3 minute read
Keruv Korner & "Let's Talk
KERUV* KORNER MUSINGS ON MOURNING BETWEEN PESACH AND SHAVUOT
According to Jewish tradition, the period between Passover and Shavuot, also known as the counting of the omer, is a period of mourning. We are not supposed to have weddings or cut our hair. It always seemed odd to me that the very time when we, having been liberated from oppression and bondage, are counting down to revelation at Mount Sinai, or even counting from the first harvest of barley to the arrival of the first fruits of our labor on our own land, should be a period of mourning. Shouldn’t this be a season of eager anticipation and joy? I was taught in Hebrew School that we mourn because there was a plague that killed many of Rabbi Akiva’s disciples during this same period. One of the reasons given for the plague was that the great rabbi’s disciples had stopped treating each other with respect. Another was that Rabbi Akiva and his disciples falsely believed that Bar Kochba was the messiah who was going to deliver them from the oppression of the Romans. Neither my teachers nor my father seemed to necessarily believe any of this to be historically true, yet they adhered to the tradition… And so have I, without really understanding why I find it compelling.
Witnessing this past year of plagues, I identify more with what it must have been like for ancients to suffer oppression and disease. I understand that it can make people irritable and short-tempered or grandiose and gullible in their desperate need to find hope and meaning. I gained new perspective on the common Jewish practice of commemorating transcendent and tragic experiences simultaneously. This past year we have witnessed heroic altruism and increased volunteerism, even as we were stricken by the increase in anti-Asian violence and attacks on almost every minority group. As Jews we are threatened not only qua Jews, but as a people encompassing so many of the other targets: Beth El congregation includes Asians, people of color, LGBTQ, disabled… However, we find strength in our community and unity in our diversity. Although in many ways painfully distanced from one another, we are not isolated - thanks to the leadership and innovation of our clergy, staff and volunteers, the strong bonds we have to one another and the values of our Jewish tradition.
So again this year during the counting of the omer I mourn the too human tendency to disrespect or exclude others when we feel stressed and frightened, even as I eagerly hope to apprehend and live by the higher principles that unite us in moments of divine revelation.
Best wishes for a safe, healthy, and meaningful Shavuot!
Elise Richman
Nina Luban
Keruv (Inclusion) co-chairs
Save the date . . . Wednesday, June 2nd, 7:30 pm (via zoom) for
Facilitated by Shari Baum, LMSW, Coordinator, Partners in Caring, WJCS Zoom information will be provided when you R.S.V.P. to Elise Schepp, lcmoocow@aol.com.
*Generously funded by UJA-Federation of NY *Sponsored by the Keruv Committee
Join Our S.M.A.R.T. Group Discussion (Senior Mature Adults Retired Together)
The SMART group continues to meet every Monday and Friday from 11:00am-12:00 noon. On Friday, May 14th, Mayor Noam Bramson will join the SMART group via zoom and discuss the state of the city in this time of Covid. On Monday, May 17th, and Monday, May 31st, the SMART group will not meet.
C.A.P. will meet (virtually) on Wednesday, May 26, at 7:30 pm. Our discussion will be led by Shari Baum, LMSW, coordinator of Partners in Caring at Westchester Jewish Community Services. Email Erica Epstein at mmleepstein@gmail.com with your interest and email.
KEEP IN TOUCH! Update Your Information in the Member Directory
Did you know that when you log into the Beth El website, you can access a member directory? It is at bethelnr. org/member/directory. Please review your information and click on “edit my account information” to make updates. It is that simple, and it will help the Beth El community stay connected. Go to bethelnr.org/logininstructions, or email Carrie Fox (csfox99@gmail.com) if you need help logging into the website.
