Shabbat Shalom

Shalom God,

So Shabbat is almost here and I'm finishing up at work before heading home to prepare. I just wanted to drop You a note, after a very long and busy week, thanking You for giving us this day of rest. Although as a rabbi, Shabbat tends to be very busy for me - it is still Shabbat and still my favorite day of the week.

I particularly love blessing my children. In this week's Torah portion, You teach us how to bless our children: Yivarechecha...May God bless you and keep you... I sometimes feel inadequate to be the giver of blessing but when I place my hands on my childrens' heads I often feel a rush of Your energy coming through me.

It is then that I realize that I am not, any more than Aaron was, the giver of blessing. I am not the giver - but the director of blessing. It does not originate with me or in me but You have given me the power to direct its course and on this special night each week, I guide it right to my most precious gifts - my girls.

I hope You take Your own advice and give Yourself a little time this Shabbat. I'm looking forward to talking with you tonight and tomorrow morning in shul.

Shabbat Shalom,
David