Amid a Week of Weak Leadership, the Shofar’s Call! 

Breakups are never easy. Whether professional, personal, or political.
In a spectacular political breakup this week, we watched as our government publicly “broke up” with its long-term partner Israel, and rushed straight into the arms of the Palestinian Authority. Like so many rebound relationships, this one is bound to prove shallow and short-lived.
Sometimes in life, a couple quarrels, questions their commitment, and drifts apart. The temptation of something “new” or “exciting” lures one partner away from the stability of the bond they once cherished. If the separation is brief, they often find their way back. But if they stray too far, they risk losing the one they were always meant for – the one who truly shares their vision, values, and purpose.
There is a story from the Tzemach Tzedek, the third Rebbe of Chabad, that captures this idea. One of his disciples had a son who abandoned Judaism, immersing himself instead in the world of horses and equestrian life. Desperate, the father asked the Rebbe for advice. The Rebbe suggested he bring the young man to visit.
The son reluctantly agreed, but only if he could come on horseback. When they arrived, the Rebbe asked him, “Tell me, which is better, a slow horse or a fast horse?”
“Obviously, a fast horse,” the young man replied. “It gets you where you need to go more quickly.”
“But what if the horse is going in the wrong direction?” pressed the Rebbe. “Then its speed only takes you further from where you’re meant to be.”
The young man thought for a moment. “True. But if you realise you’re going the wrong way, a fast horse can also bring you back that much quicker.”
The Rebbe looked him in the eye and said softly, “Yes. As soon as you realise it’s the wrong direction. Just as soon as you realise.”
In this week’s Torah portion, Moses tells the Jewish people: “Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you will heed the commandments of the Lord your G-d, and the curse, if you will turn away to follow other gods.”
The message is timeless. A single step off course, a slight veering in the wrong direction, can eventually lead to following “other gods.” But the reverse is also true. Once we recognise the wrong turn, we can correct course. And the sooner we do, the faster we find our way back.
Our government may be riding a fast horse. It has turned from Israel, our long-time ally and the only democracy in the Middle East, and is galloping towards those who glorify terror. But a timely realisation can still lead to a course correction. We pray our leaders will reconsider – before it’s too late.
And how fitting that this Shabbat is Shabbat Mevarchim Elul, the month that ushers in the spirit of Teshuva – repentance, renewal, and return to the true path. From this Monday, we begin blowing the shofar each morning, its piercing cry reminding us to pause, reflect, and turn back to what is real and eternal.
Just as we are called to awaken and return, we pray that our leaders too will rediscover the values and friendships that truly matter.
May we all use the days of Elul to realign ourselves with Hashem, to strengthen our path as proud Jews, and in that merit, may we see peace in Israel, the safe return of our hostages, and our soldiers home.
And speaking of inspiration — mark your calendars! Friday 5th of September, Central will host a Young Adult Shabbat Dinner with Adina Shoshana, known as the “Now Jewish Nanny.” Once a Christian nanny working in an Orthodox Jewish home, Adina was so moved by Jewish life — and especially impacted by October 7 — that she chose to convert. Today she shares her story and insights on her hit podcast Notes from a Jewish Newbie, spreading positivity and combating antisemitism. She’s funny, clever, and real — and you don’t want to miss meeting her!
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Levi and Chanie Wolff