Musical treats: Kol Nidrei Cantor Dan Mutlu, Central Synagogue
Senior Cantor Dan Mutlu sings Bruch’s Kol Nidre, accompanied by cellist and Central member Julian Schwarz.
Igael Gurin-Malous: Eikev Love the Stranger
Igael Gurin-Malous writes about the commandment to love—how does one fulfill a commandment to love another, especially one is is different, a.k.a., the stranger? He observes that the Torah recognizes an important truth: if we love those around us then we will ensure that as the laws change, they will do so according to love.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z/l: Eikev Why Civilizations Fail
Moses teaches the new generation that the 40 years in the wilderness was not the ultimate challenge. That comes when everyone’s needs are met—when the spiritual challenges begin. Civilizations decline when the population loses its social solidarity and become weakened before potential enemies.
Rabbi Cantor Eva Robbins: The Respect that aging Deserves
Rabbi Robbins references Vayikra 19:32: “one must rise up…and honor the face of the old man.” She writes that respect and honor are at the root of our tradition, which attributes an elevated status to all who age. She critiques our culture that tends, instead, to isolate and humiliate our elders.
Rabbi Daniel Bouskila: Shabbat Nahamu 1933
Rabbi Bouskila considers the post-Tisha B’Av drash written by Rabbi Uziel in 1933, when Nazi Germany was in power. Rabbi Uziel wrote that it was the job of the rabbis—spiritual leaders—to lead the community in healing its divisions; only by healing our internal rifts could we strengthen ourselves against outside threats.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z/l: Va’etchanan The Idea that Changed the World
Rabbi Sacks cites a number of recent American presidents who specifically referred to the covenant that is addressed in Va’etchanan as a basis for a democratic society. His point is that Moses was prescient in his belief that a nation founded on a covenant with God would inspire other nations to follow suit. He writes of the irony of the political culture of the United States being more Judaic than that of Israel.
Alter Yisrael Shimon Feuerman: Tisha b’Av People Who Secretly Love Feeling Miserable on Tisha b’Av
Alter Feuerman approaches the relevance of Tisha b’Av from a different perspective. Instead of focusing on the millennia of historic tragedies, he considers the personal aspect – people need an opportunity to express their grief and emotions, whether for a lost Temple, or deceased relatives, or any other loss or fear.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z/l: Devarim The Book of the Covenant
Rabbi Sacks addresses 3 questions: a) Why does the book of Devarim have the structure – a mix of history and law, recollection and anticipation? b) Why is it a “second law”? c) Why is this book included in the Torah?
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z/l: Tisha b’Av Creating Freedom Without Anarchy, Order Without Tyranny
Rabbi Sacks wrote this article 10 years ago, yet the circumstances have commonality with the current situation. He asks the question: is Tisha b’Av relevant to our post-Holocaust generation? He writes that in the Torah, freedom without order was the world before the Flood, every person against every person. We see this anarchy in Syria, Iraq, and Somalia. The alternative world of order without freedom was the world of Egypt of the Pharaohs, who achieved greatness at the cost of turning humanity into slaves.
Rabbi Chai Posner: Matot-Masei Stops Along the Journey
Rabbi Posner writes about the 42 stops that are cited in the text. Why is this information so important? He analyzes the timing: 14 stops during the first year, before the people were punished; 8 during the last year; therefore 20 stops during the 38 years in between. In recounting our own journeys, we learn that things aren’t always as bad as we thought. Additionally, when we reach the goal, we find new meaning in the journey.