I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, the members of CTI, for your continued support of the successful contract extension process. As we begin another chapter on our journey, it is nice to look back at the achievements of the past year, as we traversed the rough waters of Covid.
Normally, at this time of the year, I would be on my way to the Holy Land on my annual pilgrimage. But this is not a normal year. Since nanoparticles and microbes have changed all of our travel plans, I am planning, instead, to go on a pilgrimage around the holy lands of America — a trip to the heart of the country.
Geographically, Lebanon, Kansas, is designated as the middle of the contiguous United States. It’s the heart, in one sense, that I am planning to visit on the trip, but my journey to the heart of America will be to touch its pained spirit — a spiritual expedition to see how this year has affected our country, and how people have endured.
Many years ago, I learned a good definition of a valuable friend — one who reminds you who you are when you forget. I believe that at its core, America carries a beautiful spirit and holiness in the hearts of its people. As in the song of Naomi Shemer, “Anashim Tovim” — Good People in the Middle of the Road:
“Open your eyes, look around you,
Here and there, winter has gone, and spring is here.
In the field along the road, cornflowers are already out,
don’t tell me that it can’t be so!
Chorus: Good people in the middle of the journey, very good people.
Good people who know the way, with whom it’s possible to march away.”
One of the most precious lessons we can learn from Jewish history is that we can find holiness wherever we are. Starting with the Israelites’ journey in the desert and continuing through ancient and modern history, Jews have sanctified every place along the way. Whatever the circumstances that contributed to leaving one place, we were always eager to find holiness in the next one.
I will pray wherever I go and find God in a different location. During much of this time, we will count the Omer, which signifies the voyage to the holy land through the desert of faith, learning to find holiness on the road, around our beautiful country and the holy lands of America.
May God continue to bless our journey together,
—Rabbi Gadi Capela