Elul 28 ~ Rabbi Mike Moskowitz

Holy Child,

The most important truth I want you to know, in the most absolute way, is that you are never alone. Although there is so much that limits my ability to be with you throughout your life, G-d is always there and loves you more than any parent can.

There is no relationship that is more important, or intimate than the one you can develop with G-d. Every choice you make, especially ones that affect other people, will bring you either closer or further away from G-d.

This is a beautiful world and we are meant to enjoy and appreciate it. However there are two types of pleasure: the physical for the physical and the physical for the spiritual. The first is finite and over time will quickly leave you unfulfilled and empty. The latter is an investment in the infinite which is nourishing and so much more enjoyable, even in the moment.

This world is also a very broken place with so much suffering. The world that G-d first created for us was perfect. We didn’t respect G-d’s will in our relationship and the painful consequence is that G-d distanced G-d’s self from us and darkness has filled the void. You must respond with love and be the light that restores the relationship with God that we once had.

Rabbi Mike Moskowitz is the Scholar-in-Residence, Trans and Queer Jewish Studies at Congregation Beit Simchat Torah in New York. www.rabbimikemoskowitz.com