Later this month, we will be acknowledging Memorial Day. We do
this every year, and most of you probably knew that, but I wanted to highlight
it for a particular reason. Well, actually for a couple of reasons. First, I
hope you'll make the time to attend. This ceremony used to be much better
attended, but as fewer and fewer of us serve in the military or have relatives
who have served, it seems to feel less relevant in our lives. Nevertheless, it
is important to remember those who fought in previous conflicts and who are
currently on active duty. And, perhaps a little bit unrelated, I also think
it's a crucial part of synagogue life to interact with our cemetery. It is an
important part of Ohev's history, and I wish more people felt a sense of
connection to it as a sacred and beautiful space.
Now I want to shift my focus a little bit. Rather than just
thinking about Memorial Day, I invite you to take a moment and think about
remembrances in general. You may be familiar with the Jewish concept of a
yahrzeit, or you may not. The term actually comes from Yiddish, and means
essentially "annual time," but really it connotes an annual
remembrance of loved ones. Some people have the tradition of lighting a candle
during the yahrzeit for, say, a parent or spouse, but many people don't really
think to ritualize this moment. I would like to make an appeal for you to make
time for yahrzeits in your life.
Like Memorial Day, it is a way of sanctifying something
important, and keeping our history with us, whether good or bad. In the Jewish
tradition, many people come to services on (or around) a yahrzeit, where they
can take an aliyah to the Torah in memory of the deceased. There is also a
beautiful prayer that is recited at this occasion, called “Eil Malei Rachamim,”
which Rabbi Miller or I would be honored to chant for or with you. Technically,
it is understood to be a prayer on behalf of the soul of our loved one, but
regardless of your theology, I think it's a wonderful opportunity to connect
with a joyful memory. And again, when we ritualize something, we infuse it with
meaning and purpose.
So much of our lives is spent living in the moment, just
focusing on the next task or deadline. That's just kind of how it goes, and I
get it. I do it too. But a powerful reason that we, as Jews, have survived for
millennia is our ability to bring our history along on our journey wherever and
whenever we go. Memorial Day is a good reminder of the debt we owe to those who
have fought for our nation, and it can teach us gratitude, humility, and
communal responsibility. A yahrzeit can serve a similar purpose. It will help
you connect to your personal history, to your family ancestry, and, if you come
to morning minyan, to your community as well.
History is not meant to be a dusty old concept, stuck on a
shelf or relegated to the recesses of our minds. Bring it with you, and KEEP it
with you, and I think you’ll find that it can enrich the here and now, and our
tomorrows as well.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Gerber
No comments:
Post a Comment