|
A MESSAGE FROM THE RABBI
A Summary of My Remarks at the 75th Gala.
זֶה־הַ֭יּוֹם עָשָׂ֣ה יְהֹוָ֑ה נָגִ֖ילָה וְנִשְׂמְחָ֣ה בֽוֹ
Zeh hayom asah Adonai nagilah v’nismicha vo
This is the day that God has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
A 75th anniversary marks more than just the passage of time—it is a celebration of faith, family , friends, resilience, and continuity. For a synagogue, reaching this milestone is a testament to the enduring strength of Jewish life and tradition. It’s a rare opportunity to reflect on the past, rejoice in the present, and reaffirm the commitment to future generations.
This special anniversary provides an opportunity to honor the generations that have contributed to the JCC’s growth. It is a moment to recognize their sacrifices, leadership, and commitment. At the same time, it, God willing, will serve as an inspiration for future generations, reminding them of their role in maintaining and enriching Jewish communal life.
75 years is a long time to be sure, and we are right to celebrate and be inspired by what has happened and how the JCC has lived, thrived and grown. But I want to frame this celebration just a bit differently. And I want to do it by looking at two great leaders from our Torah, Abraham and Moses.
The Torah tells us Abraham was 75 years old when he started his journey that would introduce the world to the One true God, create the Jewish people, and mark the boundaries of the Promised Land.
He was 75 years old. Let that sink in. That means that, while Abraham’s story started when he was 75, everything happens after 75. His visit to the Promised land, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorra, Hagar, Sara’s miraculous pregnancy, and the birth of Isaac, all happen later.
Similarly, Moses saw the burning bush when he was 80 years old. That means that when he was 75, he was still 5 years away from the event that would change the course of his life, the lives of the Children of Israel, and the world. 75 was several years before Israels’ redemption freedom from slavery. 75 was several years before the receipt of Torah. 75 was 45 or 50 years from entering the promised land.
What does this mean? The JCC has had an awesome, and rich, first 75 years. It has brought Judaism to countless residents and visitors to our island paradise. But using the history of Abraham and Moses as examples, 75 is literally a starting. Just like our patriarch and our greatest prophet think what is in store for the JCC. With all your imagination, conjure what, God willing, the “Center” will be: 5 years from now…or 10 years from now…or 25 years from now, or 120 years from now. As Theodore Hertzl said, “If you will it, it is no dream”.
A prayer For the JCC’s 75th Anniversary :
Our God and God of Our Ancestors:
We stand before you with gratitude and humility on this 75th anniversary of our beloved JCC of LBI.
We are thankful for so much:
For the vision and courage of those who understood the need for, and foresaw the ultimate viability of, a Jewish Community Center on this Island.
For the devotion and strength of those whose leadership and loving labor through the years have ensured that the dream of our founders became a living and breathing reality with a vibrant future.
For the fact that the seed they planted, grew into a Tree of Life.
For the generous support of all who have provided physical, spiritual, and emotional, guidance without which these 75 years would not have been possible.
For the rich and fulfilling future which we hope and pray for.
But, dear God, we cannot pretend that our strength or wisdom, alone, has brought us to this point.
We know that behind the decision to start this congregation, and behind every good thing its leaders and members have done, You God, have lovingly watched, guided, and guarded.
We pray that it may always be so.
Adonai, we are Grateful for the accomplishments of the past, and we pray that in the future we may continue to merit the success which we know comes with Your blessing.
May we overcome whatever obstacles and discouragements obstruct the path forward for us and the Jewish people.
And, finally, may Torah and love unite us more firmly:
The love of each other here, in our community.
The love of our fellow-Jews everywhere.
The love of Israel.
The love of all humanity.
And the love of You.
AMEN
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה', אֱלֹקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה
Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech ha’olam shehecheyanu v’kiyimanu v’higilanu lazman hazeh
Praised are You, O Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, for giving us life, for sustaining us, and for enabling us to reach this day.
Shabbat Shalom – Rabbi Michael S. Jay
| 
