As many of you know, our congregation takes security needs very seriously. We have had a pretty well-thought out plan that we revisited each year. We have applied for a grant from the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) for several years running. Our two schools also regularly schedule drills. We were ahead of the curve by many measures.

We’re often told just to adapt and roll with the changes, but transitions take more than that. I’m fascinated by the ways in which we prepare for major events in our lives. This week’s portion, Parshat Tzav, contains one such example. Reading this section of Torah reminds us that it’s ok to treat big transitions with all the pomp and preparation they need. That’s how we acknowledge the change.