TSS congregants Sermonize about things they love

The past two Shabbat Services featured Sermons from two of our most esteemed congregants. David Vaida, drawing from his vast knowledge of the law, recaps the history and evolution of laws. Michael Nelson reviews his love for the movies and artfully details how the theme of each movie can be found somewhere in the Torah.

It all started with The Ten Commandments. Not the movie starring Charleton Heston, but the tablets that were carved thousands of years ago and presented to the Israelites by Moses.

These Commandments or Laws were designed to give the “stiff-necked” Hebrews a new perspective on life. No longer a slave population of the Egyptians, the Israelites needed direction and motivation. Not from Cecil B. DeMille or Charleton Heston, but from God and Moses.

And as Michael Nelson sermonizes, throughout the centuries the themes running through the Torah gave life to art and art to life, as countless movies depicting sorrow, joy, triumph and tragedy gave way to a movie industry that has shaped our culture.

In David Vaida’s Sermon, he brought our attention to how laws evolved through the centuries and gave real credibility to the Torah. The old adage of “an eye for an eye” was misunderstood as a brutal way of justice. Michael outlined how many movies were based on this very theme. However, David sheds light on how the early Jews fleshed out this notion and created a system of laws that our society depends on to this day.

Whether it is the practice of justice or just going to the movies, these two very thought-provoking Sermons demonstrate how the Torah remains the source for life, as we know it today.

Together for ‘a very long time’

In Reform Jewish theory, whenever the Torah mentions a 40-year time period it is meant to denote “a very long time.” So in keeping with this theory we can now say that Susan and Stuart Shmookler are married for “a very long time.”

Last Friday, Cantor Sussman bestowed an Anniversary Blessing upon the couple who celebrated 40 years of marriage this past weekend. Smiling and beaming with pride, Susan and Stuart, along with their family, accepted the well wishes of the congregation and the hopes for many more happy years to come.

We rejoice in each milestone we achieve. We share our happiness with our spiritual community and hope to set an example for the next generation. Living a good Jewish life and keeping a loving Jewish home resonates with our children, our neighbors and our community.

Making Judaism a priority in our lives and doing the good works that our faith encourages us to do, gives meaning to our every day existence.

Congratulations to Susan and Stuart who, through 40 years together, has made a difference in the lives of everyone they know and everyone they meet. We wish them many more years of happiness.

Kashrut – in the eye of the beholder

Last Friday we learned what Kashrut meant from the perspective of the Torah and certainly how times have changed. Imagine even the thought of wanting to eat flying insects and such (which we’re not allowed to do of course!).

It brought up the broader concept of being Kosher and what that means to each individual. As Cantor went around the sanctuary asking congregants what being Kosher meant to them, it was clear that everyone had their own views mostly based on respect for grandparents and family histories. While everyone had their own idea of what Kosher meant to them it was very important that all recognized that the act of being Kosher was personal and to be respected.

This was just another example of the community we’ve built at Temple Shirat Shalom – one based on mutual respect and caring for each others views and backgrounds. Please make time to join us for a Shabbat service to share this wonderful experience.

Stickin’ Together

Spring is just a few days away and the snow is just about gone. We have been through the worst of it and there are brighter and warmer days ahead. Here at Temple Shirat Shalom the change of season is welcome, as we get ready for Purim and Passover.

Purim, celebrated with food, gifts and plays, is a popular Jewish holiday reminding us of how important it is for us to stick together. As we live in the Diaspora, we remain a scattered people. When threatened we only have each other to depend upon.

It’s a lesson to all of us. We are one people. We have managed to survive through the ages, holding onto the Torah as a spiritual guide. It is a time to celebrate.

Come join your fellow congregants tonight at Services held at The Swain School. Then celebrate the season on Sunday, 9:30 a.m. at the JCC for a Purim Party. Let’s stick together and enjoy the coming of spring!!!