I Believe in Angels

When I was little, my mum had a beach house on a small island called Ilhabela, near my hometown São Paulo, to which we would travel every weekend. I particularly remember one night trip when she managed to make a wrong turn and partially hang her car on a wall – don't ask me how! The very little me stepped out and said: "Don't worry, Mum, my angel will come to save us." And then, indeed, someone stopped and helped us. This has always been me: I believe in angels.

In Hebrew, the word for "angel" is mal'akh (מַלְאָךְ). In the Tanach, it's the standard word for "messenger", both human and divine. According to Rambam and the Zohar, God created a variety of angels to help Her in different ways. Basically, an angel is a being sent to someone with a divine mission. But one has to be prepared to receive the angels and their help, as Avraham in Genesis 18, who looked up to see and receive his three visitors, who brought him the message that he and Sarah would become parents.

The task of an angel doesn't have to be mysterious. It can be as simple as asking: "Have you ever thought of becoming a rabbi?" or "Can I help you with your sermons?". It may be to move across the world to support you like my husband and children, to stand by your side at every step of your journey, or to offer you a completely different path to your dream. I have been blessed with so many angels in my life, especially on my path to the rabbinate.

My decision to become a rabbi is based on the belief that I can be an angel too. Because becoming a rabbi is choosing a commitment to serve and help people in the most varied situations they face: good and bad times; times of hope and despair; important moments and ordinary ones. Becoming a rabbi is being blessed to be part of people's lives, adding a Jewish presence to that blessing.

My own theological approach to the rabbinate embodies multiple sacred role models: Moses following Yitro's wisdom about sustainable leadership; Deborah, creating space for people to approach with their burdens, listening deeply, and going to battle alongside my congregants when circumstances call for it; and Avraham, who looked up to see his angels, opening my tent and accepting all the help sent to me.

I was taught that every rabbi has a biblical verse that inspires them. Mine was once Deuteronomy 22:3: "lo tuchal lehitalem" – "you must not remain indifferent." I was invested in changing my local community, I fought for equality and progressive values with all my strength. But there came a time for my verse to change.

Angels whispered to me the words of II Chronicles 15:7: "As for you, be strong, do not be disheartened, for there is reward for your labour."

We moved and I changed. I am still getting stronger, still finding my voice. But today I am receiving wings that can take me anywhere.

Now I understand that Joshua 1:9 will inspire me to keep going wherever I am needed: "Chazak Veematz! Be strong and resolute; do not be terrified or dismayed, for the ETERNAL your God is with you wherever you go."

Today, as I stand before you, I am grateful for the presence of some of the angels who have carried me to this moment. Muito obrigada! And I pray that in turn, I may be an angel in your lives, ready to listen, to support, to walk alongside you in times of joy and sorrow.

After 7½ years of study I am now a rabbi. I will not be stopped. I will not be indifferent. And whenever I need help, I will be strong and resolute and look for my angels. They are around me; I just need to look up and see.