanity in every individual.
Machloket – Healthy Disagreement
A central concept in Jewish tradition is machloket, the idea that disagreement, when approached with openness and respect, can be sacred. Our community is made up of diverse perspectives, and we see this as a strength. Engaging in meaningful conversations—even when they are difficult—helps us grow, learn, and strengthen our bonds.
Shalom Bayit – Peace in the Home
Shalom Bayit, or "peace in the home," extends beyond our personal households. It teaches us the value of compromise and compassion, helping us balance passionate convictions with the greater good. In a world that often seeks to divide, we strive to be a community of understanding, unity, and peace.
Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh B’zeh – Mutual Responsibility
"All of Israel is responsible for one another."
We are bound together as a people, responsible for supporting and caring for one another. Today, this value calls us to stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters around the world, especially in Israel. But it also speaks to our responsibility within our own community—lifting one another up in times of struggle and celebrating together in times of joy.
Chesed – Lovingkindness
Chesed compels us to look beyond ourselves and seek ways to uplift others. It is the foundation of compassion—visiting the sick, comforting mourners, assisting those in crisis, and strengthening our communal bonds. It calls us to recognize the vulnerable among us and respond with kindness and generosity.
Tikkun Olam – Repairing the World
Though the term tikkun olam is sometimes overused, its essence remains true: the world is broken, and we are responsible for repairing it. Whether through our Karsh Family Social Service Center, our local partnerships, or broader efforts to address injustice, we are committed to turning values into action.
These principles are more than abstract ideals—they are the foundation of who we are. In times of uncertainty and in moments of hope, they guide us. I look forward to deepening our commitment to these values and shaping a future rooted in compassion, justice, and community.
I hope you will join me for my formal Installation as Senior Rabbi at Wilshire Boulevard Temple on March 9, as we celebrate the journey ahead together.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Joel Nickerson