Rabbi Cooper's Letters

December 1, 2021 / 27 Kislev 5782

Dear Friends,

A quick math problem to solve: How many weeks would it take to complete the following classical Jewish texts, if one studied one chapter each week: the entire Bible + the entire Mishnah + the first seven of the fourteen major volumes of Maimonides’ Mishneh Torah? The Answer is: I don’t know exactly, but it is a lot. This volume of study has been accomplished by our Shabbat study group, studying each week together for over 25 years.

What is remarkable about this accomplishment is not simply the volume of material we have covered. What is remarkable is that we have sustained our weekly study, all this time. Although COVID required us to utilize Zoom meetings to continue our study over the last 20 months, our classes have proceeded each week without fail. Some have been with this from the start, others joined us somewhere in the middle of our studies, while others “popped in” only occasionally. But for us all, this pre-Shabbat-services study has been uplifting and inspiring. As the rabbi of this congregation, I can say without hesitation, that this ongoing study has been among the most enjoyable, fulfilling, and meaningful endeavors of my career.

As I prepare for my retirement, the time has come to conclude our weekly classes. We have reached a natural stopping point, completing now the seventh of the fourteen volumes of Maimonides’ Mishneh Torah. And, although we cannot say that we have finished studying, a notion which belies the essence of the Jewish devotion to ongoing, lifelong learning, we will continue now, each in their own way. I have no doubt that we will all find wonderful and enriching opportunities to deepen our knowledge and the depth of our understanding.

By the way, one upcoming opportunity will be our annual adult retreat, February 18-20, 2022. Our schedule for that weekend will include study, socializing and conversation. Those who have been with us for past retreats are anxious to return for the weekend. If a Shabbat, in a beautiful and comfortable lodge, filled with social, culinary, and educational excellence (not to mention lots of laughing) sounds appealing to you, you will love our retreat. Please sign up soon, if you have a desire to join us, as space is limited.

At Shabbat morning services, on December 25 (aka Christmas) we will formally mark the conclusion of our class and celebrate our accomplishment. Our services on that Shabbat will include a traditional “siyyum”/conclusion of a major period of study, and a festive kiddish/luncheon following.

As I write these words, I feel sad to reach the end of our classes. Looking back over the past twenty-five years of study, however, I retain the joy we felt as we studied, the enrichment of the lessons learned and friendship and camaraderie we experienced. I am hoping that all who have studied with us, for however long, will join us to celebrate on 12/25. I hope, as well, that many of our congregants will celebrate with us, even if they have not been involved with this class.

We should all feel proud to know that, within our ranks, are those who have such great motivation to attend weekly, who study with such deep commitment, and who possess such a desire to strengthen this vibrant, knowledgeable, and ever-growing community.

I hope you can join us on December 25! In the meantime, Happy Hanukkah!

Rabbi Neil S. Cooper