Rabbi's Reflections

Shavuot is Z’man Matan Torateinu, the time when the Torah was given. On the original Shavuot, God gave the Ten Commandments to the Jewish People. Moshe eventually brought the commandments down from Mount Sinai. They were inscribed on two tablets of stone. How was it that the Commandments were inscribed on two stones instead of one? Was their order on each stone significant? I can’t imagine that it made it any easier for Moses to carry them down the mountain.

Rabbinic tradition teaches that the first five were inscribed on one tablet and the second five on the other…

• " ‘I am the Lord your God’ (was written on one) and adjacent to it was written: ‘Do not murder’. The Torah is teaching that anyone who spills another’s blood, is considered as if he has defiled God. This can be compared to a human king who visits his people. They built a statue for him, a portrait and minted coins (with his image). After some time, they knocked over the statue, defaced his portrait and devalued his coinage. By insulting the image of the king, they actually insulted the king..."

• "On one was written: ‘You shall have no other gods’ and adjacent to it was written: ‘Do not commit adultery’. The Torah teaches us that anyone who worships idols is considered to have committed adultery against God…"

• "On one was written: ‘You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain" and adjacent to it was written: ‘Do not steal’. It teaches us that anyone who steals will come to swearing in vain... (to deny the theft)"

• "On one was written: ‘Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it’, and adjacent to it was written: ‘Do not give false testimony’. This teaches us that anyone who desecrates the Sabbath testifies that God did not create the world in six days and that God did not rest on the seventh, while one who observes the Sabbath testifies that God did create the world in six days and that He did rest on the seventh..."

• "On one was written: ‘Honor your father and mother’ and adjacent to it: ‘Do not covet’. This teaches us that anyone who covets will eventually beget children who will curse his father and mother and who will honor one who is is not his father..."

This is the reason why the Ten Commandments were written with five commandments on each tablet.

Come study the Commandments with us on the evening of Shavuot, Tuesday May 14 at 7:00 PM.

Yom Hashoah : A Day In Remembrance of the Holocaust

Sunday, April 7, corresponding to the 27th of Nisan, is Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Memorial Day. The history of Yom HaShoah is brief but incredibly complex and instructive about the Jewish world today; Indeed, about the place of the Holocaust in the world as a whole and even the nature of Zionism. From the very beginning, the idea of a Holocaust Remembrance Day was Israeli but meant to be shared with the world Jewish community.

Originally, the idea for a Yom HaShoah was proposed as a day to remember the beginning of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, consistent with Israel’s belief in Jewish self-defense. The Warsaw revolt began on April 19, 1943, which corresponded to the first day of Passover that year. However, mixing Passover and Yom HaShoah clearly was not a good idea, so alternative dates were discussed. Jewish religious traditionalists suggested the 10th of Tevet, the anniversary of the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem in 588 BCE by the Babylonians. The matter was intensely debated and on April 12, 1951, Israel’s Parliament voted to establish Yom HaShoah on 27 Nisan, which is eight days before Israel’s Independence Day.

In Israel, at 10:00 a.m., a siren will sound for two minutes and the entire country will come to a standstill. In Israel and in the Diaspora, including in our own Kehillah, there will be special programs and services. Although there is no standard practice, the public lighting of six candles as well as solitary yellow candles at home, the reading of the names of the perished and the singing of HaTikvah is widely observed. Because Yom HaShoah is not a religious holiday, it is often marked by special services and programs in public space in the United States, including the Rotunda of the Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Remembering the Holocaust is both a theological and a political challenge as the brief history of Yom HaShoah confirms. More importantly, remembering the Holocaust has become a generational problem. Aside from youth choirs who sing at Yom HaShoah events, most of the participants are older individuals and often survivors or the children of survivors. Remembering the Holocaust is essential in Jewish life. We need to find ways of remembering it in all of its fury. Even more, we need to find ways to maintain Judaism in our daily lives where the real challenges of memory and meaning are played out every day. Let us remember. Let us vow never to forget.

B'Shalom,

Rabbi Harvey J.. Winokur

The first night of Passover this year is Monday, March 25. If you are thinking, that seems very early, you are right. This is the earliest Passover occurs on the Gregorian calendar. And although the Hebrew calendar works on system of 19 year cycles, due to our leap years, this will not occur again for another thirty-eight years. I rather like it when Passover is almost over before Spring Break. Going out to eat is much easier.

And speaking about early, have you noticed when the first night of Chanukah occurs this year (Wednesday, November 27 - the night BEFORE Thanksgiving)? Even though it will fall on the 27th three more times this century, this is the only time that it will begin before Thanksgiving. Of course all of this will be rectified, as it always is, when the tri-annual ‘leap month’ is inserted before Purim in 2014.

In truth, Passover and Chanukah are not early at all. They occur on the 15th of Nisan and the 25th of Kislev respectively as they do every year. This reminds me of the Rosh Hashanah sermon I delivered over twenty years ago when the New Year appeared to be particularly early that year. It is a reminder that early or late is relative. It is more a matter of whether or not we are prepared for it. In the case of the holidays, preparation is a small part food, and a large part spiritual.

I personally am excited by the date of Chanukah this year. What better way to begin having the ‘extended family’ gather around the Menorah than the nights before and during Thanksgiving. It is also remarkable to think that except for infants and toddlers, this is the only time we will be able to do this in our lifetime.

B'shalom,

Rabbi Harvey J. Winokur

February has been designated as Jewish Disability Awareness Month. As we revisit our journey as a people from bondage to freedom to the Promised Land, we focus our energies on those infused with God’s spirit within or community who often feel enslaved by their disability.

It is unfortunate that we, at times, act as their slavemasters, when we see them as disabled first and persons second. In that case, a darkness descends and we do not see them in our midst. How does darkness become a plague? By blocking the light, turning off our awareness, shutting down relationships, and preventing us from becoming agents of change. In the Torah, we interpret the meaning of darkness for our ancestors. This month we seek to lift the veil of darkness which often engulfs persons with disabilities.

Like the Israelites may we see light in our dwellings where others see only darkness. May we open our hearts to the light which emanates from individuals who are challenged in so many ways. But we need to do more than just illuminate the paths that these individuals travel upon. We should not be content just to widen doorways, build ramps and have large print prayerbooks. They are "persons first" who are like us in more ways than we care to admit. We should not define them by their disability. They need to be on our Boards and be seen as potential leaders. Let not their physical, intellectual, mental or invisible disability cause us to be enveloped in the darkness of insensitivity. Can the veil of darkness be lifted so that we can see them as equals?

The Egyptians failed to see their responsibilities towards others. They were dwelling in darkness. In contrast to the ancient Israelites who we are told had "light in their dwellings" recognized, in those moments, the needs and concerns of each other. When we lose our mutual concern, we too are afflicted with darkness in the eyes.

But more than that, I hope and pray that we be able to bring light to the dwelling of those with disabilities who can often be invisible to us. As we are taught, ‘whoever does not see their friends with a "good eye" cannot rise up from the darkness.’ Join us on Friday, February 22 for our Annual Disability Awareness Shabbat that our eyes be filled with light for these special friends who dwell among us.

Jewish Disability Awareness Shabbat

Harry Stern, former Executive Director of the Marcus Jewish Community Center and currently the CEO of enAble Georgia, will be our guest speaker at Shabbat services Friday, February 22. We hope you’ll join us! See below to read more about Harry Stern and his appointment to CEO of enAble Georgia.

B’Shalom,

Rabbi Harvey J. Winokur

Press Release From enAble of Georgia

October 16, 2012

enAble of Georgia, a non-profit organization serving individsuals with special needs and their families, has named Harry Stern as its chief executive officer.  

Stern will have responsibility for leading the organization as it expands its range of services to a wider audience of potential clients, including adults with physical disabilities, seniors, youths with developmental and physical disabilities and others with special needs, as well as their families. His accountabilities will include direct operational responsibility for the organization’s development initiatives.

Stern brings nearly 30 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and development roles to the position. Most recently he has served as Director of Global Development for the WellStar College of Health and Human Services at Kennesaw State University (KSU), where he collaborated in the development of the university’s Global Center for Social Change. The Center worked with countries in North Africa and the Middle East in the area of disability programs.

He was one of the leaders in launching KSU’s Academy for Inclusive Learning and Social Growth, which offers a fully inclusive, two-year college experience to students with intellectual disabilities. The Academy is the only program of its kind in Georgia.  

Earlier he was Executive Director of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta for 15 years. During his tenure, Stern introduced a broad offering of programs designed to enrich the lives of individuals with special needs, such as Habima Theatre, Georgia’s first theatrical company to feature actors with developmental disabilities in plays and musicals produced by professionals.

Stern also has held leadership positions with major nonprofits in Washington, D.C., San Diego and New York City and has worked as a consultant to organizations and government agencies worldwide regarding inclusive approaches for persons with disabilities. He holds both master’s and doctoral degrees in Social Welfare from Columbia University in New York.

“We are delighted to have an individual of Harry’s caliber in the top leadership role for enAble,“ said Vicki Gordon, Chair of enAble’s Board of Directors. “His experience and strategic vision will be instrumental in guiding our organization as we broaden its scope in providing top-quality, comprehensive support to individuals in the Atlanta community who need help living a fulfilled lifestyle.”      

About enAble of Georgia

Roswell-based enAble of Georgia, Inc., is a nonprofit organization providing residential, in-home and day-service programs for adults and adolescents with special needs and their families. enAble is committed that individuals with both intellectual and physical disabilities live as independently as possible and have the opportunity to be a part of and contribute to their communities. Founded in 1979, enAble is a 501(c)(3) organization and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). For more information, please visit www.enablega.org.

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One of the enduring missions of Reform Judaism since its establishment in the 19th century is the commitment to social justice. I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you about two opportunities within our Reform movement related to tikkun olam (the repair of our world). One is very recent and the other is a regular part of the Reform calendar.

Recently, The Southern District Social Action Committee of the Union for Reform Judaism, through its TzedekGeorgia Reform Jewish advocacy project, began enlisting congregants from its 18 congregations in Georgia to join in an effort to lobby the state legislature on social justice issues.

The goal is for participating members from all of our congregations to meet with their Georgia state legislators at the Capitol to address the root causes of social and economic injustice while advancing religious tolerance and human dignity. While the URJ’s Religious Action Center in Washington, DC, engages in the legislative process nationally, many social justice issues are resolved at the state level. TzedekGeorgia will use the positions taken by URJ resolutions adopted at URJ Biennials or passed by the URJ Board of Trustees as its guide to advocacy in Georgia.

To join the effort, please contact tzedekgeorgia@yahoo.com. For more information find them on the web at www.tzedekgeorgia.org or call 770-886-1704.

The Religious Action Center referenced above holds a Consultation on Conscience advocacy seminar in DC the spring after congressional and presidential elections. Having attended several in the past, I can state unequivocally that it is the most exciting Jewish social justice event in Washington! It features high-level briefings with public policy decision makers and social action leaders. The Consultation helps those with a passion for tikkun olam bring Jewish values to modern issues of civil rights, economic and environmental justice, religious persecution and more. The Consultation on Conscience is Reform Judaism’s flagship social justice conference. This year it is being held on April 21-23, 2012. Click on the link below to view a tentative schedule:  http://rac.org/confprog/consult/schedule

Won’t you consider joining me? Email me if you are interested. https://secure.rac.org/conc

Whether you stay local or go national, either one of these will engage your passion for social justice.

B'Shalom,

Rabbi Harvey J. Winokur

Early in July this past summer, the Boy Scouts of America leadership, upon questioning, reaffirmed their ban on gay scouts and scout leaders. This reaffirmation brought on a strong reaction from our Reform Jewish leadership. Richie Bauman, Chair of our Religious Life and Practices committee, asked me and the Cantor if it were perhaps time for us to discuss the matter as it related to the pulpit and services here at the Kehillah.

The committee discussed it first at their August meeting at which time it was tabled. In the intervening months, the ‘perversion files’ which the Boy Scouts have had for over a century came to light due to a lawsuit in Oregon. At its October meeting, a full airing of issues, both pro and con, were discussed. As a result, a motion was passed and stated that we would no longer participate in presenting Boy Scout award pins and patches on the pulpit. It was further clarified that I would still continue to work with students on their Jewish award programs if asked. The Religious Life and Practices committee felt that we should no long represent the Boy Scout organization as long as they continued their discriminatory policy.

Before I was able to communicate this to the congregation, word got out regarding this change in policy and a number of Boy Scout supporters attended the November Board meeting to express their opposition. After a lengthy period of give and take, the Board decided to establish a Task Force to explore this and other issues relating to the Boy Scouts as it affects our synagogue. No timeline was established but the Board and Clergy intend to meet shortly to begin working on this issue. In the December Kol Kehillah, two members were asked to weigh in on the issue and their viewpoints are presented there for your consideration.

Click here to read >> December 2012 Kol Kehillah - Point/Counterpoint found on page 14

I welcome comments both pro and con as we continue to explore these issues.

Rabbi Harvey J. Winokur

A Presidential Task Force to fully consider TKC’s position as it relates to the Boy Scouts of America will be appointed by President, Renee Sevy-Hasterok, in December. If you wish to be considered for this Task Force, please contact Renee at TKCpresident@gmail.com.

This year Thanksgiving is November 22 but in Judaism, EVERYDAY IS THANKSGIVING.

It is a tradition in our religion to awake each morning and say the prayer beginning, ‘Modeh Ani’, thanking God for restoring my soul and giving me another day to live. Interestingly enough, the root Hebrew letters of the word thanks can also mean turkey. Isn’t that ironic as we come upon our American Thanksgiving?

One of the sessions of the Ayekah (adult spiritual curriculum) reflects on the fact that the we do not begin the prayer with Ani Modeh-I am thankful, but Modeh Ani, thankful am I. Putting the act of being grateful before our own selves is our way of understanding the essence of our relationship with God and our world. Would that we could maintain that posture as we enter upon each day and retain that perspective as we move through the day.

I recently read a story about a cab driver who was reflecting upon a fare he had taken some twenty years ago. It was very late, maybe 2:30 in the morning. Under most circumstances he would just honk and wait. But that night he chose to go up to the door and knock. From inside he could hear something being dragged across the floor; a voice said, "Just a minute." After a long pause the door opened. A small woman in her 80s wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil (like someone out of a 1940s movie) stood before him. The apartment looked as if no had lived there for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets; there were no pictures on the walls, no knick-knacks or utensils on the counters. He offered to carry her bag to the car. When she got in the car she gave him an address and said, "Could you first drive through downtown?" she asked. "Well, I can," he said, "but it’s not the shortest way." "Oh, I don’t mind," she said. "I’m in no hurry. I’m on my way to the hospice. I don’t have any family left. I just want to see where I’ve lived." The cab driver reached over, shut off the meter and said, "Tell me where to go." For the next two hours they drove throughout the city, passing the building where she used to work, the neighborhood where she and her husband first lived after they got married. Sometimes she would ask to just stop at a particular corner and then sit silently looking out the window.

Finally they arrived at their destination. Two orderlies came out to help with the luggage. They brought a wheelchair for his passenger. "How much do I owe you?" she asked. "Nothing," he said. "You have to make a living," she replied. "There will be other passengers," he said, and then bent down to give her a hug. "You gave an old woman a little moment of joy," she said, and then disappeared into the building.

In recalling the story, the cab driver reflected: "I don’t think that I have ever done anything more important in my life. We’re conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware, beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one. People may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel. Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance. Every morning when I open my eyes, I tell myself that it is special. Every day, every minute, every breath truly is a gift from God."

To paraphrase the Bible, let us rejoice and be glad for every day.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Rabbi Harvey Winokur

Each year, five days after the end of Yom Kippur, our Festival of Sukkot commences followed by Simchat Torah. After the hours spent at temple for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, it is understandable but regrettable that these festivals do not receive the same attention. The Ten Days of Atonement is a solemn time spent inside the sanctuary in prayer and song. The Harvest Festival offers us the opportunity to reconnect with all of God’s creation and spend time in the great outdoors. The celebration of Torah reminds us of the incredible gift we were given at Mt. Sinai, a gift that keeps on giving.

Beginning Sunday, September 30, our Sukkah will be up for the week. There are many services and gatherings scheduled in celebration. The annual Sukkot Picnic, Adamah Adventures Cookout by the Sukkah for Road to Confirmation and Sisters in the Sukkah (check calendar for days and times) to name a few. But please know that you are welcome to come by any time that week: bring a sandwich for a lunch, pack a picnic basket for a family dinner. The Lulav and Etrog will be waiting for you.

In addition, as a prelude to Simchat Torah, we will celebrate with our annual unrolling of the Illustrated Torah Scroll in the Social Hall after the Adamah Adventures Cookout. You are welcome to participate in the Torah Search.

And don’t forget that there will be worship services for Sukkot and Simchat Torah on October 1st and 8th at 10:30am followed by pot luck Kiddush lunches. The Simchat Torah service will include Yizkor.

Pull up the calendars on your iPhones, iPads and Androids and reserve some dates to honor the Festivals and give meaning to the hours you spent in synagogue on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. I look forward to seeing you.

Chag Sameach,

Rabbi Harvey Winokur

Our Caring Core was established in 1998 and was renamed The Lotte Sachs Memorial Caring Core (LSMCC) in honor of Lotte’s commitment and participation in the Caring Core over the years. The LSMCC helps us to foster a nurturing Jewish community in times of need. Lay volunteers provide comfort to our members who are ill or have lost a member of the family. Our volunteers currently visit and deliver baskets, and call and send notes of encouragement and well wishes.

With the donations to the fund that have come in Lotte’s memory, the LSMCC has refreshed and added new material to the baskets. We are also revisiting the mission, vision and scope of the LSMCC.  Photo: Charlotte "Lotte" Sachs, z.l. (of blessed memory).

The LSMCC would like your input on how we may best accomplish our outreach mission. We hope you will complete this survey so we can tailor our work to the needs of your congregation.

To access the survey, please click here: Lotte Sachs Memorial Caring Core Survey. You can "copy and paste" the text into an email and indicate which programs or services are important to you.  You can also print the survey, scan and email it to us at:

Marcia Barasia mbarasia@hotmail.com

or

Rabbi Harvey Winokur rabbi@kehillatchaim.org

There will also be paper copies of the survey in the Temple lobby. Feel free to fill it out and drop it off.