A Word From The Rabbi

Dear Friend,

G‑d gave us a wonderful gift called "forgetfulness." Eventually, things slip from our minds and fade into the hazy murkiness of the past. Even memories that we do retain slowly become less vivid with the passage of time.

Why did I call it a gift? Very simple. Could you imagine what life would be like if you remembered every scraped knee, bruised ego, or tragic loss that you experienced as if it were happening right now? You'd be overwhelmed by pain.

Yet, as natural as it is to forget the troubles of the past, there are some things that are seared into our memory so deeply and strongly that they remain forever.

The destruction of the Temple is one such event. It happened 2,000 years ago. Yet, we still gather annually to remember, cry, and pray. How could it be? Does anyone mourn the destruction of Pompeii, which happened at almost the same time? Why is the Temple still fresh in our memories?

The Talmud tells us that if the Temple was not rebuilt in our time, it is as if it was destroyed in our time. In other words, it is a constantly recurring tragedy, not something from the ancient past, but something happening to us right now-and we remember it as such.

May G‑d grant that we soon witness the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem with the arrival of Moshiach. Amen.. 

Wishing you a successful week,

Rabbi Yudy Shemtov
Senior Rabbi/Executive Director