Tribute to Rabbi Birnholtz

June 28, 2024

I first met Rabbi Birnholz 18 months ago after he put out a call to community faith & organizational leaders in response to anti semitic literature dropped in Vero neighborhoods.  We met for six months & one year ago, with his inspiration, we formed veroBEachKIND, a campaign to:

• Stand united in support for kindness in our community

• Speak up against hate

• Listen & learn from each other

And we did learn from Rabbi Michael

• Lots of Hebrew phrases, stories & wisdom!

• Many gardening tips!

• How to make sourdough bread!

But most of all, we’ve learned how Rabbi Michael embodies his faith. I recently read an article that stated:

“Judaism celebrates not only the art of smart but also the art of heart. The Talmud says: God desires our heart.

“To speak to the heart of another is about the ability to hear what they want and need, to listen acutely and attentively, to respond respectfully and generously.” 

Thank you for living these principles and lighting a flame. We will continue to spread the light and we wish you well as you spread sunshine on the west coast.

Debbie Padnuk, Facilitator, veroBEachKIND