Rabbi's Message

Soon Summer Will Be Over: Are We Saved?

"The corn is as high as an elephant's eye, and it looks like its climbing clear up to the sky." The glow of August, the promise of beautiful mornings and sun-filled days is upon us. The season is splendid. But there is a cautionary note. It comes from the prophet Jeremiah, and it is predictive: "The harvest is past, the summer is over, and we are not saved."

This summer is not likely to be different. Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq grind on interminably. I am afraid that our home population does not feel deeply enough the sorrow and pain that loved ones are suffering from the absence of our young men and women. Peaceful solutions are nowhere on the horizon. How and when will it end? How deeply are we involved? Has our leadership in recent years adequately brought us into the heart of this quagmire? What will be with Iran? With each passing day, they tighten their grip on their own population, while continuing to threaten to blow Israel off the map with their nuclear option. To date, we have not been able to temper their leadership's distemper in any way. When?

Yet, we Jews are bidden to be eternal optimists. With the New Year coming, we pray that it will usher in a better time. We hope to pray our way into the New Year.

Three themes to consider
Three themes are suggested for this season: a) Selichot or prayers of forgiveness. On Saturday night, Sept. 4, just a few days before Rosh Hashanah, we gather for the late night service inaugurating the holiday season. As you might recall, it features special songs and melodies, some of which are heard only once a year. The theme is penitence, but the emphasis is on peoplehood. We strive together as a congregation. We have done well, but we could do even better. Remember, this imaginative image of the rabbis: "Special favor accrues to those who pray with the congregation."

b) Ho'daot or thanksgiving. Our tradition enjoins us to awaken in the morning with thanks to God and to continue that mood throughout the day. For some, being grateful all the time goes against the grain. But it does remind us not to be complaisant or jaded. Don't wait for Thanksgiving Day. Start today.

c) Bahashot or requests. What will you need to get you through the year? Love. Health. Energy. Meaning. Stability. Good changes. They may all be coming. Pray for them.

Finally, get plugged into your surroundings: Family. Neighbors. Congregants.

Community. Get ready. The New Year is coming. The shadows are lengthening. Thesummer is fading. Let us hope there is still time.

-- Rabbi Myron Fenster

Rabbi Myron Fenster


Funds for the Needy

Due to current financial conditions, more people are finding themselves in need and are turning to the synagogue for help. It is a big Mitzvah for the synagogue to be there for them. Rabbi Fenster has asked that we revive the Rabbi's Discretionary Fund and a new Fund has been created; The Financial Assistance Fund. Two congregants will be responsible for the making the distribution. Please send your check to

519 Fourth St.
P.O. Box 659
Greenport, NY 11944
Ask for the new-member brochure.