By John A. Elzufon

           Over the years our people have grappled with the meaning behind the Kol Nidre Prayer and its history. Armies of Rabbi’s and scholars have discussed and debated it. Pages and pages have been devoted to explaining it.

           The best explanation I have ever read is found on page 731 of the One-Volume Edition of the Hertz Chumash—which follows.

‘Proposed alterations in the Liturgy, even of its non-essential portions, call for the greatest care and consideration. The question of altering the Kol Nidre՜ prayer especially bristles with difficulties. Chief among them is this: prayer as it stands has for centuries been a weapon of malicious attack by enemies of Israel. If, in consequence, the prayer is abolished, we are held as pleading guilty to their charges, and by our action seem to justify these charges. Historic Judaism has, therefore, ever braved these misrepresentations. Conscious of the sacredness and inviolability which attaches to an oath in Jewish Law and life, it indignantly repudiates the construction its maligners upon this Prayer, and proclaims that the dispensation from vows in it refers only to those in which no other persons or interest are involved; and that no private or public vow, promise or oath which concerns another person, is implied in Kol Nidre՜.’

‘One further consideration. Recent historical studies have shown the Kol Nidre՜ to be a unique memorial of Jewish suffering and repentance. It arose in Spain, as a result of the Jewish persecutions by the West Goths, in the seventh century. Entire Jewish communities were then doomed to torture and the stake, unless they forswore their Faith, and by the most fearful oaths and abjurations bound themselves nevermore to practice and Jewish observances. In this way, even when better times came and the fury of the oppressor abated, the unfortunate members of those communities felt themselves perjured before God and man if they returned to their Holy Faith, or kept even the most sacred of its Festivals. It was to ease the conscience of these crushed and distracted men and women, that the Kol Nidre՜ was formulated. In view of this origin of prayer—which has only recently become known and which alone explains all of its anomalies—various congregations on the Continent that had formerly abolished Kol Nidre՜ have reintroduced it, realizing that the awakening of historic memories, and the forging of links with the past, are vital factors in Jewish traditional life and worship.’

Come and enjoy a story walk! Enjoy a walk with your family as you come across pages of a PJ Library book with some fun activities to keep you busy. Available September 6-21

(weather permitting) on the walking path at the Siegel JCC (between the picnic grove and pool). Please wear a mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines. For more information, contact Philippa Miller at Philippa@shalomdel.org.

Email us at: JFDinfo@ShalomDel.org