There is a silly kids’ joke that goes like this:
How do fleas travel?
Itch hiking.
Apparently, the way fleas travel continues to stump scientists.
Dr. Gregory Sutton thinks that superior springs are just one of several important lessons fleas can teach engineers. They might also learn how to build robots that can leap over rough terrain. “Insect jumping is incredibly precise and incredibly fast,” said Dr. Sutton. “If you could build a robot that could do that, it would be fantastic.” In fact, according to an article in the New York Times Science section, jumping fleas are capable of leaping 38 times their body length in a single move. Scientists just do not understand how they do it.
I can hear your question: Why is the rabbi writing about fleas?
Well, I never thought I would. However, I read that if you put jumping fleas in a jar, they will vault themselves out of the jar. If you put a lid on the jar, the fleas will learn to jump only to a height just short of the lid. Then you can remove the lid and the fleas will still jump just short of the lid.
Once limitations are learned, it is extremely hard to unlearn them.
The Rambam says that if God had not given the Torah and we were smart enough, we could learn the teachings of the Torah by observing God's creations.
We are trying to learn the lesson of the fleas. We have taken the lid off, and now we are going to jump higher in order to achieve greater goals.
For the last five years, Temple Beth Sholom has been on a journey to expand our horizons and to test the limits of our reach.
To grow in our education programs and to expand the variety of our musical experiences, our congregation has engaged a wonderful professional who will join our staff this summer, Cantor Lisa Segal.
Cantor Segal will work with Cantor Haas in expanding and developing a total music culture in every area of Temple life.
Cantor Segal will also take over the directorship of our well-regarded Bar/Bat Mitzvah program from Cantor Haas who has been masterfully shepherding the Interim Bar/Bat Mitzvah program in anticipation of the retirement of Morah Shula Ben-David who lovingly dedicated much of her life to establishing and maintaining the high standards of achievement exhibited by her students. Cantor Segal's input will add new perspective and energy to our evolving educational programs and experiences for students and their families as they journey through the important Bar/Bat Mitzvah cycle.
Cantor Lisa Segal comes to us from Temple Beth Am in Pinecrest. She has already achieved a stellar reputation and will work with our entire Temple team to help us jump higher and further.
We will have the opportunity later in the year to formally welcome Cantor Segal to Temple Beth Sholom and meet her in informal settings.
Our congregation is committed to changing and growing and moving in ever more effective and positive directions as a Jewish religious community of caring and welcoming people. We are on a journey that will enhance all of our lives.
We are about to celebrate the joy of Purim in our yearly cycle. This holiday reminds us through the character of Esther that even when we fear change, the result of risk is often new growth and greater rewards.
Esther saved our people because she leapt outside her comfortable space and ventured into unknown territory.
Change is inevitable and difficult. Temple Beth Sholom is going to great lengths to plan and develop our changes in a way that will enhance the Jewish journeys of all who come through our doors.
Let's keep jumping higher and higher.
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