Passover – April 2024
It is hard to believe that in just a few short weeks, we will be gathering with family and friends to celebrate the joyous festival of Passover. For so many of us, Passover holds fond and special memories from our childhood, raising our families and Seders marked with those closest and dearest to us. These memories evoke bittersweet emotions this time of the year as we reflect upon those no longer at our Seder table, but whose memory and legacy will forever be a part of our family tradition, as well as a new generation with new smiles, new questions and new memories to treasure. Passover is truly a holiday which marks L’dor va Dor, the generations of the fabric of our lives.
Passover is a home based, experiential holiday which, in many ways, marks the uniqueness of the festival. We are commanded to feel as if we, too, were slaves in Egypt to then taste the joy of newfound freedom. As we hear our youngsters ask the question, “Mah Nishtana: Why is this night different than all others?”, the entire narrative which follows instructs us as to the symbols, rituals and important messages embedded in this wonderful holiday.
This year, in particular, especially given all that we have experienced since we gathered together during the High Holy Days last fall, the messages of Passover truly resonate. We read in the Haggadah, “In every generation, there will arise an enemy to destroy us”. From Pharoah to Hitler to Hamas, we are keenly aware of the fragility of life and the vulnerability we face as Jews. Perhaps this year, as our joy is diminished with each drop of wine taken from our Kiddush cup (to symbolize the plagues upon Egypt), our gladness this season is also diminished by the War in Gaza and the hostages yet to remain free as well as the innocent suffering due to the ongoing strife.
Why IS this night different than all others? Because this year our hearts are heavy because of the reality of the world in which we are now living, the anti-Semitism that has become rampant, especially on college campuses and the growing threat to all that we hold to be sacred.
But, as in generations past when our ancestors faced similar hardships and difficult times, we cling to the eternal hope that freedom, justice, equality and the inherent goodness in humanity will triumph over evil and hatred. This is the message of our Passover season. This is the message that we pray will ring loud from our Seder tables.
L’shanah haba B’Yerushalayim: “Next Year In Jerusalem” is the age old hope with which we conclude our Seder ceremony expressing that very same sentiment. Despite all that we are facing in the world today, there is always the possibility of redemption, of working to make this world a better place for all.
Chag Samayach with wishes for a happy, healthy and sweet Pesach!!
Rabbi Scott Shpeen
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December 2023
Dear Friends:
On behalf of the leadership of Congregation Yemei Teshuva, I hope that everyone had a joyful and festive Chanukah celebration. Unfortunately, with all that is going on in the world today, from Israel to our college campuses, now more than ever do we hope and pray that the lights of our menorah will help to dispel much of the darkness that surrounds us. Please know, as always, that your Boca West Congregation and clergy are always here for you.
As the secular calendar year draws to an end, we wanted to share with you some very exciting news as we are already planning for the High Holy Days next fall.
The feedback and response to our High Holy Day services this past September was overwhelming and extremely positive. With our new Rabbi Scott Shpeen, the transition after ten years with Cantor Stettner, was smooth and flawless. One of the many highlights was the reception after the Rosh Hashanah Morning Service, graciously underwritten by board member Jerry Glassman in honor of his wife.
We are pleased to announce that Rabbi Shpeen has agreed to continue to serve our congregation and will officiate again at the upcoming High Holy Day services in 2024.
In addition, we are pleased to announce that the board has recently solidified an agreement with Cantor Shira Ginsburg, a colleague and friend of Rabbi Shpeen, to officiate at our upcoming services as well. In that capacity, Cantor Ginsburg will work closely with Rabbi Shpeen as well as with our wonderful Congregation Yemei Teshuva Professional Choir.
We are excited with the addition of Cantor Ginsburg knowing that her presence alongside Rabbi Shpeen will greatly enhance our spiritual experience for the High Holy Days. We encourage you to refer to our website (www.cytbw.org) and the links provided for those of you who wish to learn more about both Rabbi Shpeen and Cantor Ginsburg and the illustrious careers they each have had and what they will now bring to our community.
Now more than ever, as Rabbi Shpeen conveyed in his Rosh Hashanah Sermon, we need the comfort, solace and inspiration that being part of a sacred congregational community provides. We look forward to your continued participation as well as sharing the upcoming High Holy Day season with you.
With warm regards,
Lane Klein, President