Posted on March 21, 2025 by Rabbi David Katz
Do you want to know how to relieve the stress and anxiety that you may be feeling because of the chaotic national and international scene? Do you want to know how to respond to the hundreds killed in Gaza, the constant anti-Semitism coming from both the right and the left at home and abroad, the shameful behavior of the West Bank settlers and the fear of an economic set back due to abrupt changes in economic policy? Purim teaches us that diversion and escapism can be effective ways to address feelings of insecurity but there is a more productive strategy and that is to become socially active, putting mind and body to work to improve the world.
Let me explain how this works…. when we bond together as a community by participating in good deeds we are caring for others and we also find reassurance that others will care for us when we need help. We attend to those who we do not know and will most likely never meet. We are confirming their worth as human beings deserving of our concern and we are confirming our own Jewish identity by performing mitzvot. When we perform mitzvot we respond to God, our personal conscience and to social/political needs. We are inspired and reassured when others are at our side and we are all ennobled.
Do you want to know how to address the angst of our time? Put these two Sunday mornings aside – March 30 and April 6 and come to the Temple to make your presence felt.
On March 30, Rabbi Kinneret Shiryon, founder of the organization YOZMA, will be speaking to our congregation. She is an historic figure, a true pioneer in the quest to establish a liberal religious foothold in the State of Israel. (More info about Rabbi Shiryon’s visit and the link to register.) When you watch the news, do you wish that liberal values are reflected in the decisions of the government? You’ll have an opportunity to vote in the WZO election to make that happen.
April 6 is the Tikkun Olam Coalition’s “Day of Service.” On that day we will pray with our hands. Be part of your community to make the world more perfect.
Finally, I want to tell you something that really puts me off. It’s this: it’s when I meet a visitor at an oneg. We talk for a bit and they say, “I don’t belong to a Temple because I don’t get anything out of it.” This irritates me no end. This is how I always reply: “The congregants you see here don’t join the Temple to ‘get something out of it.’ They join the Temple in order to give something to the world. They join the Temple to carry forward an ancient tradition that calls upon them to strengthen their people and to be a light to the nations. They come to give, not to get. Tell me, what are you doing to strengthen our people?”
Don’t hesitate, friends. After reading this message press the links. Register for March 30 and show up on April 6.
Next week we will conclude the Book of Exodus with the words: “Chazak, chazak v’nitchazeik. Be strong, be strong, and we shall be strengthened.” Together let’s make it happen.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi David Katz
