Confirmation 5765/2005
Sermon, June 12, 2005
Rabbi Bruce Kadden
What does it mean to be Jewish? That is a question that we
have explored this year in our Confirmation Class. It is a contemporary Jewish
question. Our ancestors who lived a few generations ago would no more have
asked that question, than they would have wondered why they were male or
female. To be a Jew meant to observe the mitzvot and live a Jewish life.
Sometimes it was a great burden and challenge; at other times it was a joy and
privilege. To be sure, there were different approaches to Judaism and Jewish
living, but no one questioned being Jewish.
That all changed when Judaism experienced the
Enlightenment, and while some would like to go back to the time where life was
simpler and Judaism was taken for granted, we cannot go backward, only forward.
Although it may seem as if we have little in common with
our ancestors other than Shabbat, holidays, some prayers and traditions, I would
argue that we have a great deal in common with them. Each of the Jewish values
which you spoke of, whether it was community, family, hachnasat orchim,
fraternity, or asking questions is not something that was invented in your
generation, or even your parent’s generation, but has deep roots in our people’s
history. They are among the values that have assured our people’s survival
through generations of wandering and persecution.
Our ancestors were often unable to take physical
possessions with them, or to own land and pass it on from generation to
generation. But they inherited teachings and values that they could take
anywhere and pass on to their children. The source of these teachings and
values was our Torah.
On Shavuot we celebrate the giving and receiving of the
Torah at Mount Sinai. As Rena mentioned in her D’var Torah, according to
tradition all Jews were at Sinai when God gave the Torah to Israel. Now,
whether you understand that statement literally or figuratively, it is saying
something quite profound. It is saying that all Jews in every generation are
linked together as one people.
We were at Sinai when God proclaimed, “I am Adonai, your
God, who led you out from Egypt, from the house of bondage. We were there when
Moses came down the mountain with the tablets. And we responded to God’s giving
us the Torah by saying: “Na’aseh v’nishma, we will do and we will obey.” And
you know what: we all look pretty good for having been there some 3200 years
ago.
Shavuot is called “z’man matan Torateinu/the time of the
giving of the Torah.” The Torah was only given once, but we are called upon to
receive it each and every day. Although this evening each of you is confirming
your commitment, you will be called upon to reaffirm that commitment tomorrow,
and the next day and the next. Each time you are faced with a decision and must
decide whether to embrace the Jewish values that your families and synagogue
have taught or to reject them, you are –in effect—deciding whether or not to
receive the Torah.
But I have no doubt that each of you is firmly committed to
receiving the Torah and affirming Judaism. Even though we have only known each
other a short time, you have each impressed me with your passion for Judaism:
for asking and struggling with questions, both simple and profound, for being
part of the community, whether it be through NFTY or BBYO, Yad b’Yad or helping
in Hebrew School, for celebrating the holidays with family and friends and for
living out the values that Judaism teaches.
May each of you continue to receive the Torah, through
struggles and questions, making it your own, embracing timeless values, and
passing them on to the next generation.
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