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From
the Rabbi’s Desk...
There
was a time, although I cannot remember when, that I would look forward to
reading my morning newspaper while enjoying a cup of coffee. It may be an
idyllic memory, but I yearn for those few untroubled moments. My mornings
now are marred by images of a world in strife; of rebel insurgencies, of
dictators who slaughter their people, of starving children, of fires and
looting in London, widespread political corruption, disappearing
retirement savings and our own dysfunctional government. I think of the
coming holidays and wonder what message of faith and hope I might offer
our congregants. In these troubled times, I myself struggle to find
sources of comfort and inspiration as I look to the new year.
In years past, during times
of peril or crisis, our people found comfort by reading from the Book of
Psalms. They could always find a particular psalm which spoke to their
condition and with which they could identify. That is undoubtedly why they
turned to the 27th Psalm reading it every day throughout the
holiday period. The Psalm offered them reassurance that God would not
forsake them…that their hopes and prayers for better times would be
answered. They gained fortitude by reading and internalizing the Psalm.
The Lord is my light and my help. Whom shall I fear.
You have always been my help. Do not abandon me
When evil doers draw near to slander me
Indeed, I have faith that shall surely see
Be strong, take courage and hope in the Lord. Are
these words sufficient to engender hope and faith for us today…hope that
tomorrow would be better? For some people, perhaps, but for most of us
probably not. Where then can we turn to find sources of comfort? There is
precious little that any of us can do to ‘fix’ things “out there.”
We can, however, add to our personal sense of security and happiness by
focusing on things within our control. My first suggestion is to place
faith in ourselves and in our families. Too often we take the blessings of
home and family for granted. We need to have faith in ourselves, in our
children, and our families. My second response to the issues “out
there” is to seek the embrace of a warm, welcoming and caring Jewish
community. Robert Frost wrote: “Home is the place...where they have to
let you in.” Our congregation is where we are pleased to “let you
in.” One of the best sources of comfort and inspiration is to experience
the inclusive embrace of a warm and welcoming community.
For some, reciting the
Psalmist’s words may engender a sense of faith and confidence in the
future. For others, the reality of family and community could supplement
the printed word. There is comfort within our homes and our Temple. Knock.
They will let you in and give you faith and hope for the New Year.
P.S. A trip to Israel is the magical elixir which gives us
faith in the possibility of miracles and better times. Special
note: We owe a great vote of thanks to our President Shelly
Handel for personally overseeing and coordinating the complete
refurbishing of our bathrooms and the installation of a new and separate
handicapped accessible bathroom. It was a very big project and Shelly
spent an enormous amount of time at the Temple supervising and bringing
the work to a successful and beautiful conclusion. Thank you Shelly.
Rabbi Albert Thaler
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