Blog

Wow...what a stressful time. I had to stay away from the news for a few hours in order to think about writing these words. Of course, only to discover the reports of the terrorist attack in Vienna. Each day feels so intense in our world and achieving the balance between "normal" life and the fate of our country being in the balance is really a challenge.

On this day before election day I hope that all of you have voted or intend to cast your vote tomorrow. While the national scene is receiving the most attention, please know that your votes on local life make a difference for our communities in which we live.

At our Shabbat services over the past number of months I have been trying to emphasize how important for us to be able to be together as a Jewish community and use words and music to sooth our souls and find the resilience inside to be able to handle these difficult days. Many groups are having Zoom gatherings this week to be able to pray or talk or listen to music in order to navigate this bumpy journey. I would like to offer a time to check in and reflect this Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. If you would like to join the Zoom session, send us an email at zoom@bnaiisrael.net.

There are a number of reasons for us to come together, perhaps without even knowing the final result of tomorrow's balloting. The number one reason is to be together. Number two, as Jews, last week marked the second anniversary of the shootings in Pittsburgh and this Shabbat will be the second anniversary of the community memorial we held at BIJC. We need to acknowledge how it felt to have all of those people from the greater community surrounding us and trying to bring us support and comfort. Number three, we will begin to know the direction our nation is heading and be able to look for strength together to chart that course. So, please join us, if you can, for a little bit of music, a bit of reflection and conversation.

The Torah describes the people of Israel as a nation that will dwell alone. Indeed, that is the way it has felt at different points in our history. As anti-semitism rears its ugly head, we are reminded of the Torah's teaching. There are other times when we have been united with the communities around us in justice and peace. I hope we can soon return to this latter position and that journey back begins with our being together.

Od yavo shalom alienu...may Shalom soon come our way.

Please keep safe, wear masks, and socially distance so that we can one day come together in person and embrace each other as we had done...

Shalom,

Rabbi Ted Feldman