The Sermon given by Cantor Sussman centered on the holy day of Tisha B’Av. This day, the ninth of Av, is a day of remembering and mourning for the Jewish people. Coming at the height of summer heat, this day symbolizes the driest of the times throughout our history.
Events such as the destruction of both Temples, the expulsion of the Jews from Spain and England and the beginning of WW I all fell on or around the ninth day of Av. So as not to commemorate each tragedy separately, we group them together and mourn on this special day by fasting and studying Lamentations.
Some would say that we should not focus on such negativity. Some say it is good that we remember these events. Whichever side of the fence you sit on, we are all agreed that throughout all of the events in Jewish history, which serve to define our people, both good and not so good, we have survived. And not just survived, but thrived and protected our religion, our culture and our ability to look toward the future with a never-ending hope for peace on earth.
We are grateful to Cheryl and Richie Shadick for performing Shabbat honors and sponsoring our Oneg honoring the memory of Cheryl’s Father, Daniel Lipson. We thank Debi Nelson for bringing us news from the Board. The Wandering Jews provided musical accompaniment, and Cantor Sussman led our Service in song and prayer.
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