September 2010 Bulletin Message
by Rabbi Mark Dov Shapiro

For Your Consideration
Rabbi Mark Dov Shapiro

Rosh Hashanah is in the air. Time for reflection. Time for Temple. Time to remember what Sinai Temple means in our lives.

Here are my responses to the question: What is Sinai Temple?

• Sinai is a teenager searching for his place in Judaism, asking questions, and beginning to find answers.
• Sinai is parents proudly anticipating their child’s marriage and then joyously holding their first grandchild.
• Sinai is a young couple planning to raise their children in a community that welcomes them and nurtures them.
• Sinai is a congregant who becomes ill and receives the support and concern of the congregation.
• Sinai is a 13 year old girl becoming a Bat Mitzvah and proudly marching with the Torah next to her parents and grandparents.
• And Sinai is also the sound of the shofar, the solemnity of Kol Nidre, the dancing of Simchat Torah, and the warmth of Passover.
• Sinai is where we pray. We search for meaning and purpose through words and melodies as old as Jerusalem but as new as today.
• Sinai is where we learn. Children encounter the stories and festivities of Jewish life for the first time while adults explore the meaning of Torah as it pertains to real life in the modern world.
• Sinai is social action. We are committed to tikkun olam. Throughout the year, we are dedicated to fixing our world for the sake of justice.
• Sinai is community. We share sorrows and triumphs. We delight in children and take pride in members who maintain their commitment to us for a lifetime.
• Sinai is an address for Reform Judaism. It is an approach that combines modernity with tradition.
• Sinai is our address for Judaism.
• Sinai is our anchor for the values of Judaism, for caring, moral vision, and hope.
• Sinai Temple is about living. Sinai is about living our lives as Jews with joy.

I’m so proud to be rabbi of this great congregation. I look forward to being with “at Sinai” in the holiday season that begins this month.

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