Rabbi Moskowitz's Message

Summer Days

Summer is a wonderful time to interrupt our routine, to allow ourselves to be surprised by what has been present all along. It is a season of deceleration by which we take note of that which has been speeding by, in both the world around us and that within. Through this heightened sense of awareness we recharge our enthusiasms and renew our spirits. In the Jewish calendar, this season’s end transports us into the birth of a new beginning, the High Holy Days.

Who made the world?
Who made the swan, and the black bear?
Who made the grasshopper?
I don’t know exactly what a prayer is.
I do know how to pay attention,
how to fall down into the grass,
how to kneel down in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed,
how to stroll through the fields,
which is what I have been doing all day.
Mary Oliver, “The Summer Day”

As you hopefully readjust to at least some opportunity for summertime adventure and reflection, I would like to bring to your attention some new events on the horizon and invite your participation:

TEA AND TORAH: In August we will begin reading a new book, by Bruce Feiler. Feiler’s trek across the land described in the Bible becomes a journey of both discovery and self-discovery. I have chosen this book as part of our learning more about the Middle East, and its particular enchantment to us as Jews, in preparation for our congregational trip to Israel next summer. Our Tea and Torah group has grown over the past year. Together we enjoy a time of stimulating discussion and learning. Please join us on Thursdays, 10:30-11:45 a.m.

SABBATH FELLOWSHIP: This once-a-month Saturday morning service, luncheon and program is an opportunity for our congregation to especially honor the senior members of our community. I would like to involve more members of our congregation in this mitzvah. We already have a dedicated group of wonderful congregants who prepare and serve the luncheon meal. I am asking for a few individuals to assist with greeting seniors when they arrive, reaching out to invite seniors to attend, and assessing any transportation assistance that may be needed. If you would like to join me in this enterprise of respect for our seniors, please let me know. I would be very appreciative.

TRIP TO ISRAEL: We are going to Israel next summer, June 22-July 3, 2009. We have already scheduled three meetings to discuss the details of our trip: an evening meeting on August 7, one in the late afternoon of September 7, and a third on the morning of September 21. Please consider attending one of these. You may contact the office for exact times and locations. During the next year we will also be having a series of classes and discussions designed to enhance our experience in Israel. These will be announced in our Joys of Jewish Learning program of classes. I look forward to sharing with you the miracle that is Israel.

A good and wonderful summer to each and every one of you!

SAVE THE DATES
Informational meetings
“Our Israel Mission”
June 22 - July 3, 2009

Thursday, August 7, 7:00 pm
Sunday, September 7, 4:30 pm
Sunday, September 21, 9:30 am

The Torah is a story about hearing God’s call and choosing to embrace a sacred destiny. It is a story about journeys into a life of holiness. Every year, Temple Israel conducts an Introduction to Judaism class, which offers those not born into Judaism a portal into a life of spiritual and ethical meaning framed by the wisdom of Jewish tradition. It is a profoundly transforming experience not only for those who take the class, but also for all of us as we are inspired by their sense of spiritual renewal through Judaism. One young woman who took the class said: "I was a seed. With Judaism I’ve become a rose." Through this regular column, Journeys to Judaism, come to know the rich and vibrant garden that is blossoming here at Temple Israel through our Introduction to Judaism program. --- Rabbi Steven Moskowitz