In Honor of Max Neiden's 94th Birthday

We have been reading about the construction of the Mishkan, the holy space that was to be built as the place that symbolized G-d’s presence among the Israelites.  In the center of the camp, the Mishkan would be the place at which the Israelites would make its daily offerings. The Israelites were allowed to work 6 days a week on the construction but were instructed to rest on Shabbat from the work involved in creating that holy space.

The idea of creating such a holy space was that it was to be used to observe holy times. The space was to be used at the times prescribed in the Torah. Without observing the prescribed holy times, the holy space would be irrelevant.

When we think about our experience with holy space today, we think of the modern-day synagogue.  But we should ask the question of what use is a physical structure if it is only seen as an edifice and not treated as a holy space?  When I say a synagogue is meant to be a holy space, I mean it is meant to be a place where people gather to pray on Shabbat and holidays, study, and learn.  If people do not gather here to sanctify time, then it is no different than any other public building.

Most of you are fully aware that Max Neiden has given a large percentage of the years of his life helping us maintain our physical building.  He knows the ins and outs of this structure better than anyone else. Just last week, one of the Schaffer girls who was visiting said to me, that for years she thought he was the synagogue custodian, because every time she walked into the building Max was repairing something or making sure that everything was proper working order.  We have always known that Max would take care of this structure for all of us.

But what should not be forgotten is that he was doing so and continues to do so because he wants us to be able to use it to sanctify time as a community.  He wants us to gather here on Shabbat, on the holidays, and for lifecycle events.  He believes that each and every one of us can do better to support our services and programs and make sure that this does not become a neglected space.  He knows that he can turn on the yahrzheit lights weekly, but that times seem different now because few make the effort to come to say kaddish for their loved ones. He is still trying to figure out how to make that different. What Max knows is that just maintaining a physical structure without caring about spending time together worshipping and learning doesn’t match Judaism’s ability to transform our lives.

So Max, we honor you on your 94^th birthday.  We wish you a year of good health, less pain, and much joy.  We are so thankful to be able to celebrate with you and we are grateful for all you do with us.  My hope is that we too can come to understand that the purpose of a holy space is to allow us to observe holy times. And your tender loving care of this space has ensured that we do have a physical place to enhance our spiritual selves.

Shabbat Shalom.