ONCE UPON TODAY

Oct 23, 2025, 3:48 AM

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Burial Cave of The Patriarchs and Matriarchs, Chevron, Israel.

Burial Cave of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs, Hebron, Israel

Once upon a time, every morning, energy radiating from the sun powered the brilliance of the heavens; the photons beamed their way to Hevron and bounced off of its holy stones into the eyes of a watchman on Yerushalayim’s Har HaBayit. The watchman signaled the Kohanim to begin the sacrifices at that moment.

Today, every morning, energy radiating from atoms power a clock on the wall of the shul; the image on its face beams its way into the eyes of the watchful gabbai. 6:15:00 AM. The gabbai signals the Shaliach Tzibur to begin the services at that moment.

Once God signaled us.

Today, God signals us still.

Once we watched.

Today, we watch still.

Once Hevron.

Today, a clock.

Once sacrifice.

Today, supplication.

Once upon Today.

About the Author

Robert Lichtman has devoted his career to securing a vibrant future through Jewish leadership, learning, and community. He has served in senior roles at major Jewish organizations including UJA-Federation of New York, Hillel International, and the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest, where he was Chief Jewish Learning Officer. Now an essayist, mentor, and teacher, he explores the challenges and possibilities of Jewish communal renewal in his writing and teaching. He may be reached at RobertELichtman@gmail.com