Sinai Update – September 14-20, 2008
Parashat Ki Tavo (Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8)
Reflections on Jewish Values – Rabbi Andy Vogel

Let there be no mistake:  Voting is a mitzvah.  It is a Jewish religious obligation.  Although historically, Jews were not enfranchised to vote until the modern period, our participation in society and politics is a central part of our Jewish tradition.  The prophet Jeremiah teaches that we must “'Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile” (29:7), and, as we keep in mind the upcoming presidential election, we remember that the Talmud reports that Rabbi Yitzhak taught, “A ruler is not to be appointed unless the community is first consulted” (Talmud, Brachot 55a).  It is a religious, as well as civic duty to vote, and to work for a more perfect society in general.
  

Our Social Action Committee at Temple Sinai, along with the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC), based in Washington, strongly encourage members of our community to vote, and to register others to vote (see below).  The RAC reminds us that “as Jews and American citizens we have an obligation to participate in the elections to ensure that our country's policies at the local, state and national levels reflect our commitment to social justice. Every vote counts and plays a defining role in setting policy agendas. It is our civic duty to register promptly, educate ourselves about the critical issues and VOTE!”
- Rabbi Andy Vogel

Sinai Update – September 7-13, 2008
Parashat Ki Tetzei (Deuteronomy 21:10- 25:19)
Reflections on the Jewish Calendar – Rabbi Andy Vogel
During the Hebrew month of Elul, the current month that precedes the High Holy Days, Jewish tradition asks us to begin the process of teshvuah, turning, repenting, reflecting and changing our ways.  But beginning this process is hard for many of us.  Jewish tradition asks us to reconnect with those from whom we have grown distant this year, reconcile with those we have offended, own up to the responsibilities we have neglected, and face our flaws as humans.  This giant task seems overwhelming at first.
  

But a great teaching in Jewish tradition reminds us that we do not have to tackle all our challenges at once.  The midrash (Song of Songs Rabbah 5:2) teaches that God says to us:  “Just make an opening as big as the eye of a needle, and I will open for you gaping holes so large they could let loaded wagons through.”  Judaism doesn’t ask us to change our entire lives during this month, but rather, just that we open our hearts a tiny bit to the possibility of change. One conversation, one remark, one small act of generosity offers us the hopeful prospect of resolving old disputes and old hurts. All will flow from that little opening.  But it is our responsibility to take the first step, and create that first, minuscule one opening within us, and our teshuvah has begun.
-          Rabbi Andy Vogel

Sinai Update – September 1-6, 2008

Parashat Shoftim (Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9)

Reflections on the Jewish Calendar – Rabbi Andy Vogel

Yes, sadly… it’s now back to reality.  Not only has September arrived with its first days of school, the end of those summery, sandal-wearing days, and the windy autumnal New England weather (surely coming very soon!), but we have also woken up now to a new Hebrew month, Elul (which began last Sunday evening, August 31), the month that precedes Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and the High Holy Day season.  During the month of Elul, we Jews prepare ourselves spiritually for the New Year and all it demands from us – and this is where reality sets in.  During Elul, Jews are asked to look at ourselves as individuals and as a community, and evaluate who we are and who we have been over the past year.  This new month is a time of reflection and re-thinking our relationships, our spiritual selves, and our contributions to our community and our world.  The reality for most of us – if not us all – is that we can do better in the year to come.

Over the next twenty-seven-odd days before Rosh Hashanah (which begins Monday night, September 29), I encourage you to set aside time to consider the year that is about to end.  What have you achieved, and what have you failed to achieve over the past year?  In what ways could you strive to do better than in the year that is about to end?  What will bring you closer to your truest self – and to God, as you understand God – in the year about to begin?  How can you rise to the important challenges that Elul raises for you?

-          Rabbi Andy Vogel