Author Brad Meltzer offered the commencement address at the University of Michigan this past May. During his speech he gifted graduates with the following advice. “The most sophisticated and intelligent people I know are the ones willing to challenge their thinking and admit there’s more to learn. Life will absolutely not be what you think it will be. It will be hard and wonderful and messy and rewarding, with more versions of you than you think possible. The only immutable fact is you should never be immutable. Keep transforming learning and never think you know it all.”
This time in the Jewish calendar is one of introspection, renewal, and hopefully change. Meaningful change doesn’t come easily and only happens when we are willing to challenge ourselves and admit that we, too, have more to learn. May this new year inspire each of us to find the strength to challenge our old ways, and build a life and community open to learning every day.
- Rabbi Joshua Z. Gruenberg
High Holy Day Sermon Recordings
