A Message from Marc

Marc's Message

Marc Baker headshot
CJP's President and CEO, Rabbi Marc Baker, writes and teaches about leadership, community, and civic life, bringing the voice of Jewish tradition to contemporary issues.

 

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Both/And

Dear Friends,

At CJP’s annual From Strength to Strength event this past Wednesday, I reflected on some of the powerful stories and moments that have shaped our community — and me — over the past year. I spoke about the resilience that has enabled our community to thrive and enabled th…

Be Curious

Dear Friends,

Like many of you, I have become enamored with the TV series, Ted Lasso. My favorite scene from the first season takes place in a pub over a game of darts. (Spoilers ahead…)

Just before Ted surprises people with his dart-throwing prowess, he says to the arrogant bully:

"...…

Just Build It

Dear Friends,

I hope your High Holidays have been meaningful, joyous, and grounding as we enter a new year that continues to be more challenging and unpredictable than we hoped. The chance to sing and pray together with my community (outside, wearing masks) was, for me, an uplifting reminde…

A Torah of Messiness

Dear Friends,

After seven weeks away at summer camp, my children recently returned with a mix of joy and relief, as well as sadness about the end of camp and summer. Like many other homes at this time of year, ours is messy as the kids unpack from camp and prepare for school, both physicall…

Resilience and Tisha B'Av

Dear Friends,

I returned this morning from four intense days in Israel as part of CJP’s Solidarity Mission. I traveled with a diverse group of CJP leaders and volunteers whose passion, curiosity, and love of Israel inspired me. I felt similarly to many others who just needed to get back h…