February 2010 Bulletin Message
by Rabbi Mark Dov Shapiro

For Your Consideration
Rabbi Mark Dov Shapiro

Purim is coming. I think of it as our Jewish Mardi Gras. Our chance to wear costumes and behave outrageously as we tell the story of Esther and Mordecai.

Of course, that "story" can be told many ways. For example, it can be read or chanted word for word through the Book of Esther. (All 167 verses in Hebrew.)

Only one problem - When I've seen Purim done this way in a "traditional" setting, I've been bored to tears. That's why I delight in being a Reform Jew at Purim. I delight in Reform's courage and honesty that allows us to say, "Judaism has always been able to change. In our time, that means adapting our Megillah Reading. We take the best of tradition while balancing it with humor and creativity that allow our Purim to be as relevant in 2010 as it was in 1010."

I'm thinking such thoughts because I hope Sinai congregants fully appreciate the unique position we have here in our congregation.

We are a Reform synagogue - the only Reform presence in our community.

We're not here by default. Not here because we wish we could be "more religious." We're here because there is more than one way to be Jewish. For us, that way is Reform - an approach to Judaism stretching back 200 years that embraces the riches of our past while also adapting tradition for a modern, changing world.

I love Jewish history. I love learning how our ancestors lived Judaism in their day and age from Persia to France, Russia, and Turkey. But I also love being Jewish today. I love making Jewish history today. And I do so in the hope that other Jews will join me as we build Jewish lives for a vibrant future.

Prior Bulletin Messages from the Rabbi are available on this site.