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

Dear Friends,

Despite the political polarization that plagues our national rhetoric on issues concerning the economy, health care, immigration, and more. . . July 4^th 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

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

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