| A few weeks ago, our 4th/5th grade class handed me the letter above. They have been exploring the profound Jewish value of B'tzelem Elohim — the idea that every human being is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This principle teaches us that every person, regardless of their differences, deserves dignity, respect, and care. We have been using different modalities to truly integrate the concept of “B’tzelem Elohim” into our consciousness, including a school-wide family education day to bring this idea to our whole community. The 4th/5th grade class, under the guidance of their teacher, Sheryl Stahl, decided to walk around Temple Beth Sholom and do some "research." They wanted to examine how our Jewish communal home lived up to the value of B’tzelem Elohim in a variety of ways. They shared their learnings and observations with us in the letter above.
Their letter pointed out areas in which our space does not fully reflect the inclusive spirit of B'tzelem Elohim. For example, they noted the absence of ramps and accessible seating in certain areas, making it difficult for individuals with mobility challenges to feel fully welcomed. They also expressed concern that some signage is not in Braille, potentially excluding those with different visual needs. What a powerful reminder from our children that the physical spaces we create and maintain should embody our highest values! They noted that it appears that we don’t have hearing assisted devices or large print prayers for those who are hearing or visually impaired (we actually have both, however, the hearing assisted devices are in a closet, and it’s not clear where the large-print siddurim, prayerbooks, are located). These are critical points for us to note and address!
This week’s Torah portion, Vayishlach, offers us some insight for our approach to our students concerns. In this portion, Jacob is about to meet his twin brother Esau after over 20 years apart. When they parted ways, Esau was furious because Jacob stole both his birthright and blessing. So Jacob left home out of fear for how Esau may retaliate. Twenty years later, as he is about to confront Esau for the first time since then, Jacob is still anxious. The evening prior to their meeting, Jacob wrestles with an unnamed figure through the night, emerging with a new name, Israel, and a limp that he carries for the rest of his life (Genesis 32:25-33).
Our first insight from our Torah portion is that Jacob’s struggle—and his eventual transformation—reminds us that growth often begins in moments of vulnerability. By facing his limitations, Jacob not only discovers his resilience but also his divine purpose. In the same way, our willingness to confront our communal shortcomings is an opportunity for growth and holiness. What are the steps we need to take to ensure that Temple Beth Sholom, in ways large and small, is a community committed to the value of B’tzelem Elohim?
The second insight from our portion is found from the actual face-to-face meeting of the two brothers. Even though Jacob is worried and anxious about seeing Esau after so many years apart, Esau’s first reaction when he sees Jacob is to embrace Jacob with great love and say: "To see your face is like seeing the face of God" (Genesis 33:10). In this moment, Esau recognizes the divine spark within Jacob, even after years of conflict and separation.
Our students’ observations remind us that TBS is a sacred space where we recognize and uplift the divine image in one another in all of our activities: worship, social action, social, education. Just as Jacob and Esau learned to see God’s image in each other despite their differences, so too must we strive to ensure our synagogue reflects this value in tangible and meaningful ways.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, of blessed memory, taught, "The image of God within us is the dignity we confer on others." If our sacred spaces fall short of this ideal, we are called—not out of guilt but out of love—to transform them. What can we do to improve our TBS sacred space? Can we improve signage? Can the hearing assisted devices be in a visible and accessible location? What else do we need to do so we ensure that every person feels physically, emotionally, and spiritually at home here?
Our students' letter reminds us that it is through our intentional efforts that we truly embody our Jewish value of B'tzelem Elohim. I am so proud of our students for holding up a mirror to our community and inspiring us to grow and transform. May we be like Jacob and Esau and learn to see the divine in each other and in the spaces we share.
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