What was your work?

"When you are asked in the world to come, 'What was your work?' and you answer: 'I fed the hungry', you will be told: 'This is the gateway of the Divine, enter into it, you who have fed the hungry'" (From Midrash Psalms 118:17) In Reform Judaism we are encouraged to consider notions of the world to come as the model of heaven, an idealized realm in which we are freed from quotidian earthly concerns. Despite any lackadaisical attitude that notions of the world to come might invite, it should not go unnoticed that Jewish tradition is quite clear on the obligations of feeding the hungry. This is among our highest of duties to others. What are others? I look forward to your insights.

reading

Summer is a great time to catch up on reading. There are far too many titles to even begin to imagine that one could, though, really catch up or even keep up. When I was younger, the dentist had a book of children’s Bible stories for us to read: Creation, Noah’s Ark, Moses, etc. The stories were all that were included; the fiery angry vengeful God of Deuteronomy was missing. Good thing, too. But also missing were the beautiful verses of inspiring words that continue to stir the hearts of those of every faith. The Bible and the Talmud are chock full of far more than child-friendly tales. This summer’s messages will be a sort of “Joe’s Picks” of our tradition’s great texts. Some brief, some lengthy. I encourage your commentary. And now, from Micah 6:8 . . . “He has shown you, O man, what is good and what the Lord requires of you: To act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Shabbat Shalom. Rabbi Joseph M. Forman

Summer is now officially here

In one of my favorite summer songs, James Taylor sings: "Summer's here/ I'm for that/ Got my rubber sandals/ Got my straw hat/ Got my cold beer/ I'm just glad that I'm here". Summer is now officially here, and with it arrives a universal condition that may have its roots in this week's Torah portion, Chukat. As the Book of Numbers reveals between chapter 19 and chapter 20, there is a bit of that summer-time slumber when not much really goes on. With not even a single verse dedicated to an explanation, chapter 19 tells of events during the second year of the wandering in the desert, while chapter 20 opens with the last year of the wandering. What happened to the intervening 38 years?!

Biblical scholars speak of the importance of an older generation which endured the slavery of Egypt (but yearned for its security) dying off to make way for a younger generation which could eagerly anticipate the challenges and opportunities of freedom. Such a process took little more than time. Little in the way of religious significance could speed that process along.

I like to think of the 38 years a bit differently. I can imagine that like the song, they all took their sandals, their hats, some beer (invented in Egypt, by the way) and went to the beach somewhere along the Mediterranean. It probably didn't measure up to what we'd call a vacation, but it was undoubtedly a period of little productivity, lots of resting, and a storing up of the energy needed for the next phase of Israel's journey into the Promised Land. Even Miriam, Moses and Aaron needed a rest every now and then -- though 38 years is a mighty long sabbatical!

With the universal need for rest and renewal in mind, I hope all of you are enjoying your summer. Indeed, lots of preparation is underway for the fall at Or Chadash. But to make sure your rabbi is rested, I will be away next week - with sandals, hat and a cold beverage, glad to be enjoying a little time off. There will be no Shabbat Message, but I do hope to see you at services this Shabbat and next, as well.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Joseph M. Forman

Israeli Independence

Most Jewish holidays are as old as the Bible itself. Some, like Hanukkah, are a bit newer. And Israeli Independence Day is quite recent, having emerged in the 20th century. When asked how long we have been celebrating Founders' Day at Or Chadash, I was quick to reply, certain of the answer due to my (not very) painstaking research on the matter: our first celebration is this week!

Many organizations, educational institutions and religious communities celebrate the anniversary of the date of their founding -- and some are able to celebrate with the founders themselves. Or Chadash is concluding its 19th year this Shabbat. We are fortunate to have Rabbi Richard F. Steinbrink and his wife, Diane, join us as we celebrate our history, honor those visionary congregants who helped make a dream into reality, and thank each of you for your ongoing dedication to ensure a strong future our congregation.

Below is an excerpt from our website which details our earliest history. I invite you to read it…and then join us this Shabbat as we enter our 20th year.

"The seeds for forming Or Chadash planted in the summer of 1987. Rabbi Daniel Freelander, Director of the New Jersey-West Hudson Valley Council of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (UAHC), thought that with the completion of Route 78, the Jewish population would soon grow in the Hunterdon County area. He telephoned the mayor of Clinton, Bob Nulman, to question whether there were enough Jewish people to organize a Reform congregation.

"The first organizational meeting, held at the Clinton Town Hall, included Bob Nulman, Eric Kulp, Salena Kern, Al Berkelhammer, and Glenn Kessler. High Holy Day services, led by a student rabbi, were held at the Clinton Community Center. Arnold Sleutelberg, also a student rabbi, led services periodically throughout that first year while staying with the Breines family. A temporary home was found at the Allerton United Methodist Church. Their pastor, Steve Court, was gracious and welcoming.

"The following year, Central Synagogue of New York City supported by sending gifted clergy to conduct services. Rabbi Michael Farhi was engaged as the Temple's first ordained rabbi for our third season.

Rabbi Richard F. Steinbrink then took over leadership. Amy Kessler headed the committee that organized the Religious School. For ten years, the congregation became stronger through the dedicated efforts of a growing number of members. By the time that Rabbi Steinbrink retired, the congregation was flourishing, and the foundation had been established to enable the construction of a synagogue and temple facility."

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Joseph M. Forman

40 years ago

This week is quite the week in history. 40 years ago Israel defeated the Arab world’s armies which sought to destroy her. In only six days, the modern Israeli army reclaimed much of ancient Israel. The result of this short battle is a trying series of repercussions that have endured until today – and have no end in sight.

It is perhaps coincidental that this anniversary lands on Shabbat Shelach Lecha, the Torah portion in which Moses sends twelve spies to investigate whether or not the land of Israel is ready to be invaded. Ten of the spies insist: NO. Two are certain: YES. What to do? Like every committee before and hence, the confusion and conflict generated an overwhelming response: atrophy. Nothing was done; Israel wandered for 40 years. (Let’s hear it for the nay-sayers and the bureaucracy and the troubles they bring to our people!) The words of our Torah are crystal clear, and the message they bring remains with us today as a goad to decisiveness and optimism: “…the challenge was greater than we were… and we looked like grasshoppers to ourselves, and so we must have looked to them.” (Numbers 13:33)

The Israeli army of 1967 -- men and women equal to the task -- chose to see in themselves giants and not grasshoppers. They fought courageously and victoriously. Today, Israel continues to be blessed by their accomplishments.

One woman who contributed to the effort did so in the form of music. Naomi Shemer wrote the song “Jerusalem of Gold” just weeks before the war. Its words inspired soldiers and citizens alike – even as they continue to do so today.

This Friday night at Shabbat services I invite you to join in a discussion of the weekly Torah portion and its connection to this well known song. We will be discussing ALL its lyrics and the controversy surrounding them. It will be a great evening of celebration and song.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Joseph M. Forman

seven- branched menorah

In this week's Torah portion we read of the building of the seven- branched menorah for the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. This symbol has become the symbol of the State of Israel and a huge version of it stand in front of the Knesset in Jerusalem. If you have ever seen the graphic symbol of the Reform Movement, it, too, is the same seven- branched menorah, albeit a contemporary version of this well known image. Its symbolism is that the Reform Movement is made up of many shining lights which together illumine the Jewish world.

The Reform Movement, however, is more than the Union for Reform Judaism, an organization representing 900 congregations. Reform Judaism includes many organizations. It includes the schools which train rabbis, cantors, educators and synagogue administrators. It includes NFTY, our national youth group movement; the Nation Federation of Temple Brotherhoods; and what, in 1913 when it was established, was called The National Federation of Temple Sisterhoods (NFTS). Since 1993, NFTS has been known as the Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ).

WRJ now represents more than 75,000 women in over 500 women's groups in North America and around the world. With a mission to ensure the future of Reform Judaism, WRJ works to educate and train future sisterhood and congregational leadership about membership, fundraising, leadership skills, advocacy for social justice, and innovative and spiritual programming. Through the YES Fund (Youth, Education, and Special Projects), WRJ provides support to rabbinical students at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, to the youth programs of the Reform Movement, and to programs benefiting individuals the world over.

At Or Chadash, we have been blessed with the diligent work of our Sisterhood and all its members. Some of you may know that Debbi Longenecker announced that her presidency concludes at the end of this term. We all owe her a debt of gratitude for her hard work and her efforts at strengthening our community. We look forward to honoring her in the future.

This Shabbat we read of the menorah - a symbol that reminds us that Judaism is made of many lights. Organizations, though, are nothing more than the collective work of individuals, who, one by one, share their light with all of us. We are indebted to those who have given of themselves for the sake of our community. I appreciate the many lights each of you bring to Or Chadash.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Joseph M. Forman

beauty of music

Shabbat Services tonight are at 7:30 PM. Tomorrow morning they are at 10 AM. At both of these services Cantor Ross Wolman will be leading us in song. If you have been seeking the wonderfully joyous and meditative experience that music can bring to Shabbat worship, I encourage you to join us tonight or tomorrow.

Rabbi Zoe Klein writes, in this week’s Ten Minutes of Torah from the Union for Reform Judaism, that the Hebrew word for "melody" is nigun, spelled nun, gimel, nun. The mystics say that the word is actually an acronym, the first nun standing for nefesh, which means "spirit," the gimel stands for Guf, which means "body," and the last nun stands for n'shamah, which means "soul." The Hebrew word for "melody" is also a palindrome, spelled the same backwards and forwards to teach that music is contagious. May you be blessed this Shabbat, surrounded by family, friends, and the beauty of music in your sprit, body and soul.

On another note, have a safe and relaxing Memorial Day Weekend.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Joseph M. Forman