Congregation B'nai Shalom
Traditionally Speaking
September, 2004
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Congregation B'nai Shalom Traditionally Speaking |
From the President
Programming
Sisterhood
Ritual
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FROM
THE PRESIDENT
- ROB CHEIFETZ
The Torah commands us to say the Shema prayer (twice a day). There are two
concepts at the heart of the Shema. First, we are commanded to affirm the
One-ness of G-d. This idea is simple enough, but was revolutionary in its time,
when people worshipped a multiplicity of gods. (To a great extent, the idea
remains revolutionary, as even today millions worship a “trinity.”) Second, we
are commanded to love G-d with all of our heart and soul. This commandment is
more difficult to understand, on a couple of levels.
To begin with, it seems anomalous to “command” people to love. Love cannot be
commanded; it must occur on its own. Parents are not commanded to love their
children, they just do. And children are not commanded to love their parents,
they are commanded to honor them (in fact, this is one of the Ten Commandments).
Fear can be commanded, respect can be commanded, observance can be commanded –
but it does not follow that love can be commanded.
The commentators say that we are commanded to love G-d in the hope that by
following the Torah and its commandments, we will see the logic and
righteousness of G-d’s plan, and we will grow to love G-d. Viewed in this light,
the commandment to love G-d (“And you shall love G-d…”) is really a prediction,
a statement of the obvious result of following the Torah’s laws.
The commandment to love G-d with all of our soul is perhaps the most difficult
concept to grasp, and hopefully one commandment we will never have to perform.
It is this commandment that would require us to choose G-d over Life itself in
certain circumstances, such as when one is ordered, on pain of death, to bow
down to an idol. The best example of such a circumstance is found in our Yom
Kippur prayers. On Yom Kippur we read about the Ten Martyrs, a chilling recount
of the horrific deaths of ten of the greatest teachers in Jewish history, who
were killed for their beliefs. Perhaps the most famous of the Ten is Rabbi Akiva.
Rabbi Akiva was flayed to death with sharp-toothed metal combs, and his public
execution occurred during the time to recite the morning Shema. He recited the
prayer during the execution with a smile on his face. He explained to his
executioner and his discples that he was joyous because he found that he was
able to maintain his love of G-d even though it would cost him his life, in
fulfillment of the commandment of loving G-d with all his soul. (Talmud Brachot,
61b).
And so, as we gather at Congregation B’nai Shalom of Buffalo Grove for our
holiday services and Rabbi Glass and Cantor Amir lead us in prayers like the
“Ten Martyrs,” we reconfirm our commitment to worship the One and only G-d, and
to do so with the proper mindset and sense of purpose. And, if we do it right,
G-d will answer our prayers for another year of life, in which we can grow to
love G-d even more, and to do so alongside our friends and family at our
wonderful Traditional shul.
Shannah Tovah and Gmar Tov.
A look back, then a look forward.
Looking back, I can only gush about how well I thought the shul picnic went. It
showed me how dedicated, social, fun, and well fed WE are. Led by Edie Richmond
and Jodi Holman, there were no details not planned out. The menu was one of a
kind, hitting all of the "picnic" necessities. The grilling was done to
perfection by the master chefs, Jay Piell and Craig Marshak, cooking up hot dogs
and hamburgers to feed a hungry bunch. I was surprised at how well our car wash
was received, as we washed over 15 cars before we ran out of time. The kids,
ages 2-15, were great, taking the scrubbing very seriously. They even managed to
get wet and have fun. After eating, the kids were treated to games by David
Goldberg, who was organized and knew how to direct the kids to fun and prizes.
In all, the weather was great, the help was VERY appreciated, and smiles were
abundant, especially from our kids-what more could we ask for?!?!
Looking ahead, our main focus turns to the holidays. We will again have Junior
Congregation and babysitting to keep our youth involved. With help from Craig
and Audrey Marshak, we promise to have a program that will teach the children,
allow them to daven, socialize, and have fun together. We would appreciate any
volunteers to help-whether it is to help set up the classrooms, monitor the
rooms, or help teach. The more the merrier. Please let me know if you are
interested.
Looking back and looking ahead, I like what I saw and see!!
It's not too early to pay your sisterhood dues. When you pay your shul bill,
just write on it that that you want to pay sisterhood first. The shul office
will take care of the rest for you. It's that easy! Or, if you want to make it
even simpler, for $180.00 (payable over 2 years), you can become a life member.
Then, you never have to try to remember if you paid your sisterhood dues for
that year.
So, come on and "get involved." Join sisterhood, come to our meetings, and
you'll meet new and "old" friends. We're sure you'll enjoy yourself.
Any questions, contact Jody Kanter.
We had a very successful rummage sale on Sunday, July 18th. A big thank you to
everyone who helped.
The ritual committee has been very busy getting things ready for the High
Holidays. We need everyone’s help in order to have the days run smoothly. Please
call the Shull office to volunteer to: set-up and/or take-down chairs in the
sanctuary, usher, run Junior Congregation, remind people of their aliyahs, and
set-up and/or take down the Sukkah.
Set-up for Rosh Hashannah- 9/12 at 10:00 (after minyan)
Set up sukkah- 9/26 at 8:00 a.m.
Take down sukkah- 10/17 at 9:00 a.m.