Rabbi Elie Spitz
I write these lines between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, a time that our tradition calls Aseret Yamei Teshuvah- the ten days of repentance. The holidays are markers on a journey. Rosh Hashanah celebrates a new beginning, both the new year and the anniversary of creation. Yom Kippur, the Day of At-one-ment, is a near-death experience. We are bidden to act as if we are on the other side of life- not eating or engaging in sexual intimacy, and taking stock of our deeds. In this mini-lifecycle we are to appreciate what is enduring and valuable and come away with a renewed commitment to prioritizing our family, community and God.
We are a practical people. We learn in the Ethics of the Fathers, "If there is no flour, there is no Torah." Material possessions offer us the necessities of life and enhance our comfort and freedom. Yet, the rabbis also teach, "If there is no Torah, there is no flour." Or more exactly, without a sense of ultimate meaning gained by study and a life of disciplined living our material possessions can become idols, an end in themselves. We are blessed to live in a country that offers us great economic opportunities. As a group we live remarkably free and comfortably. Our shared legacy is a tradition of core values and rituals that guide and challenge us to live a life that encompasses ultimate meaning. To live as a Jew is counter-cultural, demanding our own initiative and commitment.
On Rosh Hashanah it was a joy to share the holiday with you. Cantor Tilchin and the choir added greatly to our celebration. Communal participation in all facets of the service continued to reinforce our distinctive strength of being a participatory congregation.
In the coming year, may we share learning, prayer, and acts of kindness. May we grow through each other in our awareness of priorities. May we find joy each day in the unfolding of our lives and the lives of our families.