This week, I found myself pausing, just for a moment, before walking into our building.

To walk through a doorway is an act of trust.

After the act of antisemitism at Temple Israel in Michigan last week, I felt like pausing, remembering that a man drove into their building with explosive devices, ready to kill, a horrific act of hate.  An injury that so many of us felt, no matter where we were. Thank God for the brave security guards that ensured everyone’s safety that day. What a miracle that there was not greater pain or harm. A day later, tired and weary, their community was gathered in prayer to welcome the start of Shabbat.

Judaism has always understood this moment. The threshold between outside and inside, between fear and faith, is not taken for granted. That is why we place a mezuzah on our doorposts. We hold onto the words Adonai yishmor tzeitcha uvo’echa, that God watches over our going out and our coming in. This resonates in ways that are real these days.

I am deeply grateful for the many people who make that trust possible at KI, our security professionals, our staff, our volunteers, our teachers, our community that cares and is ever-vigilant. Each time we walk into our synagogue, we are answering that ancient call. Hineni. We are still choosing to be a people rooted in sacred community for thousands of years- we persist because we must be a light. We will not be scared away from who we are as Jews.

This week’s Torah portion, Vayikra, begins with a call: “Vayikra el Moshe,” and God called out to Moses. God asks to be in relationship with us, but we have to take the step. We have to walk through the door. Even when we feel small, even when the world feels uncertain, there is no such thing as feeling like a nothing for those who are called. The very act of being called means we matter.

May we continue to feel held by one another, by those who protect and watch over us, and bless every step we take as we come and go.