The Days of Awe are approaching––the High Holy Days. Time when we take stock and attempt to redeem ourselves before our Creator. So often, as the actual days arrive, I find myself feeling somehow unprepared. The holidays seem to demand that we be prepared, that we reflect, that we seek forgiveness from those that we have wronged in any way, and finally to seek forgiveness from God. A tall order. Not something that we can leap into by arriving at synagogue just in time for the holidays and taking our seats.
I do not come from an observant background, so some of the ritual still remains somewhat new to me. But, what I do yearn for is some meaning that I can take away from these ten days, and Shomrei and our Rabbi never fail to deliver. How well I remember the first sermon the Rabbi gave upon his arrival five years ago on the dangers of a society being consumed by fear. Sadly, not much has changed in the world. We still are a society that is dominated by fear and “talking heads” who scream at each other, never taking a moment to reflect or think about what they are saying.
That is why Shomrei means so much to me. Because here we can talk, reflect and grow. On Shabbat, at Torah Study, Mitzvah of the Week, the Zohar Class, and in our study of Pirkei Avot after staff meetings, we can explore the larger issues in a safe and thoughtful community. In a world that constantly seems to want to sink to the lowest common denominator, it is here that I feel called to higher ground. It is this community that challenges us to think, to respond to the needs of those around us, that sustains me and in many respects sustains us all.
This year we will not be having a Kol Nidre Appeal. This year with our new membership model we have already appealed to you to sustain the community, which sustains you. And you have responded with generosity and enthusiasm. For that, all of us are enormously grateful.
So at this time, as we approach the Days of Awe, I want to thank our staff and all of you who make what Shomrei does possible. Shomrei is here because of you. Because of the time you take to volunteer, because of your financial support, and finally because it is a place where we can celebrate all that life and Judaism have to offer.
Thank you for being a Shomrei stakeholder––for all that you make possible.
.May you have a sweet, happy and healthy New Year
L’Shanah Tovah Tikatevu,
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