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Rabbi's Week In Review- 09/23/2020

09/23/2020 07:39:14 AM

Sep23

This Rosh Hashanah began with the sad news of the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.  There is an understanding that those who die on Rosh Hashanah are seen as tzaddiks — among the righteous of our people. This seems particularly appropriate in memorializing the life of Justice Ginsburg.

Her tireless work for justice on behalf of women, and anyone who was marginalized as an outsider, was informed by Jewish history in general and the Holocaust in particular. I am saddened by what we have lost with the passing of the “Notorious RBG.” Her groundbreaking work in pursuing women’s rights will have an impact for all time in this country. She was a paragon of living a life of Jewish values.

The weight of sadness was lifted somewhat as we gathered together for our first outdoor, second day of Rosh Hashanah service. We came together to rejoice in the spirit of community. Even with masks and social distancing, seeing one another after too long an absence lifted up our spirits. This celebration of community is also a core Jewish value.

Thus, we experienced two very different sides of Rosh Hashanah. We have been left with the sadness of losing a warrior for justice and pondering how we honor memory by continuing RBG’s work for a more just country. At the same time, we felt joy in the simple act of human interaction and relationship, a hallmark of our Congregation Kol Ami family.

May we carry both these experiences with us as we enter the new year, 5781.

Thu, March 28 2024 18 Adar II 5784