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UniqueSeptember 2003From the Desk of Rabbi CohonThere are very few things in this world that are truly unique. Most things are, well, a lot like everything else. A fine restaurant, no matter the quality, has its parallels. A good film will undoubtedly remind you of another movie-and if it's financially successful, will have a series of sequels. Every successful television show is copied, mimicked, and reprised ad infinitum. But some things simply cannot be copied successfully. There really is nothing that quite compares to the original. Judaism is like that. We are the formative religion for the Western world, the primary source for Christianity and Islam and every successor faith-yet we remain unique. The belief in one God, and the fundamental concept that we are each personally obligated to act ethically, were our inventions and remain our trademarks. The organic joy of living life connected to a calendar filled with celebration and meaning is Jewish in every way. And the personal challenge to constantly grow and learn, the encouragement to question openly and to seek ever-greater understanding, is found in its finest form in Judaism. The Jewish ways of celebrating birth, coming of age, and marriage are exceptionally beautiful and meaningful. The ways we Jews mourn death and care for the sick similarly speak to the heart without neglecting the mind. They are based in a tradition that has great wisdom, but that also encourages creativity and innovation, and has always, at its best, done so. Judaism offers something that cannot be found elsewhere. Authenticity, you see, cannot be faked. And that's true in a synagogue as well. Temple Emanu-El offers an in-depth chance to learn about Judaism in ways that are real, meaningful, and exciting. We are absolutely committed to providing prayer and study, social action, youth education, and Jewishly-based social networks that are the finest available. We are justifiably proud that other congregations and organizations imitate our programs regularly-sometimes giving them the same names we choose-and we know that we will always seek to be the leaders in our own community, and in the greater Jewish world. That is the true expression of authenticity and purpose: to believe in what you are doing, and to do so with passion, married to the openness that allows continued growth and development. This is, of course, not the easiest way to do things. But Judaism, authentic, meaningful Judaism that matters and brings goodness to the world, has never been focused on ease. The greatest joys in life come from accomplishment and pride. We offer life opportunities here at Temple that are unique in our community and our world. That these are also sometimes demanding is simply part of the reality of life. As one congregant put it beautifully, "There is something about Temple Emanu-El that you simply cannot discover with the superficial rounds one does when looking for a congregation. Temple Emanu-El has a beautiful blend of worshippers, rabbis, and place that challenges the Jewish soul. And once you make the connection to Temple Emanu-El, whatever that connection is, it does not make sense to join another congregation." My grandfather, the theologian Samuel S. Cohon, once wrote "a Judaism that asks nothing, that demands nothing, is… and of dubious value to humankind." But a Judaism that asks the best of each of us, that respects and encourages intelligence and celebration, that passionately cares about its people and their ideas, goals, and dreams: that helps us fulfill our own purpose and destiny here on this good earth. In the coming year of 5764, I pray that each of you join us in finding your own path to authenticity, and so to a Jewish life both sacred and unique. Rhody, Boaz, Gabriel, and Cipora join me in wishing you L'shanah Tovah Tikateivu v'Teichateimu, May you be written and sealed for good in the new year, Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon |
