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Thoughts to Nosh OnSeptember 2006From the Desk of Rabbi SharffElul, which began in late August this year, marks the beginning of the season of Teshuvah: The season of repentance and a return to the pathways laid out for us by God. Traditionally, we do this through a thorough self-reflection, a spring-cleaning of the soul in preparation for the High Holy Days. This is the time where we strive to do better in order to make our actions reflect the people we would truly like to be.
But introspection is never easy. It means we must confront those deepest parts of our souls, and ask hard questions about ourselves. This is no quick fix, and it can only be done through thorough self-reflection; acceptance of our past mistakes followed by a genuine desire for change.
And if this true of individuals, it can also be true of organizations as well. One of the challenges we face at Temple Emanu-El is helping those in our own community who are most in need, especially those who are ill and ailing. There are unfortunately some members of our congregation who simply slip through the cracks.
We here acknowledge that this is an issue of tantamount importance to what we do as a congregation. To this end, we are working to revitalize the Caring Community. And this is where you can help. Whether it is contacting the office and letting us know if someone is going through a major life event, or through phone calls, personal visits, or simply sending get-well cards, any and all of these actions can really inspire hope and sense of belonging especially to those most in need.
In our Shabbat morning service, we enumerate the Eilu Devarim, the "Things that are priceless," or more specifically, the "Rabbinic Ten Commandments". These are in addition to the Temple Commandments given to us by God at Sinai, and they include the great mitzvot of honoring one's parents, rejoicing with bride and groom, comforting the bereaved, and visiting the sick.
Our sages knew that the way a congregation can really put its best foot forward is by helping those who are most in need in the community. As you begin the process of self-reflection in preparation for the holiest of holy days, we also invite you to help Temple Emanu-El continue down the road of teshuvah, as we all hope to help guide this wonderful congregation down a road where it can truly be the place that we all wish in our heart of hearts it can be. Rabbi Ben Sharff |
