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August 2023

Rebuilding Faith in an Increasingly Skeptical World

 Over the course of the past few decades, our nation and our world have suffered an erosion of faith in our institutions, our leaders and even in our democracy. We have lost faith in our system of justice, education, and healthcare. We have lost faith in the capacity of our elected officials to work together for the greater good of our communities. We have lost faith in the idea that our sources of media can communicate truthful, objective information. In almost every corner of our society, faith has been compromised, and it has had an impact on the way in which we see and interact with each other on a daily basis.

Indeed, faith is in a state of crisis, so how do we begin to get it back?

One path forward involves recognizing that faith is somewhat hardwired into our hearts and minds. The truth is that whether we like to admit it or not, we exercise faith all the time. Without faith, we would never fly on airplanes. Without faith, we would never take medicine; we would never improve our diets; we would never sacrifice ourselves for a greater good or put ourselves in uncomfortable situations for something we hope will be better down the road.

When employed with intention, faith can be an empowering and a liberating mechanism that moves us forward when we feel stuck and gives us courage after we stumble. Faith provides us with a sense of resolve and ambition regardless of any obstacles that may be in our path. In a world that often makes us feel small and insignificant, faith can help us channel our skills and resources to the meet the challenges we face with hope, vision and resilience. In this way, faith might be understood as a kind of mental and emotional bridge that gets us from the everyday struggles of life to a place of peace and resolution.

In each of these situations, faith is not something that comes out of nowhere. Our faith is not blind. It is rooted in our experiences, and it is anchored in trusted perceptions of realities we have faced in the past.

We are able to get on an airplane because past experiences support our belief that the plane will not fall from the sky. We are able to take random medications because we trust in our doctor’s knowledge and anticipate that the prescription drug will do what it is supposed to do. There are countless daily activities that employ faith this way, for the truth is, there is never a guarantee that what we hope for is what will happen. In these cases, and in so much of what we do, faith is a part of how we operate.

In these times of skepticism and mistrust, we all need a boost in faith. Our Holy Day Season is just around the corner providing us with an ideal opportunity to strengthen and restore faith in our lives, faith in our futures, and faith in God. Our rituals and prayers invite us to embrace faith as a driving force for renewal within ourselves, our relationships, and our place in the universe. During this sacred season, our traditions seek to help nurture faith in how we think and how we live by encouraging us to imbue every moment with purpose, meaning, intent, and direction.

In short, the primary themes of our High Holidays invite us to live with the conviction that despite the way things may appear to be, despite any perceived obstacles in our path, things are and will be ok.

As we prepare to welcome 5784, may the rituals and traditions of our holy season enable each of us to find ways to recognize, embrace, and unleash the power of faith in our daily lives and find ways to apply it in an increasingly skeptical world.

 

Winter 2023

November 15, 2023 by HCRJ Web Admin

How Thanksgiving Can Help Us Cope

Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday, and because it is not relegated to any specific culture or faith, it has the capacity to bring our country together in a very special way. It’s theme of gratitude is universal, and as Americans, there is a lot for which to be grateful.

Among the many things we cherish as a nation, few are more sacred than the fundamental freedoms of speech, assembly, and religion. These rights are not just constitutional guarantees; they are central pillars for a just and inclusive society.

Each of these freedoms are enshrined in the First Amendment, and they stand as an eternal testament to America’s commitment to diversity and tolerance. These freedoms are designed to cultivate a society where people can coexist harmoniously despite significant differences in cultural backgrounds, political leanings, and religious beliefs.

When these freedoms are exercised respectfully, they play a vital role in establishing a just and inclusive society. By allowing people to raise their voices against injustice, advocate for a cause, engage in constructive dialogue, and peacefully address grievances, these freedoms provide the framework for civility and informed discourse.

While these freedoms represent the bedrock of our democracy, they are often exploited and used to generate conflict and division. It is not uncommon for mass gatherings, marches, and protests to devolve into irrational, narrow-minded mob scenes which are destructive and sometimes violent. It is also not uncommon to witness the rage, anger, and violence of such protests to eventually turn against the Jews.

This has certainly been the case over the course of the past few months. According to the

Anti-Defamation League, antisemitic incidents across the United States have risen nearly 400 percent since October 7, 2023. This escalation in hate and violence has been felt most intensely on U.S. college campuses where Jewish students have been inundated by mass gatherings and marches protesting the war against HAMAS which often leads to an onslaught of antisemitic incidents, including violent assaults, intimidation, and harassment by fellow students.

As TV and social media coverage continues to broadcast hate-filled chants and slogans against our people and our faith, they spread misinformation about history, promote incorrect definitions of common terminology, and encourage anti-Semitism. These darkened days reflect the dangers that can emerge from the misuses of the freedoms we so cherish.

In response to the misuse of these freedoms, we need to be vigilant, and when it comes to standing up for the Jewish people and for supporting the State of Israel, we need to be unabashedly unified. This does not mean that we need to agree with everything Israel does, but we do need to stand strong as a people if we are going to be able to stand at all in the future.

Here is a truth that is very difficult to hear: this war, and its rippling effects throughout the world, has become an existential threat to all Jews (not just Israeli Jews), and therefore

We need a plan of action. We need concrete ways to respond. To this end, our community has incredible tools and resources from organizations like the Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Committee whose missions include ongoing advocacy for the wellbeing and safety of the Jewish people and the State of Israel.

These resources are great for adults, but what about our youth (who are extremely susceptible to exposure to anti-Jewish content on social media)? What about our college students who currently find themselves ill-prepared to defend themselves against the aggressive anti-Israel and antisemitic forces surrounding them every day?

In examining our curriculum at HCRJ, we have come to recognize that our youth need better tools and vocabulary to address these issues. In response to this growing need, we have implemented lessons and programs for all ages which are designed to expand and strengthen connections to Israel and combat anti-Semitism.

While it may feel like the entire world has turned against us, the truth is that many of our neighbors have never met a Jew. Their misconceptions are often rooted in complete ignorance and perpetuated by absurd stereotypes. They may have no idea what we believe or what we stand for. Therefore, in our ongoing battles against the rising tide of anti-Semitism, we are going to need to be better ambassadors of our faith by using our freedoms of speech and religion to reach out to the world around us.

We are also going to need to build stronger relationships with the faith communities around us. We are a minority, and we need all the help we can get. While anti-Semitism has been around for millennia, the kind of interfaith solidarity we have been able to establish over the past three generations is new.

Previously, when Jews were victims of murderous anti-Semitic attacks, it was rare for anyone to stand with us or around us. Today, we have generated deep and lasting relationships with a wide variety of faiths. This kind of sacred allyship is built on trust. Our commitment to nurturing strong, healthy relationships with people of all faiths is something that we must continue to pursue – especially at times like these.

Finally, our battle against anti-Semitism must include an ongoing assessment of ourselves. We need to monitor our behaviors and impulses. We need to make sure that – as we confront the hatred directed against us – we do not succumb to the pitfalls of prejudice, intolerance, and bigotry against others. We need to make sure that the hate waged against us does not arouse any kind of hatefulness from within, and this is what I love about Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving serves to reminds us that we are all Americans. Thanksgiving invites everyone, regardless of our cultural backgrounds, political leanings, or religious beliefs to join in the celebration of gratitude. This year, our celebration may be darkened by the war, but when this all passes (and it will) we will still be American Jews with all the freedoms we are afforded – and for that we can be grateful.

Filed Under: Bulletin Messages

July 26, 2023

July 26, 2023 by HCRJ Web Admin

Dear Friends,

Tonight begins the holiday of Tisha B’Av (the 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av). According to our tradition, it was on the 9th of Av that both the First and Second Temples were destroyed (first by the Babylonians in 586 BCE and then by the Romans in the year 70 CE).  Jewish tradition further teaches that throughout our history many of the worst atrocities against the Jews fell on Tisha B’Av.

Throughout history, Tisha B’Av has served to keep Jews intimately linked to the value and importance of Jerusalem in our faith. By morning the loss of our ancient Temple, we have remained steadfast in our concern for the future of Jerusalem in every generation.

Observant Jews will begin fasting this evening and conclude tomorrow at sundown. This custom is an expression of solidarity in sadness. Most Jews, however, are not fasting – and yet – an urgent call for solidarity within our community is as strong as it has ever been.

On Monday, the Israeli parliament approved a sweeping proposal to overhaul the judiciary. This highly contentious decision has fractured the nation pushing Israel to a state of internal instability.

It is in the light of what is unfolding in the streets of Israel today that Tisha B’Av takes on new meaning. Whether you choose to fast or not, there is much to be concerned about. Jerusalem and the State of Israel are facing grave threats from within, and while there is little, we can do to change the destructive forces at hand, I encourage all of us to allow Tisha B’Av (and its lamentation of past destructions) to remind us of the importance and the fragility of Israel in the unfolding story of our people and our faith.

L’Shalom,
Steve

Filed Under: Bulletin Messages, Weekly Reflections

July 5, 2023

July 5, 2023 by HCRJ Web Admin

Dear Friends,

Despite the political polarization that plagues our national rhetoric on issues concerning the economy, health care, immigration, and more. . . July 4th invites every American (regardless of what we may believe is best for our future) to stand proudly in celebration of something we do share – democracy, freedom and a unique American way of life.

Yesterday’s celebration of the Fourth of July invited our entire country to share in one of our only purely, American holidays. Indeed, the Fourth of July, with its fireworks that filled our night skies, serves as an annual reminder that we live in a country where diversity is celebrated and ingenuity of thought and belief are part of the fabric of our national identity.

These are values worth defending, and it is important to remember that if we fail to embrace what our fireworks are all about; if we fail to appreciate the liberties we have been afforded; and if we fail to stand up for the liberties of others, then the Fourth of July is reduced to a meaningless day for consumer discounts on furniture and mattresses.

L’Shalom,
Steve

Filed Under: Bulletin Messages, Weekly Reflections

June 28, 2023

June 28, 2023 by HCRJ Web Admin

Dear Friends,

We are very excited to welcome Beth Fine-Nelson to our staff. Beth has arrived at a time when we are reimagining ways to engage our community and build on the amazing programming which has been nurtured by Justin Deutsch.

Beth comes to us from Temple Sinai in Sharon, Massachusetts, where she served as the Education and Events Director. Her work as a Jewish professional spans decades, and she comes to HCRJ with a wide variety of skills in programming, education and communications.

Beth’s title will be Director of Communications and Engagement, and her kind demeanor and engaging personality will soon be associated with the kind of warm, welcoming spirit that we have all come to appreciate at HCRJ.  If you are ever near HCRJ during the day, please pop in and say “hello.”

L’Shalom,
Steve

 

Filed Under: Bulletin Messages, Weekly Reflections

May 31, 2023

May 31, 2023 by HCRJ Web Admin

Dear Friends,

In this week’s Torah portion, Naso, God provides Moses with instructions on how Aaron and his sons should bless the Israelites. This blessing, which is often referred to as the Priestly Benediction, is delivered by rabbis at weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and celebrations of bar/bat mitzvah and baby naming ceremonies. It is also recited by parents at the beginning of Shabbat as a way of invoking God’s blessing upon their children. The words of this ancient blessing can be found in Numbers 6:22-27:

May the God bless you and protect you!
May the God’s face shine upon you and be gracious to you!
May the God’s face be lifted towards you [in favor] and grant you peace!

This ancient blessing has long been recited with hands extended over its recipients. According to our sages, the Shekhinah (God’s presence) was said to rest in the space between these extended hands. Thus, in every generation, all priests, rabbis, and parents who have chosen to bestow blessings through these powerful words became intermediaries or vessels of the Divine spirit.

Another powerful idea associated with these words is that they are stated in the second-person singular.  This is significant because the blessing was originally recited over all of the Israelites as a collective community. Here we come to embrace two important ideas.

Firstly, the language of this blessing serves to remind us that we are one people, and we share a collective destiny. Secondly, we are reminded that the Divine blessing is not generic. God sees and cherishes us as individuals. We each have needs, dreams, and yearnings, and as we receive this blessing, it remains unique to each of us as we receive it.

As this week continues to unfold, may you be blessed with Divine protection, abundance, and peace.

L’Shalom,
Steve

Filed Under: Bulletin Messages, Weekly Reflections

March 15, 2023

March 15, 2023 by HCRJ Web Admin

Dear Friends,

A number of weeks have passed since I returned from Israel. My intentions are to share insights and observations at an upcoming Shabbat service, but before too many weeks pass, I thought I would share a few observations regarding the protests that are currently taking place in the streets.

From the moment I arrived in Israel, there was a sense of dissatisfaction in the air. Fear, frustration, anger, and even helplessness were common sentiments in the conversations I had with friends and family. Most share a sense that the future of Israel was being compromised by efforts to remove the checks and balances of the judiciary. Civil liberties, Arab rights, women’s rights, gay rights, and countless other issues are among the concerns that emerge in conversations I had personally as well as by the Members of Knesset who addressed our group throughout the week. Many see Israel’s democracy as being threatened, and as a result, hundreds of thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets.

These protests span every demographic of Israeli society including faith, culture, ethnicity, profession and age group. On my first day in Israel, there were over 100,000 people marching around the Knesset, and on my final Shabbat in Tel Aviv, over 160,000 filled the streets. It was estimated that nearly half a million Israelis protested on that Shabbat alone, as a broad cross-section of the country seems to be coming together in demanding the protection of fundamental democratic practices within the government.

As my 10-day experience in Israel unfolded, these protests were constantly in the background. While it was challenging to fully understand what was going on, it was very apparent that Israel is currently immersed in a state of devastating internal upheaval.

There are legitimate fears regarding Israel’s future as a democracy, and there are legitimate concerns that the consequences of the current government’s efforts to tinker with the checks and balances of the judiciary could be devastating for generations to come.

While there may be very little we can do as American Jews, we should not allow the crisis unfolding on the streets and in the courts to compromise our commitment. Our support needs to remain steadfast, and remaining informed is more important than ever.

In the coming months, HCRJ programming promises to include some important Israel focused opportunities. We will also be sending out a survey to gauge interest in a future HCRJ trip to Israel. As Israel celebrates 75 years this year, we are planning to be fully engaged in the celebration!

L’Shalom,
Steve

Filed Under: Bulletin Messages, Weekly Reflections

December 21, 2022

December 21, 2022 by HCRJ Web Admin

Dear Friends,

Chanukah represents a daring innovation. It is not a holiday that is mentioned in the Torah or the Holy Scriptures, but it does hold great significance in the unfolding story of the Jewish people. For this reason, the sages in the Talmud (Shabbat 21a) instruct us observe this post-biblical festival with the lighting of candles over the course of eight consecutive nights. In doing so, we recognize the importance of the story of Chanukah and symbolically enhance our sense of wonder regarding miracles both past and present.

In addition to the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days, Chanukah commemorates the miraculous victory of the Maccabees, the rededication of the Temple, and the ongoing survival of our people against countless oppressors. In each instance, the miracles of our faith can be seen as a partnership between God and humanity.

As we light our candles tonight and mark the fourth night of Chanukah, the Chanukiah (Chanukah menorah) will shine bright, adding light to a darkened world. May these blazing candles serve to open our eyes to the miracles around us, open our hearts to a world in need of healing, and open our minds to seek partnerships between God and humanity.

Happy Chanukah​​​​​​​!

L’Shalom,
Steve

Filed Under: Bulletin Messages, Weekly Reflections

May 4, 2022

May 4, 2022 by HCRJ Web Admin

Dear Friends,

Tomorrow is Yom HaAtzmauut (Israeli Independence Day) and in the spirit of solidarity with Jews all over the world, we honor and celebrate the centrality of the Jewish State in the life-blood of Jewish history, heritage, culture and spiritual sustenance. As a modern political entity, Israel is only 74 years old, but in this short period of time Israel has become one of the most successful centers for technology, industry, medicine, agriculture and science in the entire world.

Indeed, we can take great pride in the fact that Israel has established herself as one of the most democratic, forward-thinking nations in the world, and we will do so this week at Shabbat services.

Please join us to celebrate Israel’s 74th at HCRJ with a very special Shabbat service on Friday night at 6:30pm featuring music, meditations and an Israeli oneg. We will also be honoring our teachers and bidding farewell to our graduating seniors.

Happy Yom HaAtzmauut!

L’Shalom,
Steve

Filed Under: Bulletin Messages, Weekly Reflections

April 27, 2022

April 27, 2022 by HCRJ Web Admin

Dear Friends,

Tomorrow, Jews around the world will observe Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. This annual day of remembrance designates sacred time devoted to recalling the horrors of the past as a means to shape the present and the future.

We must never forget that the atrocities of the Nazis demanded a complicit society. We must never forget that the horrors of the Holocaust were rooted in fear, intolerance and hate. The slogan, “Never Again,” can only be realized if the entire world is committed to overcoming the voices which perpetuate and promulgate hateful rhetoric in society at large.

This Friday night at 6:30pm, we will set aside sacred time during Shabbat services to remember and reflect. Our remembrance will be shaped by special music and meditations, and as our observance takes place against the backdrop of the unfolding horrors in Ukraine, we will seek ways to understand the slogan “Never Again” as it applies to the world today.

L’Shalom,
Steve

Filed Under: Bulletin Messages, Weekly Reflections

March 16, 2022

March 16, 2022 by HCRJ Web Admin

Dear Friends,

Tonight is Purim, and Jews around the world will be reading the Book of Esther and celebrating in a wide variety of ways. At HCRJ, our custom is to celebrate Purim on the Sabbath closest to the holiday (see details below).

To increase your joy around this fun-filled holiday, consider the following: 

1. Attend one of the many congregations observing Purim tonight.

2. Learn more about the history and customs of Purim by clicking here.

Happy Purim! We look forward to seeing you on Friday night.

Steve

Filed Under: Bulletin Messages, Weekly Reflections

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