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Having just returned with a group of congregants from Israel, I reflect on the power of members of our congregation traveling together. Our delegation of 40 people—most of whom didn’t know each other prior to departure—experienced the wonder and complexity of Israel as each of us independently reflected on our own connections to Israel, the people and the nation.
I think back to the various Jewish communities our synagogue has visited in Cuba, Argentina, the former Soviet Union, Germany, and Israel. Each mission had particular experiences relating to the history and culture of the countries we visited, but the overarching connection of Jews to each other is undeniable. It is especially profound when we worship with these various communities. Similar melodies, rituals and the use of Hebrew bind us.
But what binds us most of all is our common concern for each other. Often, groups from Central Synagogue will take responsibility for projects in these communities to support the quality of their Jewish life.
As a result of our visit to Minsk in Belarus three years ago, our members Nelson Blitz and Catherine Woodard—with additionally support from the congregation—have annually funded a summer camp session for the young people of that region. This past summer, more than 70 percent of the campers experienced their first Jewish camp as part of the Nezer Youth Program. I share with you a letter from one of the participants in that program:
“Shalom friends from Central Synagogue!
“My name is Veronika, I am 13 years old and I am from Minsk city.
“It is my first “Nezer” camp. I like it very much. This camp is so interesting! I wish to go here next time.
“Here we have a lot of Jewish activities, we have a log of games, we talk about the books of Torah and say prayers.
“Also we went to Borisou and Khatin. Khatin is the memorial for the people that were killed in World War II. In Borisou we saw the place where 9000 Jewish people were killed. We felt sorry for this people.
“When I come home I will go to Nezer club.
“I like our madrichim [counselors] too. They are very nice and interesting.
“We celebrated Shabbat some time ago. We lighted candles, said prayers and sang the hymn of Nezer.
“Thank you for your help.”
These children are our future. It is good to be with them and support programs that convey the values and spirit of Jewish life. We look forward to other opportunities to rekindle Jewish life in places in which there had been loss, annihilation and destruction. They give us good reason to hope, especially during the coming holiday of Chanukah when we celebrate dedication and survival.
Rabbi Peter J. Rubinstein
