A Rabbi Who Has Made a Difference

At our Reform movement’s national convention in 2001, Rabbi Eric Yoffi e wrote that “A generation ago our congregations wanted orators, performers, and communal functionaries on the pulpit. But rabbis today know that congregants are not there to watch, applaud and bask in reflected glory. They are there to study and create genuine community. And this means that the rabbi’s task is to convey the life-giving words of Torah and to be a fearless advocate of Torah values. The rabbis who really make a difference are those who love and learn Torah, who engage tradition, and who teach, teach, teach.”

We can all agree that Rabbi Barras is a rabbi who learns, lives and transmits Torah to all those who are blessed to study with him: from exuberant toddlers to temperamental seventh grade students, from our hip high school kids to our adult learners. Rabbi Barras has made a difference in our lives by bringing us all closer to Torah.

By now you have likely heard that Rabbi Barras has accepted a position as Senior Rabbi of Temple Beth El in Fort Myers, Florida. It is a wonderful opportunity for him to lead a vibrant and growing congregation, as it is an equally ideal occasion for him, Jodi and Ella to move closer to their family. Even so, we will miss him.

He not only brought a passion for Jewish learning and living to our Temple, he inspired a passion for Israel. He has brought Israel to Beth El and Beth El to Israel -- leading three Youth trips (and one more this June) and two family trips. As a result of the solid foundation that he created, our upcoming family trip for June 2008 already has over thirty interested participants. Rabbi Barras established our relationship with our sister congregation, Birkat Shalom, helping to bring Rabbi Miri Gold here on several occasions. Due to his hard work, Beth El was the recipient of The Roland Gittelsohn Award for our exemplary commitment and for our extraordinary programs related to Israel.

While we will be certain this Spring to hold a special service in celebration of all Rabbi Barras has given us, the best way to honor him is to take a class, read a Jewish text, study a parashah, or sign up for one of our upcoming trips to Israel and share with him what you have learned and how you have grown as a Jew as a result of him being your rabbi.

May he, Jodi and Ella go from strength to strength!