The Adams Street Shul

We are about to enter into the week which will culminate in the saddest day of our calendar, Tisha B’Av (the ninth day of Av). It was on this day, many years apart, that both Holy Temples were destroyed; the Jewish people were expelled from Spain in 1492; and that World War I, marking the beginning of continual conflicts, broke out.

While we have much for which to mourn, we also have reason for great hope. Tradition holds that Mashiach (the Messiah) will be born (or has been already born) on this day. We have also come back to Israel and to our holy and beloved city of Jerusalem. But we cannot sit back and simply hope. Each and every one of us must redouble or faith, mitzvot and ethics to make this generation the one chosen by HaShem to end the sufferings of the Galut (Diaspora) and to celebrate the ultimate and final redemption.

Obviously, these great goals can only be accomplished through our Torah. Our community will have the opportunity to celebrate a great joy on Sunday, September 21, when we will receive and greet a brand new Torah that is being donated to our shul. It will be a unique event – our Torahs will leave the shul to greet the new Torah under a chuppah, and escort it into the Sanctuary to the joyous songs. The festivities will culminate in a gala reception, as is befitting such a joyous occassion.

What better answer to our enemies who have caused us so much suffering! They disappear from history as fast as they come and we continue, always gaining in strength.

Although we gather in our synagogue on Tisha B’Av to bewail past tragedies, we will rise in joy to greet our new Torah before the New Year!

“HaShem will give strength to His people; HaShem will bless His people with peace.”

--- Rabbi Norbert Weinberg

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