November 28, 2025

On October 7^th, the book I had ordered by Eli Sharabi called “Hostage,” arrived in the mail. With all the excitement of the new ceasefire and the hostages being released, I could not bring myself to read it. Upon returning from Israel earlier this month, I came home, opened the book and after three days, finished it. I could sense the discomfort within me during the weeks that it sat on my desk, unread. Did I want to read about the awful days he endured, the beatings that he took, the loneliness he felt? After returning home from Israel, where I once again encountered the resilience of our people, I knew I had to read Sharabi’s harrowing experience.

Of my many takeaways from the book, two stand out. First, during captivity, Sharabi was held for several weeks with Hersh Goldberg Polin. What could 23-year-old Hersh teach a father of two who was double his age? One’s age is not an indicator of one’s capacity to offer wisdom. Hersh had been influenced by reading the acclaimed Holocaust survivor and psychologist, Viktor Frankl’s personal account of surviving Auschwitz, “Man’s Search for Meaning.” Hersh learned from Frankl that, “A man who has a why, can endure any how.” Hersh’s wisdom changed Sharabi. Sharabi’s why was to get back to his family. Of course, entering the book, the reader knows that Sharabi’s family was murdered on October 7^th. Sharabi also has another why; he befriends fellow hostage, Alon Ohel and in many ways becomes like a father figure to him. The two care for each other during captivity and Eli is pained when he is freed, but Ohel remained.

The second lesson I learned is how gratitude can be lifesaving. In captivity, Sharabi urged his fellow captives to conclude each night with a moment of gratitude. In the depths of horror, how could they find something good to recognize? Sharabi told them, “Come on, let’s think of something good that happened today, just one thing. For example, one good thing to be grateful for is when they suddenly allowed us to drink tea. Or when the tea was sweet. Another good thing might be if a particularly cruel guard we dislike doesn’t show up that day. We find ourselves searching for the good things for which we can express gratitude in the evening.” They began to look for something good in every moment. It changed their mindset, shaped their outlook, and potentially saved their lives.

As you read the book, you learn of the minimal food they ate – sometimes only one pita a day. You learn of the beatings they took and the fear they had. Sharabi’s resilience and the resilience of all the hostages is certainly remarkable. Perhaps Sharabi’s lesson to us is that gratitude is not something we only focus on one day per year; we can turn our gratitude into a practice. What if we paused each day to recount one good thing that happened? Even in our darkest moments, we have the power to find something positive about our day. Our practiced recognition of the good might just change our lives and help us survive the most challenging and darkest moments that we encounter.

Gratitude is at the heart of who we are as Jews. We read in our Torah this week about Leah giving birth to her fourth child, who she names Yehudah (Judah), because she says, “I am grateful.” The Jewish people are yehudim, a word that is derived Yehudah’s name. Gratitude is part of our Jewish DNA.

I hope that everyone is able to spend time today and throughout the weekend recounting at least one thing for which you would like to express gratitude. Perhaps you might consider recording it in a journal, texting it to a friend or family member, even posting about it on social media or replying to this email and letting me know – I would love to hear.

Perhaps even better, what if we made acknowledging our gratitude a daily practice?

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Rick Kellner

November 21, 2025

The role of the rabbi is quite diverse. We teach, we provide comfort, we celebrate significant moments in people’s lives, we counsel, we stand up for the vulnerable. People look to us to be a moral voice and a source of wisdom.

In ancient times, when the rabbis or sages reflected on their role in people’s lives, Yosei ben Yoezer—leader of Tz’reidah—taught, “let your house be a meeting place for the sages; sit in the dust of their feet; drink in their words thirstily,” (Avot 1:4). When commenting on this teaching, Rabbi Yehudah Aryeh Leib, also known as the S’fat Emet, explained that our places of learning should be made into homes. When we come to a place of Jewish learning, in modern day, that place of learning is a synagogue. We want people to feel fully at home there.

What does that look like? Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz explains that we want people to discover a thirst for knowledge, explore, ask questions, and find opportunities to grow intellectually and spiritually. Empowering people to live and learn Jewishly and make the world a better place is core to the sacred work we do at Beth Tikvah. In order to bring that vision to life, we strive to equip our community members with the tools to make Judaism part of their lives and to support one’s Jewish journey in personal and unique ways.

Five months ago, Rabbi Karen Martin joined our Beth Tikvah family and is helping to make this synagogue a home. In the time that she has been with us, she has worked to bring Torah to our lives in new and creative ways. She has spent much of her time in these past few months learning and teaching; she has already enriched our lives in such a short time. She has opened my own eyes to perspectives on Jewish communal life, insights into Torah, meaningful prayer, and a passion for bringing people together. While Rabbi Martin has already been with us for several months, tonight is a moment to both honor her at her installation and celebrate her as a community. Bringing a new rabbi into the community provides opportunities for more touch points and opens pathways to discovering new depths of Torah.

We also learn in the Pirke Avot that we are to “aseh l’cha rav—make for yourself a rabbi (or teacher).” Every one of us needs a teacher. The magical power of a teacher is to open one’s eyes to making new discoveries, new meaning, and new possibilities. Judaism is such a rich tradition, and when we approach our tradition with a new lens and new perspective, our eyes open to new possibilities. It is my hope that, if you have not done so already, you will welcome Rabbi Martin into your lives as one of your teachers.

Our tradition is rich with insight and wisdom that provides much guidance at every stage of our journey. As rabbis, we are privileged to experience those most private and vulnerable moments alongside you. Thank you for letting us walk with you when you are vulnerable, for allowing us to be your teachers, and for providing us with insight into your lives so that we can create opportunities to encounter what is holy.

Please join us this evening as we mark a historical moment in our synagogue’s journey and officially celebrate and welcome Rabbi Karen Martin, her husband Stewart, and her children Sam and Joel.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Rick Kellner

November 14, 2025

Over the course of several weeks this spring, we encouraged voter turnout for the 2025 World Zionist Congress elections. You may recall that the World Zionist Congress and the World Zionist Organization are responsible for allocating $5 billion over the next five years.

While groups were traveling to Israel on the JewishColumbus 614 Mission trip, the WZC delegates were meeting in Jerusalem. Thousands of Jews, representing Jewish communities from all over the world, had gathered to set the agenda for the World Zionist Organization. The gathering in Jerusalem allowed for the establishment of coalitions and the Reform Movement partnered with other similarly aligned organizations, including Mercaz from the Conservative movement. My colleague in Columbus, Rabbi Hillel Skolnik—Senior Rabbi of Congregation Tifereth Israel and leader of Mercaz—delivered a remarkable address to the Knesset Committee on Aliyah, Absorption and Diaspora Affairs.

There has been widespread concern that, due to the voting outcome, the delegates representing the liberal Jewish circles (the use of liberal here is to denote, Reform, Conservative and other non-Orthodox organizations) would be far fewer. However, the results proved the opposite—these liberal Jewish circles will have more power and more funding than ever before. Some of the resolutions adopted include:

·   Stopped funding for new settlements in Gaza

·   Ensuring equal government protection for Reform and liberal synagogues in Israel

·   Establishing a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the events of October 7

·   Creating a national mental health taskforce for soldiers and victims of terror

·   Expanding youth movements and Israel education in the Diaspora

·   Halting settlement expansion in E1, staying on the path toward a two-state solution

·   Supporting an equitable military draft for all Israelis

·   Increasing access to the egalitarian section of the Western Wall

·   Strengthening civil society, pluralism, and support for Holocaust survivors

We are deeply grateful for our delegates who spent the week in Jerusalem supporting Reform Jewish causes and helping to pave the way for Reform Jewish values to be present in Israel.

This week, I have been attending the Board meetings of the Central Conference of American Rabbis in New Jersey. Early in the week, we heard from Anna Kislanski, CEO of the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism. Anna shared that 6% of Israelis identify as Reform Jews, while 33% support the movement.

Over the past two years, Reform Rabbis have led Havdalah in Hostage Square prior to the rallies. The week after the hostages were released, the movement decided they would no longer need to lead Havdalah—yet people still came, searching for it. One of the leaders who attended the rally had brought his spice box, candle, and kiddush cup but left them in the car, just in case. People yearned for Havdalah. Many had never heard of Havdalah before October 7, but now saw it as an essential part of their expression.

This movement revealed something profound. Reform Jewish leaders have learned that there is a place for Reform Judaism in Israel’s public square.

The work of Reform Judaism is authentic, and Reform Jewish life in Israel is vibrant. As more people encounter it, more come to support it.

Thank you again to all who voted in the World Zionist Congress elections. On to 2030!

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Rick Kellner

November 7, 2025

As the government shutdown has entered its second month, we are starting to see its direct impact in our own community. Earlier this week, I was invited to a meeting at the Worthington Resource Pantry with fellow clergy and community leaders to understand the shutdown’s impact on SNAP benefits. Those who earn at or below 130% of the federal poverty line are eligible for SNAP benefits. However, due to the shutdown, they did not receive those benefits on November 1. The federal government tapped into an emergency fund to allocate benefits, but at most, people will only receive half of the funds they typically receive each month, and it is unclear when those funds will be released. Additionally, the State of Ohio and Columbus City allocated emergency funds, but those funds are limited to people earning only 50% below the federal poverty line. The government shutdown also makes it impossible for any new registrants to enter the program. The Worthington Resource Pantry is able to serve people earning at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty line.

On Monday, the Worthington Resource Pantry served 232 families. Their previous daily high was 205. They served 27 new families. Many TSA and FAA employees were among the newly served as they continue to work without pay. As the shutdown goes on, there will be further demands and strains placed on local resource pantries. The Worthington Resource Pantry currently has the capacity to serve the increased demands. However, they have authorized emergency funds to spend on dry goods. The Resource Pantry is hoping to stay ahead of the curve. For example, they receive fresh fruit from the Mid-Ohio Food Bank, but since the food bank receives food from the USDA, that will end this month as USDA workers are not working due to lack of pay from the shutdown. Donations will enable them to provide the fresh fruit and other items they need.

Jewish tradition is guided by several sources when it comes to responding to hunger. Practically speaking, we might turn to Maimonides compendium of Jewish law, the Mishneh Torah offers a collection of laws entitled “Gifts to the Poor”. Chapter 9 begins with a law requiring every community to appoint righteous individuals to a committee who will circulate among the neighbors each week to collect tzedakah. That tzedakah is placed in what is called a kupah, and then is distributed to the poor, providing food for seven days. Maimonides adds, “we have never seen or heard of a community that does not have a kupah for tzedakah.” This universal communal characteristic directs our concern to the dignity of every neighbor in our community and reminds us that we all play a role in ensuring no one goes hungry.

Here is how you can help right now:

1. Consider making a monetary donation directly to the Worthington Resource Pantry. This is the best way to help because the Pantry has purchasing power and can best use financial resources.

2. Consider purchasing and donating items from their needed item list. This list reflects items that they would buy at the same price as we would in the store. Please deliver these items directly to the Worthington Resource Pantry, not Beth Tikvah.

3. Consider purchasing/donating items from their Amazon Wish List. These items will be delivered directly to the Pantry.

Of course, we are a geographically diverse community. If you prefer to donate to a pantry in Dublin, Hilliard, Delaware County, or wherever you live, they will be incredibly grateful for the support. The Worthington Resource Pantry is the largest Pantry in the area because they serve people living in the following zip codes: 43016, 43035, 43065, 43081, 43085, 43229, 43235, 43240.

Below is the data for local SNAP recipients, many of whom are children and elderly:

As the shutdown drags on, demand will increase. When it comes to an end, neighbors will still face a lack of resources to keep food on the table and conditions will only improve slightly.

If you can help, please consider donating. If you need help, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or to Rabbi Martin. We are here to support you in these challenging times.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Rick Kellner