In Honor of Veterans Day
Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D.
At precisely eleven AM on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, in the year 1918, the “war to end all wars” concluded. If the people who experienced the nightmare known as World War Two are referred to as the “Greatest Generation” then I submit to you that the wave of humanity fighting in the First World War should be referred to as the “Naïve Generation.”
There was no glory to speak of only the gory mess of millions dead and millions more maimed-their lives destroyed. And the only things that came out of that horrific episode in humanities quest to kill were seeds that involved us in the next encounter which then led to the cold war, which then led to Korea, which then led to Viet Nam, and to the last Gulf War that too ended poetically in the 100th day. Perhaps if the war had lasted 101 days we wouldn’t be there now. But that is a subject for another time. And, of course there were other wars that were also supposed to “end all wars.”
Wars have been with us since time immemorial. When we do not understand someone or don’t like the color of a person’s skin or the tone in a voice or thoughts spoken, we take up arms to destroy that which is different. But don’t forget that most wars are fought because of economics, the current one being no different.
We, as a people, know only too well what that means. We, as a people, have visited the shadow of death in pogroms, the Holocaust, discrimination in the work place, in schools, in the arts. And yet, we as a people, have contributed immeasurably to the betterment of society – the betterment of the human experience.
We recently celebrated the 350th anniversary of our arrival on these shores. It was not an easy journey. We arrived here from distant lands where we felt the wrath of indifference and contempt. We have been tested time and again but we have been true to each and every place we found ourselves and, in particular, to this country which afforded us the greatest comfort and protection – but not without cost.
We contributed to the revolution that gave birth to this great nation – a man named Hayim Solomon comes to mind – who gave his fortune to ensure the survival of the struggle for independence and freedom. There were Americans named Levy and Strauss and Einstein and Brandeis who contributed their efforts to guarantee the continuation of a dream called America.
Each generation has produced faithful and true guardians of democracy from the ranks of immigrants whose only hope was that they could live, as Isaiah said, under their fig tree and feel secure.
Each generation of American Jews answered the call because we knew as Jeremiah instructed us: “Seek the welfare of the land into which I have seen you carried in exile, and pray to the Lord on this land’s behalf; for in its welfare shall you find your welfare.”
And yes, we even took up arms to ensure this freedom and security for all the people of this great land – not just the rich – not only the poor – but everyone who lives in this beacon of hope. We were not born soldiers – we were farmers or tailors or musicians and laborers trying to earn a living to support our families and bring those less fortunate to be with us as we began a new life in a new land.
We became soldiers and airmen and sailors and marines – we fought and some of us died and some of us were injured beyond repair – but we came to the aid of our America. We stand here proud of our contribution to liberty and equality for all. We fought side by side with the Jones’ and Smiths’ – we cheered when they came home from battle as we thanked God for our survival as well. We danced in the streets when wars ended because we loved our liberty. Those who hated us never understood that.
So here we are – four score and ten years after the end of the “War to end all wars,” – not to commemorate a cemetery in honor the Civil War dead as President Abraham Lincoln declared in his famous Gettysburg address, but to pay tribute to all who served from the beginning of our history here in America to today where we see our young men and women sacrifice even more to ensure that the freedom our generation fought for will not be lost. That is the responsibility that each generation takes upon itself – to guarantee the future as we did before. Yes, it was four score and ten years ago that that dreadful encounter with hell ended. And it in memory of all wars that we continue the remembrance from Decoration Day to its new name – Veterans Day.
We pay tribute to all who served and all who continue to serve, and, in particular, all who sacrificed life and limb. May the dreams that brought us to this day not be lost and may those now in harms way find their way back in safety and may we never lose sight of the sacrifice for Duty, Honor and Country. It is not only the American way, it is the Jewish way.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
Our Relationship With God:Core of Jewish Beliefs
Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D.
Maimonides begins his thirteen principles of faith with the declaration: “I believe with perfect faith………….” He then proceeds to detail this faith so that his life and those whom he influences will have a better grasp on what it means to be faithful. And these principles are filled with traditional expressions that have come down to us through the generations.
Since Talmudic times each generation has tried to interpret the meaning of life, the relationship with God as described in Scripture, so that it has relevance for their time and place. Humanities desire to communicate with God; to understand God’s commandments; to be one with God so to have a better insight into what Godliness is all about, that is the eternal quest.
There were the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Essene’s, the Zealots and so on, all determined to convince their followers as well as others that their path was the right one; the only one to true allegiance to God. Our generation is no exception. We have Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, Humanistic and more. The fact that we are called Israel is no accident of fate. This name was given to us to remind us of the struggle involved in trying to comprehend the very notion of God. The only thing that makes us different from the past is the present.
Abraham challenges God when He determines to destroy Sodom and Gomorra. Moses argues with God to forgive and forget the transgressions of a people delivered from the yoke of the oppressor only to be saddled with the yoke of a slave mentality. The Hebrew Bible is filled with such discourse with God because we understand only to well that complete obedience inhibits freedom of choice.
Yes, we believe that there is a single God who not only created the universe, but with whom every person can have an individual and personal relationship. A God we sometimes doubt. A God we sometimes blame for all that is evil in the world. A God we question as to His very existence when we see pain and affliction. A God who is also compassionate and forgiving. And even as we believe we also have doubts, but those doubts should not deter us from searching for an answer to reinforce our belief or enhance our desire to make sense of it all.
We believe that God continues to work in the world, affecting everything that people do. This does not mean that everything is controlled by God, rather that everything was created for us and we have to find the resources created by God to make our existence more meaningful so that we will be able to continue the partnership of creation. Freedom of choice is the one major ingredient in this partnership.
It is a partnership and we know this because we, in effect, are continually changing. We are always searching for answers to the meaning of life. We create, not only, lives as we procreate, but also situations that reinforce our concept of survival. Being created in the image of God is our gateway to taking hold of our existence that gives us the capacity to enable that relationship to flourish. Partners compliment each other, not duplicate each other. Nor are partners’ mirrors of each other.
The Jewish relationship with God is also a “covenant” relationship. In exchange for the many opportunities that God has afforded to us, we need to be thankful and inventive at the same time. We should try to bring holiness and respect for law into every aspect of our lives because that is a connection allowing us to be true partners.
Judaism is also a faith of community for we believe that “chosen” refers to a mission, not that we are better than anyone else, but “chosen” to set an example, to inform all of humanity about the existence of God. That is true community. I disagree with those who would remain aloof and not share their religious fervor. Of what value is it to believe and keep that belief confined to a certain place or a certain society? Zealousness is not a synonym for exclusiveness. Even Hillel directed us to not separate ourselves from the community because the future of faith is dependent upon total exposure.
Even our prayers indicate the truth of this. Our prayers, for the most part, are written in the plural because we know that humanity cannot survive without human connection. Search through the prayer books and you will find that the ultimate extension of our prayer experience is the request for collective welfare.
We are also concerned with family and our rituals and ceremonies are focused upon family participation. Holidays such as Passover, Hanukkah, Sukkot are all designed to express religious understanding through family involvement. These particular holidays are concentrated in the home because faith begins with family group association. Our first introduction to God centers on the blessings we recite when we retire, when we awake, when we celebrate Shabbat. These expressions are reinforced when we attend religious school or the synagogue.
Finally, Judaism believes that all people are eligible to receive salvation-God’s blessings. That is why we respect other beliefs. That is why we don’t seek the conversion of the world. That is why we celebrate goodness from whatever source. We are motivated by the dictate of the Prophet Mica: “To do justly (fairness to one another), love mercy (kindness) and walk humbly with God (acknowledging the oneness of God and our attempt to be one with the Creator regardless of religious observance).”
Regardless of the path one chooses, Jew or non-Jew, the destination is the prime importance. And as Jeremiah proclaimed, as prescribed by God: “I know the place I have for you says God – a future and a hope.”
Maimonides begins his thirteen principles of faith with the declaration: “I believe with perfect faith………….” He then proceeds to detail this faith so that his life and those whom he influences will have a better grasp on what it means to be faithful. And these principles are filled with traditional expressions that have come down to us through the generations.
Since Talmudic times each generation has tried to interpret the meaning of life, the relationship with God as described in Scripture, so that it has relevance for their time and place. Humanities desire to communicate with God; to understand God’s commandments; to be one with God so to have a better insight into what Godliness is all about, that is the eternal quest.
There were the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Essene’s, the Zealots and so on, all determined to convince their followers as well as others that their path was the right one; the only one to true allegiance to God. Our generation is no exception. We have Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, Humanistic and more. The fact that we are called Israel is no accident of fate. This name was given to us to remind us of the struggle involved in trying to comprehend the very notion of God. The only thing that makes us different from the past is the present.
Abraham challenges God when He determines to destroy Sodom and Gomorra. Moses argues with God to forgive and forget the transgressions of a people delivered from the yoke of the oppressor only to be saddled with the yoke of a slave mentality. The Hebrew Bible is filled with such discourse with God because we understand only to well that complete obedience inhibits freedom of choice.
Yes, we believe that there is a single God who not only created the universe, but with whom every person can have an individual and personal relationship. A God we sometimes doubt. A God we sometimes blame for all that is evil in the world. A God we question as to His very existence when we see pain and affliction. A God who is also compassionate and forgiving. And even as we believe we also have doubts, but those doubts should not deter us from searching for an answer to reinforce our belief or enhance our desire to make sense of it all.
We believe that God continues to work in the world, affecting everything that people do. This does not mean that everything is controlled by God, rather that everything was created for us and we have to find the resources created by God to make our existence more meaningful so that we will be able to continue the partnership of creation. Freedom of choice is the one major ingredient in this partnership.
It is a partnership and we know this because we, in effect, are continually changing. We are always searching for answers to the meaning of life. We create, not only, lives as we procreate, but also situations that reinforce our concept of survival. Being created in the image of God is our gateway to taking hold of our existence that gives us the capacity to enable that relationship to flourish. Partners compliment each other, not duplicate each other. Nor are partners’ mirrors of each other.
The Jewish relationship with God is also a “covenant” relationship. In exchange for the many opportunities that God has afforded to us, we need to be thankful and inventive at the same time. We should try to bring holiness and respect for law into every aspect of our lives because that is a connection allowing us to be true partners.
Judaism is also a faith of community for we believe that “chosen” refers to a mission, not that we are better than anyone else, but “chosen” to set an example, to inform all of humanity about the existence of God. That is true community. I disagree with those who would remain aloof and not share their religious fervor. Of what value is it to believe and keep that belief confined to a certain place or a certain society? Zealousness is not a synonym for exclusiveness. Even Hillel directed us to not separate ourselves from the community because the future of faith is dependent upon total exposure.
Even our prayers indicate the truth of this. Our prayers, for the most part, are written in the plural because we know that humanity cannot survive without human connection. Search through the prayer books and you will find that the ultimate extension of our prayer experience is the request for collective welfare.
We are also concerned with family and our rituals and ceremonies are focused upon family participation. Holidays such as Passover, Hanukkah, Sukkot are all designed to express religious understanding through family involvement. These particular holidays are concentrated in the home because faith begins with family group association. Our first introduction to God centers on the blessings we recite when we retire, when we awake, when we celebrate Shabbat. These expressions are reinforced when we attend religious school or the synagogue.
Finally, Judaism believes that all people are eligible to receive salvation-God’s blessings. That is why we respect other beliefs. That is why we don’t seek the conversion of the world. That is why we celebrate goodness from whatever source. We are motivated by the dictate of the Prophet Mica: “To do justly (fairness to one another), love mercy (kindness) and walk humbly with God (acknowledging the oneness of God and our attempt to be one with the Creator regardless of religious observance).”
Regardless of the path one chooses, Jew or non-Jew, the destination is the prime importance. And as Jeremiah proclaimed, as prescribed by God: “I know the place I have for you says God – a future and a hope.”
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Kever Avot:
The Resting Places of our Ancestors
Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D.
There is a beautiful ceremony that takes place each year during the Hebrew month of Elul. Sometimes it occurs on the Sunday between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It is called Kever Avot.
We visit the gravesites of our relatives and friends and whisper their names as we attempt to remember and pay tribute to their memories. Some of us are not able to connect because of distant burials but we gather together at a cemetery because it symbolizes for us the resting places of everyone we knew and loved and cherished.
It is a graceful reminder of the flight of time as well as encouraging us to gain strength from the lives of loved ones. Some losses are recent and some more distant but all involving the recollection of achievements and defeats that make up our journey of life.
Not only do we memorialize but we also console. We have all traveled the road of the valley of the shadows and we understand the need for solace and comfort that is achieved with family and friends.
At this time of the year – the High Holidays – we are especially mindful of the fragility of life. We think of a Book that is open to the page with our name at the heading. And we wonder about our fate as well as those who have gone before us. We wonder whether we are doing justice to memories. No more smiles or laughter. No more touching or caressing. There is so much of no more.
Now is the time for memory to replace existence. Now is the time for healing so that remembrances of our loved ones have meaning. This is how we do justice to memories.
This is how we put into perspective our lives so that there are no regrets.
The people we remember at the Kever Avot ceremony do not have any tomorrows but they are always with us. We are their tomorrows. But what happens when we are gone – who will continue remember? The answer to that question, in my opinion, is quite simple: The Angels will continue to sing their names and God will always remember. The candles we light year after year will remain burned in the stars that shine forever. This is God’s promise of eternal life.
At this time – the time of Kever Avot – and the time of Yizkor, we concentrate on the reminiscences of all who were dear to us and who no longer travel the journey of life with us. Their memories should remind us that time is precious. And we should share every moment with someone we care about or needs us to lend a helping hand. The we will truly do honor to the memories that are part of our feelings – right now – right at the spot we find ourselves during this time – on this solemn occasion. Maybe this will help us as we travel the path that will lead us to the very spot we cherish.
I read a poem recently. There was no mention of the author. But it rings in my mind as I try to respect the dignity of the fallen ones:
And if I go while you are still here – know that I live on,
vibrating still to a different measure behind a thin veil you
cannot see through.
You will not see me, so you must have faith.
I wait the time when we can soar together again,
both aware of each other.
Until then, live your lives to the fullest.
And when you need me, just whisper my name in your heart-
I will be there.
Kever Avot gives us the ability to whisper the names of those we miss and know that they are with us as we remember.
The Resting Places of our Ancestors
Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D.
There is a beautiful ceremony that takes place each year during the Hebrew month of Elul. Sometimes it occurs on the Sunday between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It is called Kever Avot.
We visit the gravesites of our relatives and friends and whisper their names as we attempt to remember and pay tribute to their memories. Some of us are not able to connect because of distant burials but we gather together at a cemetery because it symbolizes for us the resting places of everyone we knew and loved and cherished.
It is a graceful reminder of the flight of time as well as encouraging us to gain strength from the lives of loved ones. Some losses are recent and some more distant but all involving the recollection of achievements and defeats that make up our journey of life.
Not only do we memorialize but we also console. We have all traveled the road of the valley of the shadows and we understand the need for solace and comfort that is achieved with family and friends.
At this time of the year – the High Holidays – we are especially mindful of the fragility of life. We think of a Book that is open to the page with our name at the heading. And we wonder about our fate as well as those who have gone before us. We wonder whether we are doing justice to memories. No more smiles or laughter. No more touching or caressing. There is so much of no more.
Now is the time for memory to replace existence. Now is the time for healing so that remembrances of our loved ones have meaning. This is how we do justice to memories.
This is how we put into perspective our lives so that there are no regrets.
The people we remember at the Kever Avot ceremony do not have any tomorrows but they are always with us. We are their tomorrows. But what happens when we are gone – who will continue remember? The answer to that question, in my opinion, is quite simple: The Angels will continue to sing their names and God will always remember. The candles we light year after year will remain burned in the stars that shine forever. This is God’s promise of eternal life.
At this time – the time of Kever Avot – and the time of Yizkor, we concentrate on the reminiscences of all who were dear to us and who no longer travel the journey of life with us. Their memories should remind us that time is precious. And we should share every moment with someone we care about or needs us to lend a helping hand. The we will truly do honor to the memories that are part of our feelings – right now – right at the spot we find ourselves during this time – on this solemn occasion. Maybe this will help us as we travel the path that will lead us to the very spot we cherish.
I read a poem recently. There was no mention of the author. But it rings in my mind as I try to respect the dignity of the fallen ones:
And if I go while you are still here – know that I live on,
vibrating still to a different measure behind a thin veil you
cannot see through.
You will not see me, so you must have faith.
I wait the time when we can soar together again,
both aware of each other.
Until then, live your lives to the fullest.
And when you need me, just whisper my name in your heart-
I will be there.
Kever Avot gives us the ability to whisper the names of those we miss and know that they are with us as we remember.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
The Best Years of Our Lives
Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D.
I’ll bet that many people have seen the classic film of 1946, “The best years of our lives.” I must have seen it at least ten times and each time I watch I get a new feeling of warmth and a sense of sadness. It is a charming movie filled with emotion and wonderment and simplicity and innocence. In fact that time, immediately following World War 11, was a time of innocence. We were thrust into a war that saw millions of our men and women uprooted from every day living and sent to distant shores to fight for “justice, freedom and the American” way.
People cared about people. Neighbors knew each other. Doors were never locked. Children played in the streets. Bread was five cents. Bottles of milk had cream at the top. Coal trucks delivered fuel. Ice trucks liberated us from the heat and enabled us to preserve our food longer than for a day. Stamps were a penny. We didn’t need to get our phone calls from a corner store because now there were phones in the home – party lines and all. When we look back it certainly appears to be have been the “best years of our lives.”
How did we manage to move from then to now? Watching the movie helped me realize that each generation had its demons as well as renewal. There were those who returned from battle with scars that never healed. There were those who greeted these heroes without really understanding the torment endured or the nightmares that woke them in the middle of the night.
Returning servicemen and women were given as much help as was known at the time to enable them to rejoin the lives and loves they left behind. But the people they returned to, who endured the loneliness, the emptiness, never had the opportunity to prepare for things not being the same as they were before. True there were parades and cheering but when all that died down it was back to the reality of a changed community, a changed town, a changed country.
At this time of the year we roll back the pages of time and recall the bad and the good that has transpired. We even reflect further back to our youth and remember loved ones who no longer are here to share the next holiday. We also need to adjust to the changes that occur all around us.
Technology is different. We no longer have juke boxes or bee-bop. We no longer sit at the corner candy store and sip an ice cream soda or drink a malted and listen to the miniature recordings at the table or counter. Gas is no longer 25 cents a gallon and the purity of life is just a memory.
Now we are racing all over the place going from here to nowhere. Phones are glued to our ears. Greed is the new virtue. Our faith has been shaken by events that we cannot control. Everything is now instant – we don’t even have time to absorb what is happening all round us. And that is why we are here today – to stop the world – not to get off – but to enable us to think for a moment about who we are – where we are going – where we have been and why we are here.
Yes, it is Rosh Hashanah. What does that mean? Simply put it should be the beginning of the best years of our lives. It’s fun to reminisce. It’s amusing to remember our youth. But then reality sets in and we are here – right now – in this place – ready to start a New Year filled with all the dreams of the past which should give us the courage and ability to plan for the future.
Over the years we have learned valuable lessons. To me the most important of these is how to treat our friends and neighbors and service men and women. It wasn’t that long ago when we treated our warriors with disdain and contempt. They answered the call of their country and their country turned their backs on them. We no longer put stars in our windows or proudly announce duty to country and flag.
I believe that we are finally more aware of the value of service. And we can and should be cognizant of the value of life. We were not meant to stand and agonize over incidental things – things that really have no impact on our happiness. We live too much in the past and not enough in the gift of today. And each day is a gift because we don’t know what tomorrow has in store for us.
It is our obligation, our duty and responsibility to live as though these were the best years of our lives because they are. The past helped us get here but tomorrow begins our future and today is the beginning of that tomorrow.
There are aches and pains. There are defeats and more defeats until we look ahead and realize that that is part of the journey of life. There is no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. There is the rainbow in all its beauty and splendor. If life was meant to be a walk in the park then we would be walking in the park referred to as the Garden of Eden. It is not reality.
Reality is that there is death, there is evil, there is hunger and disease. But there is hope. There is the hope of our involvement. There is the hope of our ability to lift the downtrodden with our spirit and our resources. We are not that old that we can’t lend a hand and show mercy and humility. Sometimes we go from crisis to crisis never thinking about the goodness is our lives. We just dig ourselves into an endless cycle of despair.
Sometimes we think that life is too much for us. We are older, we have more aches and pains and we see our friends slowly pass from our circle. Life certainly has burdens but there are also uplifting episodes such as births and anniversaries and all kinds of celebrations including the return of loved ones from battle.
Life is really simple. We make it difficult. We get angry over things that really don’t matter. We don’t talk to this one or that one because of something that was said that we don’t even remember.
As I watched the movie I was reminded of all that we endured as a nation, as individuals. And when the sun rose on a new day we knew that things would be different because we were different. Isn’t that what Rosh Hashanah represents? We endure the nightmares but we know that there is a tomorrow and that tomorrow can be better if we will it.
We humans are unique. Not only do we leave traces of who we were, but we also leave an understanding of what we have accomplished. True, sometimes events get ahead of us, but we are able to take advantage of time so that it has some relevance. After all, the purpose of our existence is to live life. And always remember that these are the “best years of our lives” because they are the only years of our lives. That is the true meaning of this season.
Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D.
I’ll bet that many people have seen the classic film of 1946, “The best years of our lives.” I must have seen it at least ten times and each time I watch I get a new feeling of warmth and a sense of sadness. It is a charming movie filled with emotion and wonderment and simplicity and innocence. In fact that time, immediately following World War 11, was a time of innocence. We were thrust into a war that saw millions of our men and women uprooted from every day living and sent to distant shores to fight for “justice, freedom and the American” way.
People cared about people. Neighbors knew each other. Doors were never locked. Children played in the streets. Bread was five cents. Bottles of milk had cream at the top. Coal trucks delivered fuel. Ice trucks liberated us from the heat and enabled us to preserve our food longer than for a day. Stamps were a penny. We didn’t need to get our phone calls from a corner store because now there were phones in the home – party lines and all. When we look back it certainly appears to be have been the “best years of our lives.”
How did we manage to move from then to now? Watching the movie helped me realize that each generation had its demons as well as renewal. There were those who returned from battle with scars that never healed. There were those who greeted these heroes without really understanding the torment endured or the nightmares that woke them in the middle of the night.
Returning servicemen and women were given as much help as was known at the time to enable them to rejoin the lives and loves they left behind. But the people they returned to, who endured the loneliness, the emptiness, never had the opportunity to prepare for things not being the same as they were before. True there were parades and cheering but when all that died down it was back to the reality of a changed community, a changed town, a changed country.
At this time of the year we roll back the pages of time and recall the bad and the good that has transpired. We even reflect further back to our youth and remember loved ones who no longer are here to share the next holiday. We also need to adjust to the changes that occur all around us.
Technology is different. We no longer have juke boxes or bee-bop. We no longer sit at the corner candy store and sip an ice cream soda or drink a malted and listen to the miniature recordings at the table or counter. Gas is no longer 25 cents a gallon and the purity of life is just a memory.
Now we are racing all over the place going from here to nowhere. Phones are glued to our ears. Greed is the new virtue. Our faith has been shaken by events that we cannot control. Everything is now instant – we don’t even have time to absorb what is happening all round us. And that is why we are here today – to stop the world – not to get off – but to enable us to think for a moment about who we are – where we are going – where we have been and why we are here.
Yes, it is Rosh Hashanah. What does that mean? Simply put it should be the beginning of the best years of our lives. It’s fun to reminisce. It’s amusing to remember our youth. But then reality sets in and we are here – right now – in this place – ready to start a New Year filled with all the dreams of the past which should give us the courage and ability to plan for the future.
Over the years we have learned valuable lessons. To me the most important of these is how to treat our friends and neighbors and service men and women. It wasn’t that long ago when we treated our warriors with disdain and contempt. They answered the call of their country and their country turned their backs on them. We no longer put stars in our windows or proudly announce duty to country and flag.
I believe that we are finally more aware of the value of service. And we can and should be cognizant of the value of life. We were not meant to stand and agonize over incidental things – things that really have no impact on our happiness. We live too much in the past and not enough in the gift of today. And each day is a gift because we don’t know what tomorrow has in store for us.
It is our obligation, our duty and responsibility to live as though these were the best years of our lives because they are. The past helped us get here but tomorrow begins our future and today is the beginning of that tomorrow.
There are aches and pains. There are defeats and more defeats until we look ahead and realize that that is part of the journey of life. There is no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. There is the rainbow in all its beauty and splendor. If life was meant to be a walk in the park then we would be walking in the park referred to as the Garden of Eden. It is not reality.
Reality is that there is death, there is evil, there is hunger and disease. But there is hope. There is the hope of our involvement. There is the hope of our ability to lift the downtrodden with our spirit and our resources. We are not that old that we can’t lend a hand and show mercy and humility. Sometimes we go from crisis to crisis never thinking about the goodness is our lives. We just dig ourselves into an endless cycle of despair.
Sometimes we think that life is too much for us. We are older, we have more aches and pains and we see our friends slowly pass from our circle. Life certainly has burdens but there are also uplifting episodes such as births and anniversaries and all kinds of celebrations including the return of loved ones from battle.
Life is really simple. We make it difficult. We get angry over things that really don’t matter. We don’t talk to this one or that one because of something that was said that we don’t even remember.
As I watched the movie I was reminded of all that we endured as a nation, as individuals. And when the sun rose on a new day we knew that things would be different because we were different. Isn’t that what Rosh Hashanah represents? We endure the nightmares but we know that there is a tomorrow and that tomorrow can be better if we will it.
We humans are unique. Not only do we leave traces of who we were, but we also leave an understanding of what we have accomplished. True, sometimes events get ahead of us, but we are able to take advantage of time so that it has some relevance. After all, the purpose of our existence is to live life. And always remember that these are the “best years of our lives” because they are the only years of our lives. That is the true meaning of this season.
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