March 2009 Bulletin Message
by Rabbi Mark Dov Shapiro

For Your Consideration
Rabbi Mark Dov Shapiro

We don’t hear much good news these days. If you’re like me, you may be growing wary of even listening to the news. In distressing times like these, you want to retreat. Stay home. Hunker down. Pull back.

Towards the end of February I was having one of those recession kind of days. A cloud hung over my head as I entered the Temple for services. Let’s just say I wasn’t exactly in the mood for worship and community.

But something strange happened during the hour of prayer. I changed! Or should I say the music, the words, the spirit, and the presence of many people changed me. It wasn’t something I planned. It’s just that, when the service ended and I reflected back on the experience, I realized that my mood had moved. That cloud of concern was gone. That sinking feeling about the economy had eased. Much to my surprise, I felt quite right about the world and my circumstance after the service.

I found myself thinking we Jews really do have something quite power- ful at our fingertips. I know we can’t fix the economy from Sinai. We can’t make unemployment go away. But when we’re together in the synagogue that doesn’t mean we are powerless. On the contrary, when we come together in community, I think we have a chance to heal ourselves. Inside the Temple we can define the world as we wish. No matter how bad the news outside may be, when we get inside the Temple I think we together create an inner world that can sooth, uplift, and inspire us.

It’s warm and positive inside our walls. In fact, during the month of March, we’ve got something for everyone from learning to singing, meditating, and laughter. Especially since March winds and tough times can feel so cold, I suggest you give us a thought. Come inside. We’ve got something at Temple that should take the chill off your day. I bet you’ll be glad you joined us. I’ll be watching for you.

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