A Message from Rabbi Rubinstein

September 2008

A Message from Rabbi Rubinstein

Though this message is being written months in advance of its publication date, I think I can predict that by now our nation is deep into a political/presidential/election season. In a couple of months, we will elect the 44th President of the United States with the hope that our nation moves forward as a leader in the world community and protector of the rights and well-being of all citizens. Presidential elections, which follow the Jewish New Year, can be a time of renewal.

Renewal is a pervading theme at this season. We are preparing for the coming High Holy Days with excitement. The reasons are obvious: the introduction and installation of two new rabbis, the beginning of a school year with new teachers on both our full- and part-time faculties, and a program of learning, community and worship that evolves and changes continually.

Since the last High Holy Days, our clergy have continued to focus on exploring and evolving the Yom Kippur morning liturgy.  Our belief and hope is that we can better comprehend and find meaning in the prayers that we often recite by habit but question.  The confessional portion of the service and the Untaneh Tokef have especially occupied us. (The Untaneh Tokef is the prayer that proclaims: “On Rosh Hashanah it is written, on Yom Kippur it is sealed: How many shall pass on, how many shall come to be; who shall live and who shall die….”)

We have asked a few representative members of the congregation to study these sections and to tell us what they understand about their meaning and purpose. They helped us by providing personal insights and alternate language based in their responses to study and explanation. We hope that a different way of framing the confessional and Untaneh Tokef will empower each of us to further embrace the power and personal meaning of the Yom Kippur liturgy.

We also have adjusted the schedule of services for the upcoming High Holy Days to better support families with school-age children.

Please take note of the schedule for all services. I implore you to do everything possible to be present at the beginning of services and to let us know if you will not be using assigned seats for any particular service.

At this time of renewal, I look forward to seeing all of you during the coming weeks so that we can personally express wishes for a good year to each other. I know you join me in hoping and praying for a better year for our nation, a more peaceful year for all nations of this world, and health and joy for ourselves and those we love.

Kerry joins me in sending all our own best wishes for all good things in 5769.

Rabbi Peter J. Rubinstein