Rabbi Diana's Weekly Message

Dear Hevre,

I recently got off a live audio Zoom call with President Biden who was addressing American rabbis and cantors. Among other topics, he addressed the topic of antisemitism in our country and how profoundly affected he was hearing the haters in Charlottesville chanting “Jews will not replace us.” He observed that hate is never fully defeated, rather it hides under a rock and when someone breathes oxygen onto it, it reappears. He emphasized that it is our job to constantly fight hate.

We had another couple of hateful episodes in Bucks County this week -as there have been so many during Central Bucks School board meetings - with a hater desecrating the Episcopal Church in Yardley by tearing down their pride flag and spreading human feces on it. Today, human feces were found in front of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church. We need to continue speaking out, showing support, and as F. Michael Ruk from St. Philips, an out gay man who has been the target of death threats in recent years recently emphasized, “Please no thoughts and prayers. I want thoughts and actions. Vote and get involved. Lives are at stake.” We must stay involved. We are all connected. And anti-LGBTQ sentiment, racism and antisemitism go hand in hand.

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We are well into the Aseret Yemei Teshuvah, the ten days of return that fall between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. We have arrived at Shabbat Shuva which is related by the same Hebrew root to the word teshuvah. The Haftarah this week deals with themes of repentance and forgiveness.

We will be meeting at for Kabbalat Shabbat services at 7:00 pm inside the sanctuary tonight, masked or on Zoom at:

CLICK HERE TO ATTEND 

Bagel U along with three other congregations in the Delaware Valley will be having a special theatrical work and discussion on Zoom this Sunday at 4:00 pm. Please check the e-bulletin for more details and to register for your Zoom link. 

As we are getting closer to Yom Kippur which is a fast day, I want to give the annual reminder that those who cannot fast are fully supported by our Jewish tradition. We are in fact prohibited from fasting by our Sages if we are not able.

There are many ways to aid our introspection and intentions on Yom Kippur. I have attached an article that supports those who would like to stay within the spirit and holiness of the day, but for physical or mental health reasons are unable to fast:

https://www.jewishboston.com/read/how-to-make-yom-kippur-meaningful-even-if-you-dont-fast/?fbclid=IwAR2Mn-tjYEW5cww5aCESEuvFQ0X_ve_IpLRR-pnZUhQhYdC201xklbYXQeo

We are keeping all those who have been affected by Hurricane Ian in our thoughts. The Jewish Federations of North America have a Hurricane Relief Fund. Here is how you can donate:

https://form.jotform.com/222704340531949?utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=hurricane

May we individually and as a country engage in teshuvah.

Shabbat shalom and G’mar Chatimah Tovah – May you be inscribed in the Book of Life!

Rabbi Diana