KA Community Corner

Archived Articles From Past Weeks

Shalom, Kol Ami! Before she went on her well-deserved vacation, Rabbi Blatt gave me the honor of delivering the D’var Torah (sermon) to the congregation at the Shabbat before last. I have been thinking a lot about Relational Judaism, one of our major goals, so I spoke about the concept of Jewish unity. I won’t repeat the D’var Torah here, but I want to share the part that inspired me the most. I found this little but powerful anecdote from a lecture by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z”l, and it encapsulates what I’m thinking and feeling.

Once, at a Seuda Shlishit (the late afternoon Shabbat meal), some Chasidim were sitting with their Rebbe at a Tisch (literally: table, a common Chasidic ritual where the Chasidim come together with the Rebbe sometime on Shabbat, to sing, eat, or listen to the Rebbe’s teachings and stories). One of the Chasidim asked the Rebbe, “Rebbe, you know, we have waited so long. Why doesn't the Moshiach (the Messiah) come?” 

And the Rebbe looked around at all his Chasidim and said, “Tell me, how could the Moshiach come? Because if the Moshiach is a Chabadnik, the Satmars won't recognize him. If he's a Chasid, the Mitnagdim (non-Chasidic Orthodox) won't recognize him. If he's Orthodox, the Progressives won't recognize him. And if he’s religious, the Chilonim (secular) won't recognize him. So how could the Moshiach come?” 

And then he said, “You think we are waiting for the Moshiach? Lehefech (on the contrary), the Moshiach is waiting for us.”

I believe that now, especially with antisemitism increasing, we all need to consciously and consistently look beyond our differences. To remember that we are one family, one people, a tiny tribe who throughout human history has outlasted the scores of empires that tried to eliminate us. We should seek to give each other strength and inspiration, while still maintaining our Jewish values, standing up for what is right, acting as a Light to the Nations, and contributing to the greater community.

In response to recent threats to the Jewish community, we are reviewing our already substantial security measures. Tanya Spivey, our Director of Operations, and Gerald Woods, our Security Committee Chair, are taking the lead, with guidance from a security consultant from the Tampa Jewish Federation, who is himself a retired FBI agent. Yeshar koach to Tanya and Gerald.

The Fundraising Committee, chaired by Stacy Gad, had its kick-off meeting too. Save the date for our Annual Gala on Saturday evening, January 10, 2026. The theme will be the 80’s -- think Madonna, Miami Vice, and big hair! Yeshar koach to Stacy.

I especially want to recognize our kitchen volunteers, who work tirelessly year-round to enhance our experience when we come together as a congregation. Please thank them when you’re enjoying the fresh bagel and hot coffee they prepared for you. And if you’re interested in joining them, please contact Ron Gray, our Kitchen Committee Chair. Become a pro at serving 40+ people at a time; you’ll be glad you did when it's your turn to host Thanksgiving dinner! Yeshar koach to Ron, Staci Cross, and Kristi Wilder for their leadership, and yeshar koach to all their volunteers.

As I’ve settled into this job, I am truly inspired by the dedication and commitment of so many congregants for the benefit of the rest of us. Let’s all continue to deepen our relationships with each other in a meaningful way as we prepare ourselves to commemorate the tragedies of the upcoming Tisha B’Av holy day, and find ways to improve ourselves and ensure a bright future for our people.

B’Shalom,

Jody Sampson-Nair

President