Spirituality

SERMONS

Deepening Our Relationships

T

he world seems to be moving at a
record pace, so much so that it is
getting harder to keep up with the
newest innovation that hits the market.
Even electronic, handheld gadgets and
lap-top computers are becoming like cars;
the minute you make the purchase, they
depreciate and become outdated. The
virtual Web world and instantaneous,
high-speed exchange of information is
growing even more extraordinary than
ever imagined. And while there is much
good to be said about the modern elec-
tronic revolution, the depersonalization
that has accompanied it is truly saddening
and disturbing.
After a recent late night, after-hours
trip to the Web mall, I hit a wrong button
and needed to talk to someone to make a
return. But what I soon found out is that it
is almost impossible to call up a business
and talk to a human being without getting

lost in the maze of technology. After at least are creating a world devoid of human-to-
human contact.
30 minutes, I only stumbled across a real
As I prepare for the High
person by sheer accident.
Holidays of 5769, I find myself
Along the same lines, I
asking more and more, "Is this
recently read that several fast-
what God intended?"
food chains are currently in
Isn't it possible for our amaz-
the process of developing pro-
ing technological progress to
totypes for a high-tech order
co-exist alongside profound and
station. It works much like an
serious relationships with each
ATM, except it produces fast
other? And why can't we take
food instead of fast cash.
our faces out of our BlackBerrys
Customers touch pictures
and iPhones long enough to
of food items on a screen to
Rabbi Joseph
have a meaningful and uninter-
indicate how many burgers,
Krakoff
rupted conversation?
fries and drinks they would like.
Special to the
I believe our tradition can
Throughout the process, a pre-
Jewish News
give us perspective during
recorded voice offers directions,
this fast-paced and constantly
such as, "Your best value is a
changing world of ours. Judaism teaches
large milkshake." While this might lessen
the importance of connections known as
the problem of incompetency and even
ben adam l'chavero — namely, friendships
have some timesaving benefits, here is
and partnerships between individuals and
just another emerging example of how we

their fellow human beings essential for
our continued survival as a species.
There is no question that one of the
most-prized Jewish values is focused
on how we interact with one another as
human beings — learning and studying,
talking and socializing, befriending and
sharing our ideas and opinions with one
another. In short, there is nothing more
important in this world than our relation-
ships in the human realm.
In this fast-paced world, when we so
often take our fellow human beings for
granted and do not spend enough time
working on deepening our relationships,
may we use the new year to start again
and re-center ourselves on what really
matters.
For the truth is, we need each other! ❑

Joseph Krakoff is a rabbi at Congregaton

Shaarey Zedek of Oakland County.

Mining Our Tradition

p

eople often assume that perform-
ing funerals is the most difficult
aspect of being a rabbi. There
is no question that delivering a eulogy,
especially in tragic circumstances, is an
emotionally challenging experience; but it
also must be said that there is something
uplifting about it as well.
As a rabbi, I am privileged to hear, and
then to recount, some amazing life stories.
"I should be more like that:' I often think
to myself as I am delivering a hesped. Also,
I know that funerals work. They do not
take away the pain of mourning, but they
do at least begin the healing process.
Actually, I personally have a more diffi-
cult time in the hospital. I often feel utterly
helpless. I pray, but I do not know exactly

returns, decrease gas prices or
what effect those prayers will
unemployment. What message
have. I shmooze, but shmoozing
can I deliver that will help?
can only take one so far in terms
I could get up on the bimah
of healing. I listen, but even lis-
and remind the congregation
tening has its medicinal limits.
that we, as a Jewish people,
I often leave the hospital not
have been through worse; but
knowing if I have done any good
when you are in pain, the fact
at all; hence my frustration.
that others have suffered more
This year, as 5769 dawns, I
than you is of scant comfort.
feel that same sort of existential
To suggest that our current
frustration as I often do in the
Rabbi Paul
problems can be alleviated if
hospital. What can I, as a rabbi,
Yedwab
we only work harder is, in most
do to help? People are hurting;
Special to the
cases, inaccurate as many of
they are vulnerable; they are
Jewish News
the economic forces at work are
afraid for their futures. How can
beyond our control. To exhort the congre-
I, a rabbi, give them what they need? No
gation to "keep a stiff upper lip" seems a
sermon, no matter how powerfully deliv-
bit glib.
ered, can raise home values or stock market

So what comfort will I offer to my
congregants, so many of whom are in
economic and emotional distress, as 5768
fades away? I do not know, but I am sure
that it will come from the wellsprings of
our tradition. For, in my own times of dif-
ficulty, I always turn to our Jewish texts
and invariably find some solace or new
direction there.
And if I can do all of this, and not be
utterly depressing in the process, I will
have delivered some sermon indeed. Now
I just have to write it.

❑

Paul Yedwab is a rabbi at Temple Israel

in West Bloomfield.

Embracing What Binds Us

T

he Torah readings selected for
both days of Rosh Hashanah
share a common theme. Both are
about the birth and the raising of children.
The first day mentions the birth of
Yitzchak and highlights the negative
influence of Yishmael, his older brother.
Avraham and Sarah grapple with how to
confront this challenge to Yitzchak's well
being.
On the second day, we read about
Akeidat Yitzchak, the Binding of Isaac.
Avraham's faith in God is tested in the

B4

September 25 • 2008

jti

most extreme manner.
Despite the painful realization
of what is to come, Avraham
and Yitzchak, father and son,
ascend Mount Moriah together,
united in purpose, to fulfill
God's will.
Although we pray never to be
tested in a similar manner, the
message is clear: Our greatest
responsibility is our children
and with them, the future of
our people. The Torah read-

Rabbi Yechiel
Morris

Special to the
Jewish News

ings demand that we make
the difficult decisions and the
necessary sacrifices in order to
guarantee the continuity of the
Jewish people.
We must be aware of the
negative influences that
distance our children from
Judaism. Parents and commu-
nity leaders must work togeth-
er to create the necessary pro-
grams and initiatives that give
our children the tools to better

understand and appreciate the beauty and
sophistication of our religion.
There are no shortcuts when it comes
to raising children. It takes hard work,
patience, understanding, sacrifice and a
lot of Heavenly assistance. It is demand-
ing and time consuming, and yet there is
nothing more fulfilling and satisfying.
As we enter the new year, parents,
grandparents and community members
must remember that our children have to
be our highest priority. We certainly are

Embracing on page B5