A Message from Rabbi Yitzhak (June, 2005)

Among the many treasures found in the Kol HaNeshama Reconstructionist Prayer book, one reading that often touches me is titled, "Social Action." At a time when our nation is experiencing an intense polarization and a debate about "moral values" and faith, I find the perspective of this piece to be a useful reminder about the proper place of faith as well as a naming of some of the crucial moral concerns of our day. I hope that in reading this piece you will find meaning and inspiration.

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The Light of Torah

Social Action
We can not merely pray to God to end war;
For the world was made in such a way
That we must find our own path to peace
Within ourselves and with our neighbor.

We cannot merely pray to God to root out prejudice;
For we already have eyes
To see the good in all people
If we would only use them rightly.

We can not merely pray to God to end starvation;
For we already have the resources
With which to feed the entire world
If we would only use them wisely.

We cannot merely pray to God to end despair;
For we already have the power
To clear away slums and to give hope
If we would only use our power justly.

We cannot merely pray to God to end disease;
For we already have great minds
With which to search out cures and healings
If we would only use them constructively.

Therefore we pray instead
For strength, determination, and will power,
To do instead of merely to pray
To become instead of merely to wish;
That our world may be safe,
And that our lives may be blessed.

--Kol Haneshama Prayer book, page 772;
Jack Reimer (adapted)

On the evening of June12th we will celebrate the Holy Day of Shavuot – The Time of the Giving of our Torah. This year we will have an unusual and meaningful additional reason for celebration as we dedicate the newly donated photovoltaic solar panel power source for our Eternal Light (read more about this event here).

The Eternal Light that we have in our sanctuary is a constant reminder of the Presence of God in our lives. A new dimension of meaning will be added to our Eternal Light as we express our commitment to taking responsibility for the well being of God’s creation. It is this call to responsibility that is at the heart of our covenantal relationship with the Source of Life. Please come and help us dedicate this wonderful symbol of the Eternal Presence of God and the covenantal responsibility of humanity.

Shalom,
Rabbi Yitzhak