RABBINCAL REFLECTIONS / SYNAGOGUE NEWS
February 2024
Federation Star
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Resolute Purim Rabbi Ammos Chorny
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lthough this year marks a leap year in the Hebrew calendar, the upcoming celebration of Purim invites us to delve beyond its perceived characterization as merely a children's festivity. Purim, with its customs and observances, carries a profound message that extends far beyond the youthful joy it often invokes. Rather than restricting its significance to our younger generations, it beckons us all to partake in its rituals, seeking the underlying wisdom woven into the fabric of the Megillah.
Our sages convey a striking prophecy — that amidst a messianic age where many holidays may dim in significance, Purim will stand resolute, as relevant then as it remains today. But what sets Purim apart from others? Most holidays are tethered to the Exodus from Egypt, marked by awe-inspiring acts transcending the natural realm — plagues, parted seas, divine encounters atop Mount Sinai and the miraculous sustenance of manna. Yet, what does Purim commemorate? It doesn't overtly recount miraculous feats; in fact, the Divine presence appears veiled, absent from explicit mention in the Megillah. Talmudic interpretation hints at the observance of Purim within the Torah itself. "Where do we find Esther in the Torah?" they ask. Their answer lies within a verse from Deuteronomy: “Haster astir et panay,” meaning 'I will
surely hide My face.' It's as if within the Book of Esther, God's countenance is deliberately concealed. The Megillah recounts a decree aimed at the utter annihilation of the Jewish people, yet before its conclusion, a dramatic reversal — “v’nahfoch hu” — turns the tables.
…when hope dwindles, we turn to Purim, a reminder of our enduring covenant with the Almighty… On the anticipated day of their demise, fate takes a starkly different course, sparing the Jews from imminent disaster. Our sages elucidate that Purim serves as a prelude to a future transformation, a time where Israel's standing in the world
undergoes a complete shift. Those once adversaries will seek unity, recognizing the singular power of God. Purim's enduring relevance lies in its depiction of hope — through natural progression, the Torah's message will prevail, shaping and uplifting the world. It's an affirmation transcending rationality's norms of reward and punishment, of purity and sanctity. When all seems lost, when hope dwindles, we turn to Purim, a reminder of our enduring covenant with the Almighty, a bond that enables us to transcend even the deepest sins and return to His benevolent embrace. May this year's Purim celebration usher in a season of renewal for all, overturning complacency and dismantling barriers that separate us from the Divine. Rabbi Ammos Chorny serves at Beth Tikvah.
Temple Shalom teens trip to Washington, D.C. Rabbi Adam F. Miller
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cross the globe, one can find gaudily clad individuals waving wands, lifting capes and saying with a flourish, “Abracadabra!” This magical formula is believed to have its roots in the Hebrew phrase, “A’bara K’adabra” – “I will create as I have spoken.” An echo of the creation of the world, when God says, “Let there be light” and light appeared. Although magicians today use the phrase more for effect, the Jewish people have long known the power of words. Abraham argues that God should have mercy on the innocents living in Sodom and Gomorrah, and his nephew’s life was spared. Moses pleads with God to heal Miriam, and his prayer that is granted. Esther shares the plight of her people with King Ahaseurus, and the Jews are redeemed from the hand of Haman. At
each turn, words play a key role in creating a better outcome. At the end of January, I traveled to Washington, D.C. with nine Temple Shalom teens to participate in the L’taken Seminar at the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. A transformative experience, the weekend included a visit to the United States Holocaust Museum, Havdalah at the Jefferson Memorial, learning about contemporary issues through a Jewish lens and lobbying on Capitol Hill. Throughout the trip, the recurring theme centered around the power of our words and speech.
…our words have power to create a better world. At the Holocaust Museum, students shared that even eight decades removed from the Shoah, Pastor Niemoller’s words still resonated with them: First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out Because I was not a Socialist… Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out
TEMPLE SHALOM
Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak for me. In today’s age of digital and social media, teens witness firsthand what can happen when words are used to inflict pain. Online bullying afflicts their peers, often while others look on in silence. They understood Pastor Niemoller’s message that everyone has a responsibility to speak up against injustice because left unchecked, it will not be long before those attacks are aimed at us as well. Saturday night, we held a havdallah service at the Jefferson Memorial. After a history that has included so many generations of oppression, it is remarkable the freedoms granted to the Jewish community of America. Freedoms created by Jefferson and the founding fathers of our country, when they emphasized the separation of church and state in the Constitution. Words that were then echoed by President George Washington in the historic letter he wrote to the Jewish community of Rhode Island expressing that the United States of America, “to bigotry gives no sanction.” Creating a feeling of belonging for Jews across the country.
On Sunday, students crafted their own words, which they would then deliver on Monday during our visit to Capitol Hill. They prepared speeches that emphasized our Jewish values, as well as their own personal connections to the topics they chose. When asked to reflect on their visits to the offices of our senators and congressmen, the teens shared that they understood that their words were not magic. Their messages would not instantly change someone’s mind or create action out of thin air. At the same time, they expressed a new sense of empowerment, as adults listened to their words, gave them consideration and engaged in thoughtful conversation around the subjects. These students recognized the power of their own words to shape the world around them. Abracadabra – let us embrace the lesson learned by the students, that our words have power to create a better world. May we use our voices for justice, to speak for those oppressed. May we use our words to bring hope to those who are struggling. And let us express gratitude that we live in a land where we are indeed free. Rabbi Adam Miller serves at Temple Shalom.
www.naplestemple.org / 239-455-3030
I look forward to welcoming you to Temple! Deborah Fidel Executive Director
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ometimes it seems, for those outside of faith communities, that religion is simply about a set of beliefs to which one assents. But I know that from the inside it is about relationships and shared vision. Where else do people sing together week after week …I still believe the synagogue is a refuge for the bereaved and provides a road map for the
seeker. I have been moved by how powerful the teachings of tradition prove to be in people’s lives, helping them sort out grievances from griefs, focusing on what matters, giving poignancy to celebrations…. if you wish to see the full panoply of a human life, moments of ecstatic joy and deepest sorrow, the summit of hopes and the connections of community, they exist concentrated in one place: your local house of worship (italics mine).” -Rabbi David Wolpe (from “As a Rabbi, I’ve Had a Privileged View of the Human Condition” New York Times, July 2, 2023) Rabbi Wolpe may as well have been describing One Family. Rabbi Miller, Rabbi Boxman and Cantor Azu would
certainly echo his view of the richness of a life lived in community with others, but so would anyone who is privileged enough to be part of Temple Shalom. Our members know that Temple offers us a place to connect with others in a unique way that cannot be replicated anywhere else. It’s the backdrop for some of the most intimate and significant moments in our lives. The rhythms of the Jewish year orient and enrich us. People who regularly attend Shabbat services and holiday celebrations feel the power of Jewish community and peoplehood. Simply put, when you join Temple, you are part of a broader community that invites you in, embraces and supports you.
Oct. 7 and its aftermath have only amplified my need and desire to be part of a community whose values I share. Judging by the rapid growth of our membership (currently 950 households) and the recent surge in attendance at Shabbat services and other programs, I am not alone in feeling that way. If you would like to visit Temple Shalom, learn more about our L’Shalom pledge system (voluntary dues), sample our world class adult education offerings or participate in one of our many fun and engaging programs, please contact me at info@templeshalom.org or 239-4553030. I look forward to welcoming you to Temple!
