As we take leave of the summer months and the recent Yom Tovim,
As we take leave of the summer months and the recent Yom Tovim, I am, especially, moved by our people’s resilience during this season. I want to express my gratitude to the Kehila’s High Holiday Committee and Charlie Pilzer for planning hybrid services. It seems that hybrid is the future, even after, G!d willing, the pandemic is over.
Sukkot this year took on greater meaning, especially, if one was able to spend some time in a Sukkah. Having children feeling the awe of the Sukkah and experiencing the shaking of the Lulav and Etrog increased my joy. Participating in the Sukkah Climate Caravan rally in Rockville and on the lawn near the Capitol calling for eco justice, green jobs and clean renewable energy in support of the Jobs Plan celebrated the relevance of our teachings.
Even the teaching in the Book of Ecclesiastes read on the Festival spoke louder for many than in previous years, the fragility and temporality of life evermore so. Kohelet concludes with the teaching to “Be in Awe of God and keep the Mitzvot; for that is the all of humankind. Since every deed will God bring to judgment, for every hidden act, be it good or evil".
This year Am Kolel teamed up with Temple Shalom to celebrate Simhat Torah. Taking place in their beautiful Mishkan - Tent Sanctuary, we danced the HaKafot and then concluded the Book of Deuteronomy by chanting. Khazak Kahzak V’Nitkhazek - Be Strong, Be Strong and Let us Strengthen Each Other. We married the end of the scroll to the beginning of the scroll and read from Genesis. “…darkness hovered over the face of the deep….. and then, there was Light”.
These lovely days of early autumn beckon us to be outdoors, to enjoy the light.
May we move into the days ahead with resilience, creativity and a positive spirit. May those on the Hill debating the fate of this nation and this earth, be guided to do what is compassionate and just.
Kadimah,
Reb David