Dear Kol Rinah Family,
Deuteronomy is not short on threats.
The forty-five verses of curses in Deuteronomy 28 (from Parashat Ki Tavo, which we read this week) are collective punishment for collective sin. If most people are good, the few bad eggs won't get these curses.
Our world and our experience does not reflect that "reward and punishment" theology. There are righteous people who suffer, wicked people who do fine, and much (most?) collective punishment comes to those least responsible and most innocent.
I often read the curses, or "tochecha" (rebuke), as it's known in Hebrew, as a kind of prayer for the world to be fair.
This week though, I'm feeling the tochecha differently.
The twenty-fourth anniversary of 9/11 and the murder of Charlie Kirk in different ways remind me of how we are connected, of how we have a shared fate, of how we can be affected collectively by the actions of the few, and how the actions of the many can affect most directly just a few.
We do not live in isolation; our fate, our very lives and wellbeing, are dependent on others, and others' lives and wellbeing depend on us--not in a mechanical or quid pro quo sort of way, but through the workings of the complex system that is our planet and all who live on it.
I remember the kindness that infused New York, and I think, the rest of the country, in the days and weeks following 9/11. There was a softening of hearts, an outflowing of love and care. It was a natural reaction, a healing reaction--the only thing that could if not repair the wound, then at least soothe it, was love, kindness. Not in a mechanical way, but in an inchoate, spiritual, emotional way.
If we were living in society on the verge of deserving Deuteronomy's curses, some might rant and rave, issuing jeremiads (named, properly, after our fairly unsuccessful prophet Jeremiah). But another response might be to respond with softness, with gentleness, with kindness, with chesed, with love, and with more love.
For a different, but very important take, read Yehuda Kurtzer's post from this morning here.
Tonight we'll gather at 6pm for Kabbalat Shabbat and ma'ariv (no instruments). If you're looking for way to soothe your soul, to calm your nervous nervous system (that's not a typo), singing through the psalms of Kabbalat Shabbat, bringing in air, putting out voice, prayer, and sacred word is one of the best remedies I know. Join me tonight.
Candle lighting is at 6:56pm.
Tomorrow will be Heirloom Shabbat, and we'll also hear, both during services and then after kiddush, from Uri Keidar, the executive director of Israel Hofsheet and a leading advocate for freedom of choice in how Jews live, marry, and express their Judaism in Israel. He's a secular kibbutznik. The Jewish Federation of St. Louis is part of a Jewish Federation of North America collaborative called iRep, a coalition of twenty-eight Jewish Federations and foundations that work together to promote respect for diverse expressions of Judaism in Israel. Israel Hofsheet is one of several organizations the collaborative supports.
This is a great opportunity to hear and learn more about the texture of Israeli society today.
Kiddush will include some home-baked Israeli-style desserts organized by our Israel Committee.
Shabbat ends at 7:52pm.
Saturday night is Selichot. We'll begin at 8:30pm with havdalah, and then have some learning on "Humor: Laughing into the Days of Awe." Even amidst the solemnity of the Days of Awe, Jews have always found room for laughter — at ourselves, at each other, even (gently) at God. Together we’ll explore the meaning and power of humor during this season, through stories, jokes, and teachings that lighten the weight of judgment and open the heart to joy. Bring your favorite High Holiday jokes, as we begin to return to our truest selves with humility, honesty, and a smile.
We'll start Selichot at 9:30pm. The singing, the melodies, the words of Selichot are intended to get us into the spirit of these holidays, and I hope you'll come for one of the best nights of singing we do all year.
All the High Holiday details are on the website here. A few deadlines are approaching. Babysitting signups are due Sunday, September 14. Lulav and etrog orders are due Monday, September 15. After that, price may increase, and availability is not guaranteed. (I'm happy to help subsidize lulavim and etrogim for anyone for whom cost is an issue, if you tell me by September 15!)
Let us not forget about the hostages, who have been in captivity now for 707 days, amidst the ongoing war in Gaza, where civilians continue to suffer.
May the one who makes peace in the heavens make peace over us, and over all Israel, and over all who dwell in the world.
Shabbat shalom and see you at shul,
Rabbi Noah Arnow
ZOOM AND STREAMING LINKS
To join our Zoom Minyanim or classes, click on the desired meeting link, or call into either of the following numbers:
+1 312 626 6799
+1 646 558 8656
Then, when prompted, enter the Meeting ID of the desired minyan/class then press #. Then, when prompted, enter the password then press #.
Services (all times Central)
Evening Minyan on Zoom
Sunday-Thursday evenings at 6pm (but not on Jewish holidays)
Morning Minyan on Zoom
Monday-Wednesday and Friday mornings at 7am; Sunday mornings and national holidays at 8am (not including Jewish holidays)
(Please note that Thursday morning minyan is now being held in-person at 7am (8am on national holidays) and is not on Zoom)
Friday nights and Shabbat mornings
Fridays, 6pm in the chapel (no streaming)
Saturdays, 9:00am (9:30am when we are doing our musical Kol Chadash service)
Click the link below, for the stream, as well as for additional instructions:
https://www.kolrinahstl.org/kr-streaming
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Phone: 314-727-1747