TBS News and Information

When the Israelites were wandering through the wilderness, their camp was centered around the Mishkan (the Tabernacle), the portable sanctuary where they would worship and offer their sacrifices. The Levites were the tribe that helped the greater community by administering the Mishkan, serving as its workers. This is why TBS refers to the people helping and ushering on Shabbat morning “Levites,” as they serve the community by helping TBS with our worship.

As the Levites were the public servants of their time, so, too, are federal employees in our own day and age. With devotion and commitment to helping the greater society, federal employees serve across the full array of agencies, departments, and branches. Over the past six weeks, I have been privileged to hear your stories over lunch, coffee, or check-in conversations. I am grateful for the work that you do and appreciate your efforts to serve the community. I am relieved that the government shutdown’s conclusion will let you return to public service (and compensation!). If you find you are still in need of assistance, or if there is any other way I can be of help, please be in touch.

During this past week, we honored another form of public service as we commemorated Veterans Day. To all who served our country in its Armed Forces, thank you for keeping us safe, for fighting for our highest values, and for safeguarding American ideals. We will mark Veterans Day tonight at the Shabbat evening service as we learn about important Jewish American military figures and offer a blessing for all of our members who are veterans. I hope you will join in the community tonight to offer, or receive, this blessing.

To our federal employees and our veterans, thank you for your service.