From Rabbi Dahlia Bernstein Friday, September 17, 2021
Dear CBO family,
What were your first words after the final shofar blow last evening? Did they reflect the kind of year you want to have or the kind of person that you want to be? We spend 25 hours depriving our bodies of food and water, to place ourselves in a mindstate of clarity and cleansing and almost immediately, we flood ourselves with sarcasm and foods that we normally would not eat. These actions, while understandable, do not reflect the essence of Yom Kippur, the day of deprivation to empty ourselves of what fills our lives, but does not truly satisfy us.
I had a professor in college who discussed how he would extend his fast another 24 hours. It was a spiritual experiment, one that I am not actually suggesting right now. What I am suggesting is that the sincerity and seriousness that we cultivated in 25 hours should not dissipate the moment juice touches our lips. The real work begins when the fast ends. It is the holding back from sarcasm and biting remarks. It is refraining from the type of “venting” which is truly just gossip in disguise. These are all poisonous breads that might seem satisfying in the moment, but really erode our respect of self and others.
How will you extend your fast this year? Maybe you won’t do so with food or water, but I strongly recommend that you try to choose one worthy endeavor, one issue of abstinence for another 24 hours and see where it takes you. Try one of the following:
Blaming Gossiping Sarcasm Interrupting Rejecting ideas right away Apologizing for things you did not do Trying to change others Using the word “should” to shame yourself Starting sentences with “but,” “no,” or “rather” (it’s dismissive)
May 5782 be one of exploration, growth, and good health.
Shabbat shalom, Rabbi Bernstein
CLICK HERE to check the schedule of upcoming events, including Sukkot Services. Sunday morning minyan will continue to be on Zoom. We will notify you once we begin in-person.
Friday, Kabbalat Service at 7:00 PM Saturday, Derash at 9:00 AM Shabbat Service at 9:45 AM Havdalah Service - 6:30 PM - Bat Mitzvah of Emily Weiner
Mazal Tov to Lauren, Matthew & sister, Charlotte Weiner on Emily becoming a Bat Mitzvah, September 18th, 2021
CANDLE LIGHTING Friday, September 17th - 6:41 pm
Havdalah Saturday, September 18th - 7:38 PM
Sunday Morning Minyan Update We have decided not to do Sunday morning minyan in person just yet. We will come up with a new date after the holidays. We are going to continue on zoom.
With happy hearts, Brooke (Seligson-Holt) and Evan Holt welcome to the world their son, born September 14, 2021, 8 Tishri 5782, at 8:27pm, LIJ Katz Womens Hospital.
His first name William (“Liam”) serves to honor the four late grandfathers of their families. His middle name Davi (a variant of the name David, meaning “beloved”) immortalizes cherished family members forever in their minds and souls.
Mazal Tov
REFUAH SHELEIMAH (A SPEEDY RECOVERY)
As a community, we pray for those in need of healing. May they be granted a Refuah Sheleimah - a complete and speedy recovery.
Hector Brizuela Glen Cohen Marilyn Finger Joe Fromkin Cal Greilsamer Wallace Leifer Edward Steinman Lee Weisbord
