Dear Temple Sinai Members and Friends,
The beautiful Psalm 137 verse five reads: “If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill.” It is essential that each of us keeps Israel in our minds, hearts, and souls during this most challenging time for the State. It has taken on the mission, which no other nation would do, of destroying the power of Iran, the instigator and supporter of so much of the evil and harm not only in the middle east but throughout the world. Israel is now fighting battles on seven fronts and therefore needs our prayers and support in any way that each of us can offer. May the Holy One bless Israel with peace. May the Holy One be with the brave men and women of the IDF who put their lives on the line every day for the State of Israel. May the Holy One keep all the citizens of Israel safe as well. May the Sukkat Shalom, the canopy of Israel, rest upon the Holy Land.
This Shabbat, the Torah portion is Shelach Lecha. It describes the pivotal moment in our people’s history when they could have entered directly into the Land promised to them by God or allowed their doubts and fears to prevent them from doing so. As many of you know, Moses chose to give into the people’s fears, and this was one of two reasons for which God later punished him not allowing him to enter the Land. Moses sent in twelve men to scout the Land. After 40 days, they returned and ten of the scouts gave reports of great armies and cities that would prevent Israel from conquering the land. Two scouts, Joshua and Caleb, spoke positively about the Land and declared that the Israelites would be victorious in their ability to secure the Land for their future. The people gave into their fears and following the report of the ten, refused to go into the Land. For this they were punished by God who let them know that they would have to take another 40 years before entering, allowing a new generation of faith to be worthy of that great experience.
Our future can also be frightening at times. I would like to think that I would have voted to follow Joshua and Caleb’s faith to enter the Land, but in truth I do not know. Many of you have expressed to me your fears and uncertainty about the future of America. Some have talked to me about moving to another country, but the question was, “Where? What country is safe, especially for Jews?” I too am frightened but we must, as Adam Clayton Powell said in 1967, “Keep the faith, Baby”. I trust that our democracy is robust, and the principles of the Bill of Rights will prevail. Let us keep faith and let each of us stand up in our own way to ensure this future. Remember the vote. Keep the faith, Baby.
For those of you who have not gone to the website JewishFamilyExperienceDelray.org, you have missed something. Go to it and be proud of Temple Sinai as it takes this bold step forward in attempting to re-start our Religious School. Also, if you know of any families or members of your own family who would be interested in registering for the program, let them know about it. As I have written in these messages before, each of you is an Ambassador for the Temple. Go Team Sinai!
Finally, as the new Temple Sinai Board of Trustees takes the helm of the Temple, let us welcome Mark Breitbart to the position of co-President serving along with the veteran co-President Betti Adams. Let us also truly thank Lynne Weinstein as she steps down from that position for her many years of dedication as co-President for the work that she did. Let us wish her success as she takes on the work of Vice-President of the Jewish Family Experience along with David Cotton. We are in good hands.
Shabbat shalom to all, and Shalom B’Yisrael, Peace in Israel. Peace here in America.
Your Rabbi Steve