Rabbi Straus speaks on “Who By Fire”
Posted in Yom Kippur Sermon by templesinai on October 24th, 2011 This is Rabbi Straus' 5772/2011 Yom Kippur High Holyday Sermon.
Posted in Yom Kippur Sermon by templesinai on October 24th, 2011  |
Category : Religion | Tags : jewish highholydays highholidays rabbi rabbis reform judaism jew |
Thank you for these powerful ideas, Rabbi. I am reminded of Leonard Cohen’s wonderful song, “Who by Fire,” which clearly (and dramatically) stems from this prayer. And also of the idea in the Mi Sheberach: that, despite my illness, I pray for the strength to “make my life a blessing.” This seems more significant than praying for my own wellness. If I can indeed “become a blessing,” I will have, by definition, had a positive influence on the world and on those I love; I will find joy in serving others; and — hopefully — I can be remembered for having done some of these things. As you stateed so well, we cannot avoid death, whenever and however it comes, but we can determine the manner in which we want to respond to its certainty. Steve