Last night the silence in our sanctuary was deep enough for us to almost hear each other"s breathing; adults and children, Jews and Christians,African-Americans and whites- all assembled in testimony to the significance of remembering and marking the Holocaust. A brief service during which we heard words from Agnes Tannenbaum – words which are a window into a world that is vanishing before our eyes. Candles were kindled and memorial prayers chanted and recited, poetry was shared by middle school and high school students. In addition to the written compositions presented by the students were the many pieces of artwork; eight tables laden with paintings and sculpture emerging from a young generation that is deeply caring of others. Students from St. Mary’s, St. Dominic’s and St. Paul’s took deeply to heart the lessons being taught by their teachers. These students reflected upon their art, history, English and humanities classes and reached out to all in attendance by creating works to uplift and to inspire.
Of all in attendance some quietly shed tears, others held hands, and still others meditated in silence. There was a special atmosphere of holiness in the room. What prompted that holiness? It was the willingness to share, the openness to care and the thoughtfulness of being present as a community.Holiness is dependent upon our willingness to assemble as a community with an openness of heart and mind.
In this week’s Parsha (Shemini) Aaron and the other Cohanim, are described as eating special foods, wearing specific garments and living in a cloistered manner for 7 days. On the 8th day God calls out to them and says it is time for you to be holy. How are they to be holy if they have already been living a very regimented lifestyle for an entire week? The answer is that there is a need to be aware of others and to be present in the lives of each other.Only by being involved with each other in a caring fashion do we become Kadosh(holy).
Shabbat Shalom.
Rabbi Steve Silberman
P.S. You might open this link and take part in the March of the Living.
Some especially meaningful scenes are at the time stamps 1:30 and 2:00. Just skim through the video.
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