What I Don’t Know (And What I Do)
January 17, 2009
Sometimes it’s hard to know where to begin, and these are such times.
It’s probably not a good indicator that I’ve spent more time this past month being interviewed by the press and news media (including twice by the BBC) than during any similar period I can recall during the past two and a half decades. Beginning first with the marked decline in our nation’s economy, soon accompanied by the revelations of the Bernard Madoff financial scandal, and then the sudden outbreak of “Operation Cast Lead” and Israel’s war against Hamas, the past weeks have brought a degree of anxiety, sorrow, pain and loss to our Jewish world both near and far — only somewhat brightened by the lights of our recent Hanukkah festival.
Because of the early deadlines we need to meet for the production of our monthly Temple Bulletin, it’s quite certain that events will unfold in ways I clearly can’t even begin to anticipate at the moment. I don’t claim clairvoyant powers, and I’m not one for making predictions for the New Year (The National Inquirer is not among the press who have interviewed me of late). But while the future must always remain veiled, and the complex realities of these most challenging of times make it impossible to anticipate for certain what the upcoming days and weeks will bring, I’m pretty sure of a few things.
By the time you are reading this message, a new President will occupy the White House, having ascended in yet another peaceful transfer of power that should be seen as nothing short of a remarkable blessing for Americans, and an inspiration for the rest of the world.
In our community so seriously affected by the hardship of these economic conditions, men and women who have not done so before will have begun to step forward to contribute vital funds to help maintain our own Temple, as well as to restore and buttress the institutions of our entire, North Shore Jewish community. Without a doubt, difficult times will now begin to inspire creative solutions, forging innovative partnerships and cooperation among our various leaders, synagogues and agencies.
In Israel, sadly, far too many young people – casualties of the current military conflict — will have been buried and mourned. I doubt that the hostilities will have been ended, but certainly many innocents will have been injured for the mere “crime” of wanting to live in safety in the homeland of our people. Around the world, on the streets and in the press, Israel will continue be vilified and unjustly held responsible for Palestinian deaths, much to the delight and according to the careful intentions of Hamas and the supporters of terror. But her people will have continued to embrace life to its fullest, and will likely have already pioneered new medical, technological, agricultural, social and cultural advancements that will enhance life for men and women around the globe.
And regardless of the challenges we face, as Jews, we will already be looking with hope to a brighter future, in keeping with the prophets of old, who called us “Asirei Tikvah – Prisoners of Hope.” That hope will be a cornerstone for building all that the future might hold.
It is my hope that by the time you read this message, you will already - personally - be taking an active role in building toward that brighter future.
