Rabbi Alisa Zilbershtein: Striving for wholeness in challenging times

by Rabbi Alisa Zilbershtein

(Edmonton) – Shalom, Alberta Jewish community. I am Rabbi Alisa Zilbershtein, newly arrived at Beth Shalom in Edmonton. My path to this vibrant community has been filled with unexpected turns, including leaving my home in Ukraine. I’m grateful for the warm welcome I’ve received here in Alberta.

This Rosh Hashanah, we stand before the Holy One on Yom HaDin, the Day of Judgment. On this day, we read the story of the Binding of Isaac, Akedat Yitzhak. This moment in Abraham’s life connects deeply to a fundamental concept from our Torah: wholeness.

In Genesis 17:1, we read God’s command to Abraham:

– “התהלך לפני והיה תמים”

“Walk before Me and be whole.” This instruction to Abraham highlights a key aspect of our relationship with the Divine.

What does it mean to be “whole” or “tamim” in Hebrew? This word carries connotations of completeness, integrity, and sincerity. It suggests a state of being where our actions align with our values, where our inner selves harmonize with our outer expressions.

The Days of Awe invite us to examine our lives critically. Are we living with integrity? Do our deeds align with our beliefs? How can we strive for wholeness in our relationships with others, with ourselves, and with God?

This introspection takes on added weight given the challenges our global Jewish community faces. Israel grapples with war and internal divisions. In the Diaspora, we confront rising antisemitism and questions about our place in increasingly polarized societies. These realities can leave us feeling fragmented, anxious, and incomplete.

The call to be “tamim” – whole – rings out even more clearly amidst these difficulties. It reminds us that our strength lies not in perfection but in our continual striving for integrity and authenticity. It encourages us to face our challenges with honesty and courage, acknowledging our fears and shortcomings while working to overcome them.

The shofar’s blast serves as a call to this journey towards wholeness. Its piercing sound cuts through our complacency, urging us to mend the fractures in our lives and in our world. It calls us to reunite the scattered pieces of ourselves and our community.

This Rosh Hashanah offers an opportunity to recommit ourselves to the pursuit of “tamim” – wholeness – in our personal lives, in our relationships, and in our shared mission as a people.

The year ahead may hold both joys and sorrows, triumphs and setbacks. By embracing the concept of “tamim”, we equip ourselves to face whatever comes with grace and authenticity. We can find the courage to confront our imperfections and the strength to work towards positive change.

Our tradition teaches that supporting one another is crucial in this journey. Together, we can create spaces of understanding, compassion, and growth. We can approach the new year with hope, recognizing that even in challenging times, we have the capacity to heal and to create a more complete and just world. By striving for personal wholeness, we contribute to the strength and unity of our entire community.

As I begin my journey with this community, I am inspired by the resilience and warmth I’ve encountered. Together, let us support each other as we strive to fulfill the divine call: “Walk before me and be whole.”

“התהלך לפני והיה תמים”

May you have a good and sweet new year   שנה טובה ומתוקה

Rabbi Alisa Zilbershtein is the spiritual leader of Beth Shalom Congregation in Edmonton.