FOR ZION'S SAKE I WILL NOT BE SILENT

FOR JERUSALEM'S SAKE I WILL NOT BE STILL- ISAIAH 62:1

From the Rabbi's Desk..

               I saw a film in Israel this summer called The Band. In fact, it was shown at a few select theaters in New York last spring. If possible, I will try to obtain a copy and show it here. The film was very poignant and could be appreciated on many levels. Its basic message was that life cannot and, therefore, is not always lived on the mountaintops. In reality, life is more often lived on the plains or in the valleys. We all have soaring moments of happiness, hope, optimism and idealism. For the most part however, these are rare moments. Fortunate are those who can live their lives on a level plain for all too often life gets in the way, it gets messy and complicated. It is in the every day, the ordinary, the routine and the disappointments with which we all live. Similarly, there are moments in congregational life when spirits soar and we are inspired. There are occasions when we are spiritually and emotionally moved. The recent Adult Bat Mitzvah Service, the Bar or Bat Mitzvah of one of our kids, a holiday celebration, a trip to Israel that opens eyes and hearts. There are moments when congregational life is lived on the mountaintops. I know however, that it is in the ordinary, in the unsung, unglamorous hum of daily activity that Temple life is carried on. During the summer months just about all of the Temple’s activities grind to a halt. All, that is, except our daily and Shabbat Services. The office staff is gearing up for the holidays but for the most part the building is very quiet. When I returned home from Israel this summer, the very first Temple activity I attended was a morning Minyan and I realized how precious was this little group. Each and every day of the week, sometimes in the mornings, sometimes in the evenings, a very small group of people from neighborhoods near and far comes together to see to it that Services are held. Because this small group gathers, someone can observe a Yahrzeit, Kaddish can be recited, a prayer for someone who is ill can be offered, and a psalm may be read for a kidnapped soldier’s safe return. This small group of volunteers enables those who wish to enjoy a moment of silent reflection and prayer to do so. I salute these faithful few men and women. The Minyan, which meets every day, is so utterly ordinary, routine and unspectacular …yet so terribly important. I often wonder what it is that makes some people care so much while so many others care so little. I guess you could say ‘Thus it has ever been’ The few who benefit the many. Does it always have to be this way?           Rabbi Albert Thaler P.S. I started to write this message on Friday, August 1st with Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur almost two whole months away. I have not yet begun to climb those two spiritual mountains but I take this early opportunity to wish everyone a Shana Tova. May the coming year bring healing to the sick, comfort to the bereaved, the sounds of celebration to our homes, peace to Israel, and peace for all of God’s children.