Temple Newsletter for September 22nd, 2023

Rabbi David Wilfond's Message - Friday, September 15th , 2023

Dear Friends,
Tonight, we begin the New Year. Rosh Hashanah calls to enter the future. My sermon for Erev Rosh
Hashanah will address “Humans Plan and God Laughs. Second Chances and the upcoming Rabbinic
Transition.” On Rosh Hashanah morning I will speak about the “Current crisis in Israel and what we can
do about it.” Second Day of Rosh Hashanah will be a festival of fun filled activities at 89 Baldwin Road,
not Caramoor. A Torah Study session and community conversation will focus on the spiritual journey of
the Akeda, the binding of Isaac.


On Kol Nidre night please remember to bring a Tallis to the service. Erev Yom Kippur is the only day of
the year that a Tallis is worn at night. On Yom Kippur afternoon before Yizkor, congregant and
composer Michael Shapiro will speak about his life and his Jewish journey. This will be a highlight of Yom
Kippur.

I invite you to enjoy a personal and communal renewal by joining our congregation in song, prayer,
sincerity, and deeds of loving kindness during the upcoming High Holy Days. The liturgy asks “Who will
live and who will die?” Only God knows. All we can know is by what values we choose to live. This is the
time we immerse ourselves in Jewish prayer, study and community.

The Hebrew word Shofar is from the root “L’Shapear,” which means “To improve.” Judaism believes
humans can improve. It’s not always easy, but the rewards are unlimited. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks called
Rosh Hashanah “The Great Renewal.” We have changed all the Torah covers to white as a metaphor for
the inner work of purification. Tonight, at Rosh Hashanah dinner it is a custom to dip apples in honey to
begin the new year with sweetness.

These High Holy Days are an opportunity. I invite you to enter. May we make the most of the blessings
that await.

My wife, Deborah, and our children, Isaac, Eliora and Rafi join in wishing you a Gut Yontif and a Gut
Yohr, A Sweet and Healthy New Year.

L’Shana Tova Tikatevu,

May we be inscribed in the Book of Life for a Good and Sweet Year,

Rabbi David Wilfond