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Rabbi’s Message
Happy Chanukah to all! In Israel, the popular greeting for Chanukah is just a little bit different than the English greeting “Happy Chanukah” or the Yiddish “A Freilachn Chanukah.” The Hebrew greeting for Chanukah is “Chag Urim Sameach,” a happy festival of lights. This greeting focuses on Chanukah as the festival of lights. It reminds us of the miracle of the Menorah, which was supposed to last for one day but instead shed its light for a full eight days. It also reminds us that as Jews, our role is to bring blessing and light into the world. The Chanukah menorah symbolically shows us that the way to dispel darkness is to kindle the lights. A little bit of light can dispel a lot of darkness. As I write these words, more and more darkness is coming into the world. The world is awash with brutality and with the plight of thousands upon thousands who are seeking to escape. Many of us, especially our young people, are gripped with feelings of danger and foreboding. Some of our teenagers have asked “Is it safe to travel on the subway or go to a concert?” I believe it is, but who of us can really be sure. We have to find a way to fight sadness anxiety and despair. Chanukah points the way. It tells us to light lights both literally and figuratively. It asks us to gather around the table, light the candles and celebrate. Performing the rituals our ancestors have observed in times far worse than ours should give us comfort. It also asks us to kindle the lights of kindness, generosity, and involvement. There is so much we can do to bring joy and beauty into the world. It may be providing a hot meal for a disabled neighbor or personally helping someone in need. It may be in the cultural realm through, the arts and music. It can be in the context of our personal lives, the synagogue and Jewish community. It can be also through the many groups and organizations in our community that devote themselves to good works, including the Staten Island COJO and its’ food pantry that operates in our building. We will not solve the world’s problem but we will be able to bring joy into many lives making for a stronger community better able to resist the hatred and divisiveness we see around us. Chag Urim Sameach, Happy Chanukah, Rabbi Gerald Sussman
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Rabbi’s Message
Dear friends, we seem to be living in a time of extremism. The news from the Middle East abounds in extremism. Groups like ISIS, Al Qaida and Hamas are willing to commit the worst atrocities in the name of their vision of truth, which they deem to be the only and exclusive truth. The spirit of extremism has entered our national political life as well. Political compromise in many quarters is a dirty word. Political leaders of all stripes are afraid to express their views less they arouse the wrath of the “true believers”. Worst of all, friendships and even family relationships are disrupted by political differences. The spirit of extremism which marks our age has, perhaps inevitably, entered our Jewish community as well. We are divided around political issues particularly around Israel but even more so around religious issues. The latest statistical information shows that the numbers of Jews who are completely estranged from Judaism has increased as have the numbers following the strictest of religious practices. More and more, Jews have almost no contact with or knowledge of Judaism, or alternatively live a kind of Jewish life which is cut off from the larger society as much as possible. What we are in need of in our political as well as in our religious life is the moderate center. I refer to the moderate center as traditional Judaism. It is practiced by Jews from all groups but I believe it is also exemplified by a group I have been associated with for many years called The Union For Traditional Judaism. As Jews, we have certain basic practices and observances such as keeping kosher, marking the Shabbat as a special day, observance of the holidays and prayer. We are however part of the fabric of society. We try to embrace what is current in society while retaining our own outlook and practices. Traditional Judaism is marked by adhering to our traditional way of life but with a moderate sensible and common sense approach. The great philosopher Maimonides echoing Aristotle wrote of the golden mean. He thought that one should strive for the middle in all areas of life and avoid extremes even in religious matters. At the present moment in history I believe that this is excellent advice to follow. Rabbi Sussman Rabbi’s Message
Dear friends, The Pope's visit was a very joyous occasion; it seemed to add to the celebratory mood of our Holiday season. It was thrilling to hear the Pope speak about the importance of peace and mutual respect between all faiths. This is especially so in view of the historical relationship between Judaism and the Church. This, however, does raise a question for us as Jews. If all religions are essentially the same, why bother to be Jewish? It is especially so since we are such a small minority and it is very easy for us to lose our identity by merely assimilating away. The question raised is one that we have been dealing with since the 19th century. It is how we can be citizens of the world, while at the same time, maintain our unique Jewish identity and religious practice. There have been many attempts to deal with this problem with varying degrees of success. It however remains unresolved. A possible answer is that our faith teaches some unique lessons the knowledge of which would benefit all humanity. If we allow our heritage to weaken or disappear, we not only deprive ourselves but impoverished world civilization by allowing one of its important elements to fade. Let us rather resolve to be more dedicated and enthusiastic Jews by being examples of living faithfully according our traditions. Let me wish all of you a Chag Sameach. May we have many opportunities to study Torah and do Mitzvahs in the year to come. Rabbi Sussman Rabbi’s Message
Dear friends, I would like to begin by wishing all of you a Shanah Tovah, a good year. May it be a year of good health and material blessing. May it be a year of joy accomplishment and personal growth. May you find meaning in life. This year, especially, we pray that it be a year of peace. The threats against the Jewish people are always there, but takes on a new dimension with the question of a nuclear Iran weighing heavy on us. Both sides of the debate are being heard loud and clear. If the proposed agreement is approved, one side claims, it will delay the development of nuclear capabilities for a number of years. If it is rejected, the other side claims, that the negotiations can be reopened and a better result achieved. To which those who are in favor of the agreement respond that rejecting this agreement will only lead to Iran going nuclear even sooner and leave the world with the choice of a nuclear Iran or war. The debate has been extremely polarizing in the Jewish community and the nation as a whole. In recent months, the Rebbitzen and I have come in contact with one of the few groups that provide a more hopeful outlook. They are the Organization of Iranian American Communities and the National Council of Resistance of Iran. They are Iranians around the world and in Iran who are working to replace the regime of the Mullahs with a secular democratic non-nuclear Iran with equal rights for all and peaceful relations with its neighbors. They believe that this will happen from within Iran, without war or foreign intervention. While many in this group are opposed to the agreement, there are those that support it. However, they are not about this agreement. They are about the bigger picture of the role of Iran in the world that supports terrorism and is a violator of Human rights. What I have learned from these Iranian groups is that we must confront the genocidal rhetoric and threats against Israel coming from Iran wherever we can. We must tell the world that chants of “death to Israel, death to America” are unacceptable. Regardless of the outcome of the agreement, Iran must not be allowed to enter the family of nations until it gives up its policy of hatred and trampling on the human rights of its own citizens. We are told that during this period of the year, G-d weighs all the deeds of humanity. If the good deeds outweigh the bad, the world will be judged favorably. If not, the world will be destined for chaos and strife. Let our prayers be fervent and our good deeds many and let us hope that the troubles that threaten us and the world be avoided and that the coming year be one of peace. Shanah Tova Tikatevu V’techatemu, May we be inscribed and sealed for a good year, Rabbi Sussman Rabbi’s Message
Dear friends, summertime is a good time for reflection. We are usually not quite as busy as we are during the rest of the year so we perhaps have more time to think and ask ourselves some basic questions. Why do we need a synagogue? What is its mission? What purpose does it serve? For me, the purpose of a synagogue is to preserve our ancient heritage, faith and way of life and to project the vision that it teaches the world. In our synagogue, we maintain a whole culture that consists, along with belief, of art, music and literature. The words of the Biblical poets and of later authors are among the most profound and beautiful ever written. In the synagogue, we learn about our long and proud history; of the great contributions we have made and continue to make to civilization. It is the place where we learn of our history and how it shaped and continues to shape each of us. The synagogue is a place where we feel a sense of community because it is the place where we join together with those with whom we share so much. We share a faith with all of its practices and beliefs; whether we are more observant or less; whether we are believers or doubters; we deal with the same issues and that ties us together. We are connected to each other by a shared religion and a shared history. Our family stories are shaped by the fact that we are Jews. It is because of that reality, that our forebears came to these shores. This shared history goes back almost to the dawn of time and makes us who we are. Lastly, Judaism makes a statement to the world. It teaches that the purpose of life is not merely to live comfortable self-satisfied and secure lives. It is to work for the relief of poverty and suffering. It is to demonstrate that each human being is created in G-d's image. It is to see the holiness in all creation. Each one of us may have their own answers to these questions. I invite you to ask yourself the question so that our spirits and our purpose can be renewed. Have a great Summer, Rabbi Sussman Rabbi’s Message
Dear friends, Boni and I have traveled to many parts of the world that can be considered exotic destinations: from India to Papua New Guinea, to Central Africa and Central America. Despite the remoteness of some of these places, we were always able to meet with people who have studied Judaism and come to the conclusion that the traditional Jewish way of life was filled with beauty, profundity and truth and is the way they want to live. Becoming Jewish, however, is not easy. Not only does it demand diligence and self-sacrifice, but the potential convert has to deal with Jewish communities and organizations that, at best, do not know how to deal with them and at worst, put up an obstacle course of organizational rules and regulations, that are not part of Halacha, but present the potential convert with additional mountains to climb. Yet despite the difficulties, most do not give up. They so deeply believe in the way of life our Torah teaches that they persist. This situation is not confined to remote places in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Versions of it exist in Europe where conversion has become next to impossible, in the US and even in Israel. In a world which is increasingly anti-Semitic and increasingly distanced from any kind of religious belief and practice, one would think that those who wish to join our faith and people should be welcomed with the greatest joy and appreciation. These are some of the reasons why I have helped organize a conference on the conversion crises, under the auspices of the Union for Traditional Judaism. At the conference, to take place on May 17 in Manhattan at 2pm at Congregation Ramat Orah, 110th St. and Broadway (see flier for details,) leading Rabbis will present their views on this important subject. I hope that many of you will be able to attend. Soon we will celebrate the Shavuot holiday, which commemorates the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. We are told that at the foot of Sinai, the entire people willingly accepted the Torah for themselves and their descendants. Those wishing to convert to Judaism have made the same commitment. When our own commitment lags, when our vision becomes blurry, when we become lazy in our observance of our traditions, those who wish to overcome great obstacles in order to join the Jewish faith and people should serve as our inspiration. Rabbi Sussman Rabbi’s Message
Dear friends, in a few days, we will sit down at our Passover Seders. For many of us, it is a time for families to get together to strengthen bonds and renew ties. It is the moment that spans the generations when traditions and memories are passed down. Passover is the family gathering that tells us that, we do not live only for ourselves, but that each one of us is a part of something larger and more long lasting than our individual lives. When we sit down at the Seder, we are part of a faith and people that has lasted through most of recorded history. At our Seders, we continue what is probably the oldest ritual in the entire world that is still practiced. We are a part of something that has endured because it is of lasting value and worth. On a very simple and universal level, Passover tells us that slavery and oppression is not what G-d wants but that freedom and justice must be sought after. This message has shaped the history of the world and continues to inspire us and so many others to struggle for justice. For us as Jews, Passover is the beginning of our journey through history. That journey has had moments of glory and has seen the achievement of great spiritual heights. It has also seen the very low point of human misery and suffering. That journey continues in our lives and the lives of our children. We do not know where it is going but we do believe it is of the greatest significance. May we and our children be worthy of continuing the story. Chag kasher v'sameach. A happy Passover to all! Rabbi Sussman Rabbi’s Message
Dear friends, I want to wish all of you a very happy Purim. This year, it is all the more important that we remember and observe this Holiday and all of its details. There are four special Mitzvot we observe on Purim. They are to hear the reading of the Megillah; give money to the poor; Mishloach Manot, to send festive gifts of food to our friends and Seudat Purim, to celebrate at a festive meal. The Purim story is however not an event that took place in the remote past of ancient Persia, but a story which repeats itself through the generations over and over again. All of the mitzvoth of Purim have their parallels in the events of the present time. Just as we read in the story of the Haman of old in the Megillah, we can read about today’s Haman in every issue of the daily newspaper. Today, the ranks of Hamans have grown. At one time we were worried about right wing extremists and neo- Nazis. They are still there but have been augmented by armies of Jihadists that compete with each other in how cruel and vicious they can be. They have attacked synagogues and Jewish shops. This, however, is but a pale reflection of what they would do to us if they could. On Purim, we give gifts to the poor. This is a way of saying that, even in difficult times, we have to reach out and help those who need help; this strengthens us to meet the challenges ahead. If we are to surmount the troubles that we are facing we have to care about each and every Jew, work for unity and leave no one behind. The third Mitzvah of Purim is Mishloach Manot, sending festive gifts of food to our friends. This suggests drawing close to our fellow Jews and working to establish ties of friendship and good will regardless of religiosity lifestyle and background. It means having good and loving feelings towards our fellow Jews. The fourth Mitzvah of Purim is Seudat Purim: the Purim feast. It is traditionally a festive dinner on the afternoon of Purim. In the Purim story, it was the victory celebration that was held at the downfall of Haman and annulment of his plans. It tells us to celebrate our survival. It reminds us that many have sought to destroy us but we remain. It should give us confidence that the plans of those who plot against us will not succeed. Rabbi Sussman Rabbi’s Message
Dear friends, we are in the middle of the season known as the "dead of winter”. It's the season when the streets are full of ice, the temperature is at some kind of a scary low when you get up in the morning and it seems that half of the congregation has, for good reason, migrated to Florida. People purchasing their morning coffee and newspaper at the corner store talk about winter as if it will never end. When I get involved in these conversations I try to be cheery assuring my neighbors that in around a month it will get better and in another three months they will be complaining about the heat in much the same way. Our sages saw in the change of seasons a metaphor for life. Just as the seasons of the year change in an inevitable and unstoppable way so do the seasons of our life. We go from infancy to childhood, from youth to maturity and from maturity to old age. This Friday, we will have our Tu B'Shvat Seder. As part of this ritual, we drink four cups of wine of different colors beginning with deep red and ending with pure white, celebrating each of the seasons of the year. Just as each of the seasons should be celebrated so we should celebrate each of the seasons of our lives by filling them up with beauty, meaning and color. Each season from the verdant beauty of springtime to the icy splendor of winter provides us with opportunities for joy celebration and wonder. I write these words with a deeply joyful feeling grateful for the birth of a new granddaughter, not yet named, just yesterday. She is about to enter in on the adventure of life. I don't know what she will experience but I pray that as she enters on life's journeys she will fully experience the wonder and the beauty inherent in all of its seasons. Tu B’Shvat in our part of the world comes in the middle of the winter. In the land of Israel it is the beginning of springtime. Let its message be that the time for new beginnings is always with us any season of the year. Rabbi Sussman Rabbi’s Message
Dear Friends, The last several months have been ones of turmoil. We have seen the protests around the death or Eric Garner, someone who actually lived not far from the Temple, and the murder of Officers Liu and Ramos. This combined with the turmoil around the world, particularly in the Middle East, gives us a sense of disquiet. We pray that there be peace in our own community, peace in our country and peace in the world. There is no magic formula for achieving peace. Nevertheless, each of us can do our part. The Torah and our traditions constantly emphasize the sacredness of all of life. This should come first. We cannot allow any ideology, or even a desire to make the world a better place, to come before this principle. The world has been all too full of people who are overdosed on ideology and come to think that a philosophy, a faith or an economic system is more important than the life of an individual. I have become very wary of movements and groups that, in their desire to help humanity, lose respect for the well-being of each human being. These groups often end up causing more injustice than the oppression that they are trying to fight. Our tradition is also emphatic on the essential equality of all human beings. The Rabbis taught that all human beings are descended from Adam and Eve; to show that no one’s ancestors are better than the next person’s. We should not consider ourselves “better” than anyone who is of a different racial, ethnic, religious or economic group than ourselves. The Torah teaches that each life is as sacred as the next. In order to bring peace we should try our best not to go through life angry, but to work for peace and good relations in whatever situation we find ourselves. In this cold part of the year, let us be warmed by the warmth of our Temple community and the light of Torah. Hope to see you at Temple, Rabbi Sussman |
