The sound of shofar brings up feelings about the past, the present, and the future.
The past for me is filled with memories. It is the memory of meeting my wife Ellyn at Sinai in Hyde Park. We were introduced to each other 40 years ago on Yom Kippur day. My thoughts then turn to the four generations of Daniels and Kestenbaum’s who were and are Sinai members: Our grandparents Meyer, Gertrude, and Mary, our parents Bob, Kate, Jordan, and Barbara, and our children Emma, Benji and Benji’s wife Jenny. In short, I feel the presence and spirit of our family every time I walk into this beautiful Sanctuary – but I feel it most intensely when the shofar is sounded.
In the present, the shofar sound reminds me that we are experiencing Yamim Noraim – the Days of Awe. This is a time for us as Jews to look within ourselves, reflect on what we have done during the past year, and to repent and look for forgiveness on Yom Kippur. Mostly, I am able to examine and reflect on my actions and I can admit to my mistakes and say I am sorry. But what then? What’s next?
Next, is the future. The sound of the shofar allows me to look to the future. In doing so, I look at those around me. This very moment, I look to our community, to the folks in our sanctuary and on Livestream and Zoom. Today, Chicago Sinai Congregation is a rich, diverse, and thoughtful group of people who have come together to worship, engage, and share our experiences. I believe that Sinai is a coat of many colors as it was Joseph’s dream. This coat does not prompt jealousy or rivalry as it did with Joseph’s brothers. Rather, it encourages us, as does the sound of the shofar, to
look to the future together. So let us do just that. Why? Because our coat is inspiring, beautiful, and glorious.
Thank you and Sh’nah Tova.