Blessings for Chen Ben Or Tsfoni on Her Ordination in Jerusalem

November 20, 2009
From a book of blessings written by BJ members for Chen Ben Or Tsfoni, our Marshall T. Meyer Israeli Rabbinic Fellow from 2007 to 2008:

  • My blessing for you is that you will continue to inspire Israelis to find spirituality and Torah. And that you will continue to inspire Americans and Israelis to connect over prayer and meaning, not just the beach and falafel.
  • It wouldn’t surprise me at all to learn that, millennia ago, at the dawn of time, when G-d first invented the very concept of chen, of grace, He already had you in mind. Chen mamash chen, as you take on these new life responsibilities and as you become more perfectly and completely your lovely self, know that you bring a reminder of G-d’s delight to all those around you.
  • “Oh sister, may you grow into thousands of myriads!” Bereshit: Hayyei Sarah: 24:60. So Rebecca’s family blesses her as she embarks on the greatest adventure of her life, fearlessly leaving her home to join her unknown b’shert, Isaac. Those who love her express their hope that her dreams will be fulfilled and that she will be the mother of a great nation. So, too, do we bless you as you embark on your rabbinate. May your dreams be fulfilled and may you inspire and give birth to the Jewish neshama of countless Israelis.
  • May you be blessed with work that is fulfilling for you and your family and filled with sharing the wonders of a religious Judaism with Israelis. May it be enriching to them to learn from you as we have and to realize from you how they, living in Israel, can connect the many worlds that are Judaism in that wondrous land.
  • You have shown us the way to study, devotion and leadership while leading a full life. Someone once said that history is the encounter between character and circumstances. This certainly applies to you. My hope is that you continue to be an example for both American and Israeli Jews. In this way you will give us your blessing.
  • You have the ability to connect Americans of all races to the Israeli culture and causes that mean so much to you and your community.
  • May you be blessed like our sister Miriam as a leader who led her people joyfully with song and dance.

The “Focus on Israel” column is edited by Robin Fleischner, a Vice President of BJ’s Board of Trustees and Co-Chair of BJ’s Israel Steering Committee.