In this episode of Drash It Like It's Hot, we sit down with two incredible guests who bring unique perspectives to our community. First, we chat with Pam Hanna, our congregation’s membership coordinator, who shares her journey from the corporate world to 18 years of dedicated service. Pam talks about the challenges of navigating the pandemic, the joy of building deep relationships with members, and her life outside work as a traveler, basketball mom, and a former right-hand-drive Jeep mail carrier!

Next, we welcome Ariella and Eyal, this year’s Shinshinim (Israeli emissaries), who reflect on their volunteer work with Austin’s Jewish and broader communities. They share stories about life in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, the Israeli education system, and their commitment to bridging connections between Israel and the diaspora.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about community, culture, and the power of meaningful connections. Don't miss the rapid-fire Q&A and some fun surprises along the way!

Edward Cruz-Aedo, Director of Facilities at Congregation Beth Israel (CBI), shares insights about his role and personal interests. He discusses his transition into facilities management, the challenges of maintaining the synagogue's aging infrastructure, and the rewarding aspects of his work. Edward highlights the community's support and his goal of creating a welcoming environment.

Rabbi Young reflects on the Torah portion featuring Abraham's trials, particularly the binding of Isaac. While Abraham is traditionally praised for passing these trials, the rabbi interprets the binding of Isaac as a failure, revealing Abraham's limitations. This lesson is tied to the idea that failure can lead to growth and self-awareness, as illustrated by stories from Meet the Robinsons, Michael Jordan, and Rabbi Hanina ben Dosa in the Talmud. Rabbi Young emphasizes the importance of perseverance, learning from mistakes, and moving forward to build resilience and a thriving community.

During a week when many people feel less connected to our community and society than ever before, Rabbi Young delivers a powerful and uplifting drash on the importance of looking outward.