Tifereth Israel

Yesterday, Paige was able to visit Emma Kaufmann Camp, where she enjoyed a tour of the beautiful campus and got to see some of the Tifereth Israel kiddos. She had a wonderful time with everyone and was so happy to have experienced the energy, warmth, and spirit that makes camp so amazing!

Rabbi Hillel and Paige spent last Tuesday at Camp Wise, and the heat couldn't stop the fun! ☀️🎉 They loved catching up with so many of the Tifereth Israel and Columbus campers. From checking out the brand-new amphitheater to sharing lunch and singing camp songs with the amazing staff, it was a day full of smiles, laughter, and camp spirit. They already can't wait to welcome everyone back in August!

As you may have heard, this has been an exciting month for Shira and me! On May 31st, I was ordained from Hebrew College. A week later, we had our wedding, surrounded by friends and family from near and far. We spent the past few weeks enjoying time in Massachusetts while packing and preparing to come to Columbus. We have been anticipating this moment ever since our visit in March, and are so excited to finally be here!

So much of moving to a new place is deciding what to carry with us and what to leave behind. We prepare the best we can to take what we need and cherish. Yet, some beloved items and memories need to be left behind, like the rain jacket that doesn’t really keep you dry, or the shoes that hurt a little too much. We also inevitably carry with us things that feel more ambiguously needed, like the random items from a desk drawer that maybe didn’t need to be kept in the first place.

Parashat Pinchas is the second to last portion we will read from Sefer Bamidbar, the Book of Numbers. Thus, the Torah is focused on the legacy it wants to leave us, what we should carry with us into the future.

One striking moment is the appeal by the five daughters of Tzelofchad, who ask Moshe for an amendment to the inheritance law, so that they, as women, can inherit their father’s property. The Torah introduces them first as a collective, “the daughters of Tzelofchad”, and then later as named individuals, “Mahla, No’a, Hogla, Milka and Tirtza”. (27:27) Rivkah Lubitch, writing in Dirshuni, comments that they were shadowed in fear (tzel-pachad), and then gained strength in coming forward together. Their coming closer helped them strengthen their individual identities.

Change always requires a balance of individuation, listening, and leaning on our loved ones. This community is so steeped in love and support across generations. I am so excited to get to know all of you better, and to share with you Torah of love, listening, and growth in the year to come. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Max Hartzmani

Today, we are thrilled to officially welcome Rabbi Max Hartzmani on his first day as our Assistant Rabbi!

As Rabbi Max and his wife, Shira, begin settling into our community, we invite you to join us in extending a warm Tifereth welcome. Throughout the summer, there will be several opportunities to meet Rabbi Max and Shira, share a conversation, and begin building the relationships that will shape this exciting new chapter in the life of our congregation.

This Friday, July 3, we look forward to celebrating together as we welcome in Shabbat with services beginning at 5:30 pm. Then, join us on Tuesday, July 7, at 6:30 pm for Rabbi Walks Into a Bar at High Bank Distillery in Gahanna, and on Wednesday, July 8, at 4:00 pm for a family-friendly Ice Cream Social at Graeter’s in Bexley.

These are just the first of many opportunities to connect. Additional welcome events will be announced in the coming weeks, and we hope you'll help Rabbi Max and Shira feel at home in our Tifereth family.

Welcome Rabbi Max and Shira, we're so glad you're here!