From the Rabbi's Desk...
 
Rabbi Irwin Huberman
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July 8, 2010
Flashlight Service
Our synagogue will join millions of congregations around the world on the evening of Monday, July 19 to commemorate what is considered the saddest day of the Jewish calendar.
Tradition tells us that Tisha B’av, the ninth day of the Jewish month of Av, was the day that, 656 years apart, both Jerusalem temples were destroyed. It was also the day on when, in 1290, Jews were expelled from England. In 1942, on Tisha B’Av, mass deportations began in the Warsaw Ghetto.
Through time, both our classic and modern theologies have debated whether these events were punishments for bad communal behavior by the Jewish people.
On July 19, we will chant and read the Book of Lamentations, and discuss some of the theological issues.
It is customary to do so in darkness, under candlelight or, at CTI and weather permitting, outdoors by flashlight. We will also study the famous Talmudic text Kumsa, Bar Kumsa and God’s accusation of “senseless hatred among Jews.”
We will begin at 7:30pm. English/Hebrew texts and flashlights will be provided.
The Forest
In recent weeks, the forest which buffers Cottage Row and our synagogue has been piling up with bottles, cups, paper, and glass.
Because the area is sometimes used during the early morning hours by some Glen Cove residents, it is important that the area be clear of glass and other objects that may cause harm.
We are asking that anyone, in particular young people, donate some spare time to participate in a cleanup the area.
Although there are many reasons why the woods should not be used in this manner, it is a fact of life and we should do our best to ensure this “succah” is danger free.
Please contact me or Kim Schweitzer if you can assist.
Summer Services
With a number of congregants currently reciting mKaddish in memory of a departed family member, it is important that we have a minyan (a quorum of ten) for each religious service.
Although we have been successful during the summer months, a number of our regulars will soon be leaving on holidays.
We could use some additional congregants to join our minyan, in particular just after 7:15 am on Thursday mornings.
This is also true for Monday mornings, and on Sundays at 9:30am.
Opera at the Food Market
Attached is a very entertaining YouTube video, as members of the Gary Bertini Israeli Choir and the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra recently mingled with the lunchtime crowd at the Dizengoff Center in Tel Aviv.
Click and see what happened.
A Closely Knit Group
Our Knit and Knosh group is growing month to month. This regular meeting of knitters and noshers has increased in size to about a dozen and will meet this Monday at 7:30pm at the home of Fredda Klopfer, 54 Roosevelt Avenue in Glen Head.
Please contact Fredda for more information.
The Powerof Our Word
As our yearly reading of the Torah approaches the end of the book of Numbers (Bamidbar) our text deviates from the dramas of Moses, Miriam, Aaron, Pinchas, and others, and focuses on one topic.
Our word.
It reminds us that as we interact with our friends and family, or those in our professional lives, there is nothing more important than the promises and commitments we make.
In this week’s Torah portion, Mattot, the leaders of Israel’s tribes are reminded and warned not to make promises in vain. “You must carry out all that has crossed your lips.”
Every day in our lives, we make promises both big and small. We promise our children a walk to the park, or our spouse an evening at the movies. We commit to returning home from work on time.
But often these promises are forgotten or delayed.
Jewish tradition tells us that a word is not just a sound, but that it has substance with the power to create or destroy, to heal or hurt.
We as human beings enjoy the unique gift of speech and, by using words wisely and with compassion we can become like God, who created the world in the opening sentences of Genesis, through the power of words.
Therefore, says the great 19th century German scholar Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, a vow or promise is one of the most powerful uses of words a person can make.
It is why, as we begin the climb to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we should take extra care to guard our lips from promises that may be uttered with the best intentions but that we have little chance of completing.
It is why, in the classic Jewish tradition, the phrase B’Li Neder (without a vow) is used. For example, the term is used when saying “I’ll be there at 8:00pm, B’Li Neder.” In other words “I’ll do the very best I can.”
In the end, doing the best we can is all we can do in life. Better not to make a promise that is almost impossible to keep than to disappoint.
The Torah also has special instructions for leaders and others in high office. Often our politicians are tempted to make lofty promises which they cannot keep in hopes of gaining power. But as the great scribe Moses Schreiber said in the early 1800’s, when a leader makes a hollow promise it devalues all words.
It perhaps is one reason why we often become cynical towards our political leaders.
This week’s Torah portion reminds us to strengthen the integrity of speech. Let us utter only promises that we believe we can keep, and use the power of words to support kindness, compassion, and integrity.
May we find peace and kindness during this holy Shabbat and every day.
Shabbat shalom, v’kol tuv (with all goodness),
Rabbi Irwin Huberman
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