By Rabbi Jordan Helfman

Ronald Heifitz, in his book about leadership, talks about getting off of the dance floor and onto the balcony.

Once in a while, we need the ability to let the dancers twirl, the steps run, but to be able to escape the action and see the shape of the production. Who choose to dance with whom? Who is still with us, and who has left the floor?

In this week’s parasha, Pinchas, Moses does exactly this, taking a new census. As the people prepare to enter the Promised Land, he takes stock.

The end of July, for clergy, is like the first of Elul for most Jews. In Elul, we begin the month-long personal preparation for the Yamim Noraim – the High Holy Days. But of course, for Jewish professionals that preparation needs to start even earlier.

And so, as we approach the summer, we start to do our own census, thinking if those new people in our communities who might be tapped on the shoulder for a leadership role for the first time, as well as those who are no longer in our communities this year.

And we also begin our cheshbon hanefesh, the accounting of the soul of our community; Have we engage our members in serious study, joined in meaningful weekly worship and holyday celebrations, and been there for all of our members in the liminal, life-changing moments – death, conversion, mourning, marriage, coming of age, and of course birth?

The summer lies in front of us, and in shuls around the country and around the world the planning is in progress. And if our tradition is known for one thing, it is that the best weeks are had after a period of relaxation and rest. How else can we take a moment, and look down at the dance floor?

Shabbat Shalom.

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