Remain Attached...Not Detached

The next time you purchase a ticket which has a perforation in it, look at the small print. Usually you will find the words: “Not good if detached.” You have probably seen this phrase many times, but have you ever thought about its implications?

When something is cut off from its source, it often becomes quite worthless. Something detached from that which gives it life and spirit is apt to just shrivel up and die.

A branch, as long as it is part of the main trunk of the tree, grows and produces leaves and fruit; but the moment it is cut off, it begins to decay. When a brook is part of the mainstream, it is always fresh and clear because it is constantly replenished with flowing waters; but the instant it is cut off from its source, it begins to dry up.

When a person feels themselves to be part of a family, and joins in the celebration of family events, they draw strength from the family circle. And that is part of why it is so important to get together periodically for family events and simchas, for it is not good to become detached.

I think this message also applies to a synagogue and its membership.  A synagogue is only as strong as the individuals who choose to be involved in its activities. Being able to pay one’s bills is not the sign of a healthy communal organization like a synagogue.  Having heat and air, water, and electricity that are all working are also not indicators of a healthy synagogue.  Just being able to hire a religious leader believe it or not is not the mark of a healthy synagogue.  What makes a healthy synagogue is having individuals of all ages who commit themselves to being part of the learning that is offered and part of the services, ceremonies and rituals that occur whether in the building, someone’s home, or in a public sphere.  What makes a healthy synagogue is having individuals who feel connected to one another at times of simchas and sadness and offer each other support.  What makes a healthy synagogue is having individuals who realize that they are an important part of preserving a heritage and legacy that was lovingly conveyed to them and which they can now impart to the next generation.

There is  much concern going on in this community about what will happen to Tifereth Israel in the next year and beyond.  If everyone, who is part of this amazing community, understands the importance of not becoming detached, then there is no question that it will continue to flourish.  The strength of Tifereth Israel is not going to be in who is leading the community as a paid professional.  The strength of Tifereth Israel will be in having a committed core of individuals who feel the strings that attach them to one another, to Judaism, and to G-d. 

Health and age play critical factors in whether an individual can be physically present for our services and activities.  Perhaps it is time that we investigate live-streaming our services within the guidelines of halacha for those who are physically challenged or infirm and cannot come out to be with us. 

Tablet Magazine wrote an article last February about how such live streaming has been accomplished by synagogues across America to help individuals feel connected. Our Conservative Movement’s adherence to Jewish law and its understanding of Shabbat and holiday observance is different than that of the Reform Movement’s interpretation.  “To address the halachik  concerns, Conservative congregations use equipment and built-in stationary cameras that turn on automatically or are operated manually by custodial staff immediately before and after services and do not monitor or use social media on Shabbat or holidays.”  I know that there have been responsa written by members of the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards of the Rabbinical Assembly that we can study if we want to implement this idea this year.  Rabbi Avram Israel Reisner wrote a teshuva called “Wired to the Kadosh Baruch Hu:  Minyan Via Internet, about praying in a virtual community.”  My major thought is that we should show respect for the dignity of our infirm, aged, and physically challenged members and perhaps live-streaming Shabbat services would be a way to help them remain connected even though they are shut-in.  Being a member of a synagogue in name only is really not ideal…it is not good to be detached. 

We can easily solve the problem of helping our shut-ins remain connected to our shul through the use of technology although I must state that such a connection might only happen on the High Holidays and/or Shabbat mornings.

How do we solve the problem of having our younger, healthier members making the commitment to being present on a regular basis?  I remember 45 years ago, (and yes that is eons ago)  when I first started teaching at Tifereth Israel, Rabbi Bisman who was in his first year of service here took me aside (along with Ophira Bahar) and said that we had to be present at services in order to set an example to our students. Were we happy being told that?  No, but Ophira and I took the challenge and I must say that the habit of being present was no longer being done to set an example for others but because it felt right for ourselves.  I know that just being in the same place week after week, at the same time, those of us who sit down together get to know each other better.  We share ideas, don’t always agree with one another, but we do develop a respect for one another despite our differences.  That is what I believe happens when you decide to not become or remain detached.

Interestingly enough, the word synagogue is a Greek word meaning place of gathering. Part of the purpose of a synagogue is to create a sense of community.  It is my feeling that perhaps Tifereth Israel needs to look at the times we succeed best at creating a sense of community and expand on those successes.  We do best at creating a sense of community when we gather for Purim, Chanukah, and the Passover Seders.  We have a true sense of community when we support each other at funerals and shiva minyanim and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs ceremonies.  Although each of these gatherings has a religious basis, their overall success I think stems from their social natures.

 As my childhood friend, Bob Wolfson, wrote:  We do not live our lives in isolation; we share our lives with one another, with family friends, the Jewish world, the larger world, and ultimately, with God. 

Wolfson said, “I would hope that the friendships and relationships with the people you pray with, the people you do social justice with, the people you celebrate your life-cycle events with, beyond your immediate circle of family and friends, can, in fact, be a connection point to a greater sense of community, beyond that circle of friends.”

I hope more of us will take the challenge of remaining attached to one another and to this synagogue and its activities.  Membership alone is not good if you become detached.  Being part of a caring community means you also have to care enough to ensure that the joys of our community will be preserved and handed down to the next generation. That can only happen if individuals decide to grow and share their journey together starting today. It is when members become partners that we will see this community thrive. Remember the words on the ticket:  Not good if detached!

G’mar Chatimah Tovah.