Rabbi Carl M. Perkins 
Cantor Jamie Gloth
David Farbman, President
  



Suspended Over the Void



8 Tishrei 5778
 
Dear Friends,
 
Does it seem lately as if the entire world is hanging by a thread? 
 
I'm reminded of the phrase, t oleh eretz al blimah,  "[God] suspends the earth over the void."  That phrase appears in a medieval poem that we recite on Yom Kippur morning (on p. 254 of our mahzor). It's based on a passage in the book of Job.  Just like in ancient days, the world can seem very fragile and unpredictable at times.
 
I can't think of another time when reason and common sense seemed less on the minds of world leaders possessed with the power of immense destruction than today. 
 
Perhaps during these difficult days there is no better place to ponder, reflect, and sort things out than shul.  We are fortunate.  There is no day freer from distraction than Yom Kippur, especially in shul.  Let's make use of this time to renew ourselves and re-commit ourselves to our beliefs and values. Let's try to spend the day thinking about ways we can pursue not only personal, but also communal, national and international reconciliation (i.e., atonement). 
 
Every year, I am asked questions about the observance of Yom Kippur.  (After all, it only comes once a year.)  In order to address these inquiries, I drafted a short letter, entitled, "Ten Tips to a Meaningful Yom Kippur."  This year's version is accessible here.
 
May less anxious days await us!  
Let me wish everyone a safe, secure, healthy and fulfilling New Year.
Gmar Hatimah Tovah, and L'Shanah Tovah u'Metukah,

Sincerely,
 
Rabbi Carl M. Perkins

PS. Incidentally, the sermons I delivered on Rosh Hashanah are posted on our website.  They are accessible here.



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