A Soulful Journey

Eugene Borowitz told the story of a man who wanted to watch television on Shabbes.  So he went to an Orthodox Rabbi to find an answer.  Without hesitation, the man as told, "no."  Not satisfied, he went to a Reform Rabbi and was told, "yes."  Then approaching a Conservative Rabbi, he was told, "Well, some say you can and some say you can't"   -Rabbi Louis Jacobs This is why all traditions indicate that once have an opinion from an authority you do not go seeking a second or third opinion.  It is enough that you went to the first.

Historical Judaism does nor permit any change except from the standpoint of the law as it came down from the past.  It is averse to any interpretation or modification of the law which comes from philosophical premises.  We cannot permit majorities in congregations to decide what is permitted and what is not.  The fact that certain manufacturers approve of changes does not render them legitimate.  That has its misfortune with the Reform movement.  How then does anyone venture to lay hands on the liturgy?  It has been sanctified by the ages.  It is like a cathedral.  If the windows of a cathedral need repair, only a skilled artist would undertake to repair them.  He (Ginzberg) knows something about the liturgy.   He should have been consulted and not young boys who are totally ignorant of such matters.                               ...

We thank You, O God, for our family and for what we mean and bring to one another.   We are grateful for the bonds of loyalty and affection which sustain us and for the capacity to love and to care. Help us to be modest in our demands of one another, but generous in our giving to each other.   May we never measure how much love or encouragement we offer; may we never count the times we forgive.   Rather, may we always be grateful that we have one another and that we are able to express our love in acts of kindness. Keep is gentle in our speech.   When we offer words of criticism, may they be chosen with care and spoken softly.   May we waste no opportunity to speak words of sympathy, of appreciation, of praise. Bless our family with health, happiness, and contentment.  Above all, grant us the wisdom to build a joyous and peaceful home in which Your spirit will always abide.    Amen.      –from Gates of Shabbat, CCAR 19...