Dear Schechter Parents and Community:

As the days and hours move closer to Yom Kippur, please take a moment to share in these thoughts and consider how they resonate with you. In the Machzor (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Prayer Book) Lev Shalem, I recently read a powerful and timely quote by the great Jewish philosopher, Martin Buber:

“The purpose of creation is not division, nor separation. The purpose of the human race is not a struggle to the death between classes, between nations. Humanity is meant to become a single body… Our purpose is the great upbuilding of unity and peace. And when all nations are bound together in one association, living in justice and righteousness, they atone for each other.”

We live in a time when we must give serious thought to the type of world, and the kind of communities, we want to leave for our children. The story of civilizations is that they only survive, and thrive, when they tend to the moral and social fabric that binds them together - in unity.

In the quote from Buber, “unity” does not mean “to be the same.” Humanity, in all of its glorious differences, can be united in its pursuit of justice, righteousness, and peace, without being uniform.

This pursuit begins with ourselves and then extends to our families, friends, and community. We cannot control what others say and do. We can, however, decide to return (teshuvah) to our greater purpose, which is to live a meaningful life that extends beyond ourselves and brings a sense of kedushah (holiness) to the world.

We need to listen to one another with respect, find common ground, and give our time and resources to building a better community, society, and world for all.

Presently, there is a great sense of urgency to build a better society. What will each of us do this year to help improve our communities, and achieve unity among the Jewish people and beyond? The current pandemic adds to the challenge, yet consider, can you give some of your time to one of many agencies dedicated to serving the community? What about your synagogue or Temple in this great time of need?

What about the current political climate in our country? More than ever, Americans must exercise their civic responsibility to participate in the democratic process and vote this November. What might we also do to help facilitate a return to civility and cooperation among our polarized neighbors and the many disparate ideas that impact the political process?

There is no question that we must find it within ourselves to care more about each other, and recognize that as much as our culture pushes the idea of individual self-actualization, the reality is that we only thrive when we support and help one another.

Finally, I ask your forgiveness for all the times that I fell short of your expectations, and for all of the times my words and actions did not represent who I strive to be. If I offended, neglected, or ignored in any way, it was not out of malice, and I apologize. In this New Year, let us be open and transparent as we continuously work together to strengthen our Kehillah and build a better world to leave our children. It is truly our obligation and our children deserve better.

G’mar Chatimah Tovah (May your fate be sealed for a good year),

Steve