Last week, as we read Parshat Breishit, beginning the Torah reading cycle anew, I was reminded of the words of my colleague Yavilah McCoy: “Rest is an intrinsic part of life and creation.” We describe Shabbat as סוֹף מַעֲשֶׂה, בְּמַחֲשָׁבָה תְּחִלָּה – the last to be created, but first in God’s plan. Each Shabbat, we step back from the work that fills our week in order to rest. We cease from our productive, creative labor in order to rest and be refreshed – שָׁבַת וַיִּנָּפַשׁ.
It is with this intention that I am entering into a three-month sabbatical. This sacred pause will allow me to take a step back and reflect on the past 15 years of Eshel, and come back refreshed and prepared for the years ahead. The practice of a sabbatical also draws on the wisdom of shmita, which literally means “to release.” This kind of extended rest, allowing what you have worked on to lie fallow, renews and enriches the “ground,” creating space for it to continue to grow and flourish.
One of Eshel’s founding principles was to do good and life-saving work for our community while honoring the gifts, talents, and strengths of the people that run it. In order to honor our strengths, we honor the need for rest and retreat, to recharge and to be able to continue this work with renewed energy.
This time away will also serve to strengthen our team. Our incredible, capable staff will have new opportunities to step up, take on new challenges, and grow as leaders. I am beyond grateful to our wonderful board of directors and the staff who are stepping up while I am away, especially Meira Davidowitz, who will step us as Acting Executive Director with the help of board member Peninah Gershman.
I am privileged to lead such a dedicated team, who enable me to take this time to rest knowing Eshel is in good hands. While we prioritize rest for ourselves as individuals, we know that Eshel’s work cannot cease. The Orthodox world needs Eshel now more than ever. While I am away, I know that our critical work will go on: helping LGBTQ+ people and their families find community; answering 40+ warmline calls each month; educating the Orthodox community; and advocating for a more inclusive Jewish future.
I hope that this opportunity to recharge will allow me to come back refreshed and ready to take Eshel to new heights and to reach every corner of our community. I look forward to reconnecting after I return. Until then, I hope each of you can find moments of rest and renewal, to revel in the sweetness of Shabbat.
Miryam Kabakov
Executive Director