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In the Words of Rabbi Singer – Issue #2

In the Words of Rabbi Singer, Issue 2
A regular blog series from Temple Beth El, bringing you moments of heart and insight from
Rabbi Emeritus Merle E. Singer.
“This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place, something that you have left behind, let it be something good.”

These are the very words that weave together the actions of the twentieth century and today. Our every choice comes at a cost impacting our lives, our community, and our nation. We fought hard for our country’s victory these past few years, yet during such joy, we witnessed desecration in our own country and others. I ask you where do we go from here and how? 

From this day moving forward, we must be aware of our county’s latest challenges and their correlation to racism and hate in the early twentieth century. Do not turn a blind eye to reality, as silence is the same power to perpetuate the dangers we must work against. 

We must hold strong. We must continue to voice our power for what is good and always help our neighbor. Like hope, our memories are the treasures that shape us, our memories define us. When you think back to your earlier days, recall moments of joy and happiness, and may they be a reminder, that our memories can help shape our future. 

In the Words of Rabbi Singer, Issue 2Together, as one, Democrats, Republicans, and Independents must commingle the ethical values of our great nation so we can rebuild in unity. Freedom is what our immigrant families fought for first-hand in the name of courage. Let us renew their dreams as we secure our democracy as a country and as a Jewish community. As my grandfather wrote in his letters during his immigration from Europe to America, the streets are not paved with gold, but the streets are also not paved with failures and fears. May his words be a remembrance to embrace new opportunities to establish a new life and continuously fight for justice and truth. 

Our country has the excellent possibility of being strong and mighty, and thus we must maintain awareness of the promise of goodness and not let fear or past historical tribulations be reborn.

In lieu of focusing on what we may have lost, I encourage you to remain steadfast with hope, recall your memories, ensure gratitude for our freedom to promote positive change. Like the shining flame of the Shabbat candles, maintain awareness of the possibilities of goodness. In the words of the prophet, “not by might and not by power, but by spirit alone, ruach! Shall we all live in peace.” Today and always, we have the choice to hide from evil or to fight against it, and while the journey may be long it will be worth it. So, I encourage each and every one of you to remain faithful in your mission of unity, kindness, and peace for all.

If there is any congregant or member out there reading this article, and it resonates, and this is something you need, then join me next time at my choir practice. The requirement: if you can sing “Happy Birthday”, you are in! We meet on Zoom Mondays at 3:30 pm for an hour and most recently, in person at SFC. We also welcome anyone (no age requirement) who wants just to enjoy the sound of music and offer support and encouragement. For more information, contact Judy Simon at [email protected] or 914-672-1892.

Rabbi Merle E. Singer

Rabbi Merle E. Singer is Temple Beth El’s Rabbi Emeritus. He retired in 2005 after serving as the Temple’s senior spiritual leader for 28 years.  During that time, the Temple grew from a small congregation to one of the largest and most vibrant synagogues in the United States.

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