Posted 9/13/2017
HAMELECH-המלך
The High Holidays are a time to remind us of our responsible role in doing what is proper and ethical on an individual basis as well as for others. The key word of the High Holidays is “HAMELECH”, המלך, (the King), proclaiming our loyalty to G-d in terms of conducting our lives according to His teachings. The first rule of life is that each person is given the task of self-control. Just as the king sets our rules of conduct, so is one responsible to be the king of his/her morale and ethical behavior.
The rule book for the Jewish People is the Torah. Studying it and observing it’s rules for everyday conduct is the reason we are still here for more than 4,000 years as a nation under the kingship of G-d.
As we focus on our future for the year 5778, lets see if we could discipline our daily lives with time set aside for prayer and Torah studies. It will boost the energy of your Neshama, נשמה, your Jewish soul.
In behalf of my family let me extend to you and your family a כתיבה וחתימה טובה, a blessed New Year, 5778.
Rabbi Tzvi Berkowitz
Rockwood Park Jewish Center
National Chaplain
National Conference of Shomrim Societies
High Holiday Message 5778
Posted 9/5/2017
As we prepare to usher in this coming year of 5778,we thank G-d for having sustained us and kept us in life to reach this day.
For some of our members, this has been a year of happiness and joy, for others of sorrow and sadness. Yet each and every one of us, has indeed so much for which to be thankful.
In Jewish tradition we are bidden to thank G-d each and everday that we can experience the world and its pleasures.” Baruch HaShem Yom Yom- Blessed is G-d each and everyday.”
With spirit as we begin the New Year,we pray for a year of health, happiness and prosperity. May this year see an era of peace come to our people in Israel and to all humanity. May we, individually, be thankful for life and it manifold blessings.
These past few weeks, have been extremely hard for me, since twelve years ago I was deployed to New Orleans by National Shomrim and the International Conference of Police Chaplains,to administer to the religious,spiritual and emotional needs of eight local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. I spent Rosh Hashanah praying with first responders from all over the United States.Orthodox,Conservative,Reconstrucionist and Reform beliefs all under the roof of a Reform Synagogue. My heart and prayers go out to all the citizens of Houston and the surrounding suburbs and to all the first responders who are away from their dear families,just as I was twelve years ago.
In the words of Professor Abraham Joshua Heschel,”Worship is a way of seeing the world in the light of G-d.”
On behalf of my dear family, we wish all our members and families a year filled with health, happiness and a very sweet and peaceful New Year
Chaplain Alan Edwards
National Chaplain