Shabbat Shalom ~ Ki Tavo 2025

Shalom WJC Family,

As I write this email on the twenty-fourth anniversary of 9/11, I am feeling overwhelmed by what seems like a terrifying uptick in violence all around the world and in so many ways. From school shootings to terrorist attacks, from assassinations to war, my head is spinning with the disregard for human life. The words of the Yom Kippur Selichot prayer “L’maancha” echo in my ears: 

 

For Your own sake act, our G-d, and not for ours.

Behol​d our position,​ impoveris​hed and empty.

The soul is Yours, and the body is Your work:

O have compassio​n on thy labour.

 

“…our position, impoverished and empty…have compassion on your labour…” as we seem to have little left for each other.

This season of reflection and return seems particularly aptly timed this year. As we strive to balance conflicting and confusing emotions in a world we fear is unraveling, filling our hearts and our souls with the prayers of hope and submission that punctuate these holidays can give us a bulwark to support us and strength to help us move forward. 

This Saturday night the clergy of Shaarei Tikvah, Temple Israel Center, The Greenburgh Hebrew Center and WJC will lead the first installment of these prayers at our program and service A Spiritual Introduction to the High Holidays, Selichot with Rabbi Menachem Creditor. The program starts with a dessert reception at 8:30pm, Rabbi Creditor will speak at 9pm, and the musical Selichot service will begin at 10pm. Register for the program here. And for a special treat, click here for a sneak preview of our cantors presenting “L’Maancha” with voice and instruments.

A couple more ways to fill your soul: Tomorrow morning at 10am our new Rabbinic Intern Jacob Lipkin will lead the first Shabbat Morning 101 class of the year. As those who have had the chance to learn with Rabbi Lipkin know, he is an excellent teacher. He will also be leading our evening “shiur” between the afternoon and evening services on Saturday night.

On Sunday morning our Dan and Beverly Cannold Religious School kicks off its year. And once again we wish a mazal tov to the school’s namesake, Bev, on celebrating her hundredth birthday last week.

On Sunday night at 7pm our Renewal Service, led by Seth Schafler and Randy Heller, returns with its beautiful combination of music, prayer, spirit, and inspiration.

And of course, in between we have a beautiful Shabbat planned including a Saturday morning bar mitzvah – Mazal tov to Joseph Bernstein and his parents Heather and Todd – and an afternoon bat mitzvah – Mazal tov to Margo Miller and her parents Susie and Dave.

Sometimes the best thing we can do in a chaotic world is gather for prayer, peace, learning, and fellowship.

See you in shul,

RJA