A Message from Rabbi Rubinstein

June 2009

Though crisis provides an opportunity for reflection and retrenching, it is not necessarily the condition under which any us would choose to contemplate life, survival or priorities. These have been incredibly difficult times for some of our members who are not simply down-sizing their lifestyle, but are clawing for survival itself.

The Torah commands that there be a Yovayl, Jubilee Year, to occur every 50 years. The purpose of the proclamation relating to the Jubilee Year, ““You shall declare liberty throughout the land unto all the inhabitants thereof”” (Lev. 25:10), was not a notion of political freedom. Rather the commandment implicit in that verse was to return land and possessions to original owners. It was a primitive attempt to restore economic balance, financial dignity and fiscal well-being to those who had lost it.

Our tradition is particularly sensitive to the hurt caused by monetary loss and the incipient shame that often occurs as a result. It was assumed that the entire community carried the responsibility for defending those who were devastated either by impersonal economic forces, by very personal misbehavior, or by rampant community gossip.

Thus, as a congregation we have taken as our responsibility the absolute, impenetrable defense of those who are hurting. I am proud that our congregation has powerfully proclaimed, “No one is denied, no one is left alone, no one is diminished, no one forsaken at Central Synagogue,” whether for reasons of financial hardship, inability to pay or other stress in their lives. We will stand by our members. Nothing will change in the status of any member, no matter how their financial stature has faltered.

Our synagogue is weathering the storms of this economic environment with incredible strength and fortitude. In addition to standing by our members, our responsibility is to support the Jewish community of this city, provide leadership and strength to the Reform Jewish community of this nation, and to provide hope and example for synagogues in distress.

This is the incredible venture of Central Synagogue.