Here We Are: Standing Together with Pride and Purpose

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to stand up with courage as a Jew. In moments of celebration and in moments of challenge, we are called to say Hineni—here I am.

Sometimes that courage looks like wearing a Magen David necklace or a ‘JEW’ hat (see my May 2024 IntRIGuing Thoughts) when we’re unsure how it will be received. Sometimes it’s showing up for Shabbat, inviting a friend to a Jewish event, sharing our love for Jewish music, or learning a Jewish text with pride. Sometimes it’s having complex conversations with our kids or colleagues or neighbours about Israel, antisemitism, or the weight of this moment in Jewish history—and doing so with honesty, humility, courage, and hope. And sometimes, it’s just continuing to live Jewishly with joy and connection, even when the world feels unstable.

In the face of increasing antisemitism and polarization, showing up with Jewish pride and curiosity matters more than ever. And I see members of our DJC community doing just that—in large and small ways that are no less powerful for their quietness.

This month, I am proud to be offering once again our Hineni (Here I Am): Our Inclusive Ritual Leadership Training Program to all members of the Danforth Jewish Circle. Whether you’re curious about leading a prayer, offering a blessing, chanting Torah, or deepening your connection to ritual in community, this program is for you. It’s an invitation to say Hineni—not just to our congregation, but to your own evolving Jewish journey. Learn more and sign up here.

Looking for another way to show up with Jewish pride and say Hineni this month? We’ll conclude our year-long series, “Wrestling with Hard Conversations about Israel and Palestine,” with a community Shabbat dinner and final session on Friday, May 30 at 7:00 PM. This has been one of the most important and honest conversations we’ve hosted this year at the DJC, creating space for different narratives, deep listening, and mutual respect. I encourage you to be part of this closing reflection and visioning.

And for those looking for a joyful, public way to show solidarity, I invite you to join me at this year’s UJA Walk with Israel on Sunday, May 25. Together with thousands of others from across Toronto’s Jewish community and its allies, we’ll walk in pride and peace, demonstrating our love and hope for Israel in all its complexity. It’s an opportunity to be visible, to be together, and to say: we care, we are here, and we walk forward—together. You can find information about a group created by a DJC member in our newsletter.

As the prophet Isaiah said, “Then I heard the voice of the Holy One saying, ‘Whom shall I send?’ And I said, Hineni—Here I am. Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8)

Each of us brings something unique to Jewish life. Courage and pride don’t have to be loud—but they do need to be real. This month, may each of us find ways to say Hineni—with our hearts, our hands, our learning, our footsteps, and our presence.

With hope and strength,

RIG

Please let me know what you think about today’s offering: rabbiglickman@djctoronto.com. I look forward to the conversation.