In this week’s Torah portion R’eih it says: Deut:12:8,” You shall not act at all as we now act here, each of us as we please….”.

This seems to be an oft repeated theme of our people, members doing whatever they want not following tradition. In the early years of Reform Judaism, the Rabbis felt that some of the religious trappings of our people were unnecessary. There was not much Hebrew in the worship service, the wearing of a kippah or a tallit was discouraged. The Rabbis felt these traditions no longer spoke to people and were unnecessary. As Reform Judaism matured the Rabbis realized keeping tradition brings people together. It is not helpful to have a religion of don’ts.

A religion of positivity makes people feel more Jewish. The act of following tradition enriches people’s lives and brings families together. The foods, ritual objects, smells and tastes all add to a full life. Children remember family traditions and want to have those traditions in their own families. Disinterest in following the mitzvote is obviously not new. As we enter the High Holyday season we should find traditions that speak to us and make a pledge to follow them. I know that it will only add to the joy in our lives.

In this week’s Torah portion Ekev, Moses’ discourse continues. He is concerned with the future of the Jewish People and how they will continue their relationship with God.

In this Torah portion it says,”Take thought this day that it was not your children, who neither experienced nor witnessed the lesson of the Lord Your God-His Majesty, His Mighty Hand…”. In this passage God tells the Israelites that they must teach their children not only what God did for their people but how they felt about it. Remember only the generation who experienced the Exodus saw God on Mt. Sinai, only they experienced firsthand the power and majesty of God.

This is a great lesson for all of us. It is not only important to teach our children the intellectual disciplines of Judaism, that is Hebrew, Torah etc. but to teach them how important it is in our lives and how we feel about being Jewish. It is important to impart to our children the life-affirming aspects of leading a Jewish life. Ken Y’hi Razton, Let it be so.

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.

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.