Rabbi's Message

The amidah of Yom Kippur contains a berahkah that is recited only on this day.  Towards the end of that  berakhah we say:  “…the king (G-d) Who forgives our sins and the sins of the people of Israel.”  Why the need for the mention of both “our sins” and “the sins of our people of Israel?”   Aren’t they the same?

They only appear the same.  “Our sins” refer to the sins that each of us does individually; “the sins of our people of Israel” refers to those that we commit as a collective unit.  On Yom Kippur, we are aware that G-d relates to us both as individuals and as the corporate whole of  Israel.  Consequently, our request of G-d is for His forgiveness of both the sins that we have allowed ourselves to do as well as those of the entire am Yisrael. G-d’s relationship to us must also serve as a paradigm for our own concerns.  During the days between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur we are intensely involved in our fate, examining our actions and seeking ways to better ourselves in the future.  This is appropriate but it  is not enough.  Our task must be to see ourselves as part of the greater am Yisrael.

   The struggles and the dreams of Jews around the world have to be part of our everyday consciousness and occupy a prominent place in our priorities.  In so doing – by mimicking G-d’s approach – we will have fulfilled our mission to be total partners of the people of Israel.

With best wishes for a happy, productive and healthy year,  

R. Harari

President's Message

Welcome back!  I hope everyone had an enjoyable summer.
 
As we begin the New Year, I always feel blessed that we are given an opportunity to reflect on where we are and decide on those things we want to change.  We must not only look at ourselves, but also at our community and think about our focus, direction and commitment.  We are many individuals, but it’s our attending services together that transform us into the Kol Israel family!
 
I am honored and privileged to serve our community.  I am inspired daily by the dedication of our volunteers, who work tirelessly on all fronts to enrich our shul and meet our members’ varied needs.  I also want to extend my thanks to our Rabbis, and our teachers.  They diligently work to create a warm, welcoming, and spiritual environment.
 
For the coming year, I look forward to seeing you at our daily and weekly services, on Shabbat, on Holidays, at study, and at various programs and activities. The best way to get a taste of life in Kol Israel is to join us!
 
On behalf of my family and myself, I wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year.  May this coming year bring peace and security to the State of Israel and to Jewish communities around the world.
 
Eli Matalon