CBI Blogs

Shalom Chaverim,

Here we are. The last day of Chanukah and the second day of 2025. As a person who so distinctly remembers struggling to remember 1980 as a 6-year-old student dating my school papers upon our return after winter break, it is incredible for me that we are here. Of course, some will describe me as a baby regarding years and new humans will call this their birth year. The cycle of life continues.

As we enter the secular year of 2025, we continue in our cycle of Torah by reading Parashat Vayigash – Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, brings his family to the land of Egypt to “live off the fat of the land.” (45:16-24) and the Israelites thrive in Egypt. (47:13-27)

In order for Joseph to welcome his brothers he first had to forgive them. As Rabbi Kari Tuling wrote in her d’var Torah in December 2023 for the URJ (Union for Reform Judaism): “Reconciliation is a process: it’s not achieved at once in a grand gesture, but in smaller movements. The time will come when the past is no longer the present, when we can look forward to a happier future, together.”

The turning of our calendar from one year to another often brings us to a place of personal introspection regarding the year that has passed. Were we a good person, friend, sibling, child, spouse, partner, parent, grandparent? Did we show up in our lives as our best selves? Did we learn enough, read enough, craft enough, volunteer enough, love enough? Have I forgiven where forgiveness is due? Have I apologized for wrongs I have committed?

Every day we are taking the small, necessary movements to evolve into the best people we can be. This evolution can mean the end of toxic relationships and the welcoming in of what feels good, healthy, and right. It can mean taking the brave, courageous step to say to those who have hurt you “I am Joseph”, to identify as the one who was harmed. It can also mean taking a moment to acknowledge the emotional toll of continuously moving forward amid war, hate, and violence, is not insignificant. So, yes, you absolutely were enough every time you showed up.

As you ponder all the complexities that make us human, I hope you do so with big, deep, lingering breaths. I hope you reflect on your challenges of this past year with grace knowing none of us is perfect. I hope that 2025 brings us more time for relaxation, reflection and time to truly be in the spaces we exist in, being present without distraction. Finally, I pray that the 100 souls who have been in Gaza in 2023, 2024, and now 2025 are returned to their loved ones. May 2025 be the year when our prayers for peace become a reality.

Amen.