Rabbi Cooper's Letters

August 2021 / Elul 5781

Dear Friends,

In 1954, in time for Christmas, songwriter Robert Allen composed a song which became a staple in the collection of songs and music we hear ad nauseum throughout the month of December (unless, of course, you are going to Israel). Truth be told, however, although the song was written for Christmas, there is a surprisingly Jewish ring to it. The song itself does not mention Christmas. Rather, the song reminds us of the powerful pull, experienced by people of all faiths, to celebrate Holidays at home.

As Jews, the pull to come home for our most important holidays is equally strong. And, as the High Holidays near, many already feel that palpable pull. Reflecting on last year and this, being home has had an additional layer of meaning. With the arrival of COVID 19, some of our traditional observances, such as inviting people to our homes for celebratory meals, has become dangerous. Most of us are planning for smaller and more intimate meals again this year.

And yet, many of our congregants will find new meaning in the notion of “Home for the Holidays” by “attending” and participating in our service, from the comfort of home. This option has and will enable our members of our community to solve some logistical problems, making services easily accessible, and protected from the Coronavirus, without leaving home. But the beauty of “Home for the Holidays” also has its drawbacks.

For many in this country, Christmas is a rather secular holiday. Many who celebrate Christmas do so without the benefit of attending their local church. Celebration of Christmas for many is limited to meals and presents.

Our observance of the High Holidays, however, is quite different. For us, religious services infuse our observances with meaningful and probing questions for which we search for answers. Our holidays are spent in prayer and contemplation, song and reflection. The services for which we plan, address issues which compel us to look inward, with honesty and affirmation in the presence of others. All of these are part and parcel of our celebration.

This year, as you know, we shall once again offer our congregants the options of either joining us remotely or in-person. You can find a schedule and locations of all we have planned by clicking here. And we are thrilled and grateful for Zoom technology which makes it all possible for those unable to attend. But I write today, to encourage you to join us in person, including at our outdoor viewing of the Main Sanctuary service.

It is true that attending via Zoom is easier and requires little effort. At this time, I encourage you to join us for regular services for several reasons. Without a doubt, our services will be uplifting and inspiring. Our services will be melodious and meaningful. And mostly, in-person attendance connects you with something to which others are not connected: community.

I believe that the notion of celebrating through song, prayer and study is a uniquely Jewish definition of celebration. For us, our presence provides support to others, and satisfaction to ourselves. Our attendance lifts us when we join together in prayer and song. But mostly, your physical presence, when we can see and hear each other, is what community is all about.

You have been sent a link to a survey we have formulated. If you misplaced it, you can find that survey here. We are glad that we shall, again, offer the possibility of remote participation. But for those able, I hope you will make the effort to join us in person. It is over the High Holidays that the power of our community is most palpable. It is over the High Holidays that we can see each other and reconnect. And it is during these Holidays, that we receive support and encouragement from the presence of our fellow congregants.

I agree with the song’s refrain:

Oh! There's no place like home for the holidays, 'Cause no matter how far away you roam, If you wanna be happy in a million ways, For the holidays you can't beat home sweet home!

The celebration of our holidays at home infuses our celebration with familiarity, comfort, and nostalgia. In the Wizard of Oz, all Dorothy wanted was to go home, for indeed, there is no place like home. But, for me, there is no place better than the place where friends and acquaintances gather. There is no place like that in which we can combine our voices in prayer with others. There is no place better than our synagogue to add meaning and power to our holidays. Surely, that is why we refer to our synagogue as, “our house, your home”. Indeed, there is no place like home.

I look forward to seeing you over the Holidays.

In the meantime, I extend my wishes for a warm and meaningful Holiday, a year of joy, community, and health.

L’Shana Tova,

Rabbi Neil S. Cooper