Rabbi Mikelberg is a strong voice for tikkun olam, progressive Zionism, and inclusion. He is proud of his work with the Indigenous communities of Canada and the LGBTQ+ community. He has excelled in exciting people of all ages about their Judaism, dedicating his energy to innovative programming for young families and next-generation initiatives.
Rabbi Mikelberg is married to Zachary Paul, a high school teacher. Together, they have a young son named Jacob.
Parashat Tzav speaks to the historic nature of light and fire as a source of solace. In the Torah, this is a physical flame; the experience is intended to offer thanks or atonement, in other words, to connect with the Eternal from a place of humility. In modernity, this burning flame takes on both physical and spiritual forms.
As we begin Vayikra, The Book of Leviticus, we say goodbye to the Biblical stories that we may be more familiar with. The foundational narratives of Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, and Joseph and his siblings have passed. In Vayikra, the Israelites are well on their way to the Promised Land.
For the past year, I have been engaged in deep reflection over my responsibility as a Canadian and proud Jew in addressing the horrors committed against Indigenous peoples.
When my son Jacob asks how he was made, I’ll have the answer ready: “God, science, and a whole lot of love.” Of course, there are many more details to his story…