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From the Board - Archive 2006
December, 2006
Mara Rabin, Treasurer
This I can confirm…
Thirty years ago my confirmation class was asked to write an essay entitled, This I Can Confirm. I stared at a blank sheet of paper and thought about what I would write. Those words are long forgotten, but not the theme. Take what you have and make the most of it. I remember reading this essay at the service. My family and the congregation, our temple family, looked on with tears and smiles as I spoke about my religious school experiences and my sister who had passed away earlier in the year, as she was the inspiration of my theme.
My parents were actively involved in the temple community. As time passed their temple friends became an extension of our family. My dad still reminisces about schlepping chairs and setting up for a Bar Mitzvah when he first moved to town. I recall parties and other get-togethers where my grandmothers, aunts and uncles would comment about how my parents' friends were just like family. I had many "aunts" and "cousins". They were always there supporting us in times of sorrow and joy. Many times, the first call or the first one at the door was a member of the temple with a hug and a plate of food.
Rich and I joined Temple Beth Elohim in 1999. I recall sitting at the table with Rabbi and Nan feeling like I finally belonged. We started Sunday school and Rabbi greeted each of us regularly. I watched in amazement as he addressed all of the children by name. In the spring, my mother passed away and Rabbi came to my childhood home. Although he was unable to engage in a Yiddish conversation with my dad, we all sat and shared our thoughts with him. After he left, my sister said she thought he was wonderful and that she would have joined the temple if she lived in town.
I attended services the following week and Rich stayed home with the girls. I sat in the back by myself and listened to the confirmation service. We had not attended many services and I still did not know many people. After the service, I left the building and someone was calling my name. I turned to find Roberta with open arms as she hugged me and expressed her condolences. "Just like family," echoed.
Seven years later I am at home on Robin's couch chatting, as Jackie takes her piano lesson with Tracy, and in Nancy's kitchen reading, while Brett is practicing with Michelle and Eitan smiles at her progress. We sit with a "row" of friends during services. They are amazed at how I know all of the prayers and can sing along. I smile and share with them my secret as I point to the transliterations in the back of the prayer book. It is really more deeply rooted from my past and my upbringing. Rich and I follow in my parents' footsteps and volunteer our time and energy within the temple community.
I recall after joining the board of directors, Rich and Gary conversing about the new temple and the fundraising efforts. They hardly knew each other and engaged like old friends sharing thoughts and ideas as I watched the kids play in the fields at the annual picnic. Just recently I was asked to make my first presentation on behalf of the board at Danny's Bar Mitzvah. I thought, what could I possibly say to this young man. As I presented the Gates of Repentance prayer book to Danny, I said, "May this remind you of all that you have accomplished and achieved. May this be one of many celebrations that you will share with your family and our temple family." Danny spoke about his mitzvah project; I shook his hand and proceeded to wish Steve and Pattie well. They each hugged and kissed me. "Just like family", echoed.
Thirty years later, this I can confirm, we are family. As we prepare to move in to our new home let us embrace it and make the most of it.
B'Shalom
Mara
November 2006
Parking Lot Reflection
Janet Mauro; Recording Secretary
I'm hoping that by the time you read this, we will have a firm date as to when we will begin to worship in our new building. This article began as a letter to my daughter, Samantha, who, as a freshman in college, wasn't able to join us at the High Holy Days. It was written after the second day Rosh Hashanah service while waiting for my family to meet me so we could travel to NYC to visit my parents and has been altered to this format to share with my Temple family.
I am sitting here in the parking lot of "little" TBE after the conclusion of the very last High Holy Day service this building will ever see . . . the atmosphere during the service was different today . . . there was a sense of sadness . . . there was a sense of anticipation . . . a sense of completion . . . separate and apart from the other unique feelings the High Holy Day services provoke.
In front of me sat Ava who was weeping softly at times during the service and behind me sat Larry who was celebrating enthusiastically that we'll no longer be in this building - the sentimentalist and the pragmatist - and both emotions were so valid.
In my mind, Ava was remembering all the sweet things that occurred here - the Bat and Bar Mitzvah ceremonies of her three children, her own Bat Mitzvah, holidays celebrated, and friendships made, as well some sad and difficult times where she found comfort here. And Larry was celebrating that he'd no longer be sitting here trying to sing while choking on the mold and mildew of a building that has just plain been used up.
It's funny, but the building has never looked all that shabby to me because I think that I look at it with my heart instead of my eyes. There is an enveloping warmth that fills me when I'm here. Of course, during Sunday school it is a different story - it is crowded, smelly and indeed shabby. The sentimentalist and the pragmatist.
Now, sitting outside waiting for Joe and Jillian, I do see that our little building is tired. The portico is tilted, the letters in our name are rusty and the paint is peeling on the cupola. Up until a few weeks ago there were tree seedlings growing in the gutters. So although it is bittersweet, it is time to move on, yet we long to hold on . . . and this is our challenge.
It will be our challenge as a congregation and a challenge for the board to bring all these warm and homey feelings with us to our new, fresh and beautiful building. We will need to work hard to be sure that we create a physical intimacy in our new and larger space so that we can worship as a family. We will need to remember it has never been the building that made our congregation a place that draws people; indeed we did that in spite of our space. We need to remember who we are and be determined to work together to maintain that spirit that is Temple Beth Elohim.
B'Shalom
Janet
October 2006
Community
Ava Saperstein; 1st Vice President, Worship Committee Chair
Our great sage Hillel taught: “Do not separate yourself from the community” (Pirke Avot 2:5). Time and again, studies have shown that Jews who affiliate with synagogues are more involved in Jewish life. Affiliated Jews participate in Jewish life both in their homes and in the larger community. They more actively support the State of Israel and are more philanthropic in general with both their money and time as opposed to those who remain unaffiliated. Our future as a Jewish community is strengthened by increased synagogue affiliation.
Why are you a member of Temple Beth Elohim? Many of you may say you are members because you need to educate your children in Judaism. I, like many of you, joined as my children reached the age where I thought it was appropriate for their Jewish education to begin. I have seen many families come and go in the over twenty years that I have been a member of this community.
I have said many times and will repeat it once again, that after my son David's Bar Mitzvah I never expected to continue my membership. When David decided to go on to confirmation I figured, o.k. another 2 years. Luckily for me something happened over those last two years which made me stay on. First, I was asked to be on the Board of Directors. As I became more active, I realized the importance of this community and continued my involvement. I made good friends and have found a supportive community that has been there for me in good times and bad.
There is a large building emerging on Mt Ebo Road. Who is it being built for? Why is it being built? The simple answer is, it is being built for our congregation because we were running out of space for our religious school. If you look a little deeper you will realize it is being built for the future. It is being built so that we can pass on our traditions to the next generation - l'dor v'dor - from generation to generation. Your support and affiliation is not only for you and your family but also for the Jewish Community at large. My children are grown and have left the community yet I am still here. I am supporting the need for your children and the children of future generations to be able to study and worship at Temple Beth Elohim. I am supporting the continuation and growth of Jewish life at Temple Beth Elohim.
Consider staying on beyond B'nei M itzvah. Consider getting involved in Temple life. Can we fill some need that is not being fulfilled, programming, support, study? Please let us know what we can do for you to make you more a part of Temple life. The next year will be a very exciting one, please join in, in all that interests you, volunteer some of your time. Help us build a strong Jewish presence in Putnam/Westchester/Fairfield and beyond.
L'Shana Tova from my family to yours
Ava
July 2006
At Last, We're Heading to the Promised Land!
Nan Coulter, Temple Administrator
Here's an image: members of Temple Beth Elohim walking our Torahs up Route 22 from the old location to the new. Here's another image: 40 years ago a young man led High Holy Day Services at Temple Beth Elohim. He had longish, curly black hair, dressed a little like a hippie, and was very, very, very, very young. Who is this man? Our Rabbi, Sol Acrish! The coming year is our chance to celebrate as, after 40 years, he leads us to the promised land!
With the above in mind, you can see why I laugh to myself when people innocently ask, “Is the office open during the summer?” The busiest time in the office, what I call our “tax accounting season” is from July through the High Holy Days in a normal year. What with financial pledges coming in and preparations for the High Holy Days, setting up classes, teachers and supplies, and mounds and mounds of paperwork, we spend the summer months in a swirl of non-stop activity.
This summer will be different from all others, with the transition to the new building. Can you believe that we are still on schedule to have the Sanctuary available for the High Holy Days? Over the past few months we've seen the building grow at an unbelievable pace into the structure we've dreamed about for years. It's like that proverbial runaway train - no one can stop it.
Starting with our senior generation of members and going down to our youngest newborn, each person in the congregation will benefit from the new facility. There will be space available for meetings, socializing, outreach, adult and community programs, and our school will have something we've been missing: adequate space in which to learn. Did you ever visit one of the classrooms during school in our current building? I think every teacher and aide should be given medals for working under extremely difficult conditions in terms of tight, cramped space and outside noise and distractions. It is a tribute to our teachers that the education program has worked as well as it has.
Of course this new and comfortable locale comes at a high price, and, as members you will notice the increased cost. Our Budget Committee is extremely careful about spending your money. Here's a thumbnail sketch of this year's budget process: The Budget & Finance Committee met weekly for months before presenting a budget to the Board. First they painstakingly considered anticipated expenses. Once they had a reasonable handle on costs, based on other buildings of similar size, many phone calls, and sometimes a best guess, they started figuring out what sources of income could cover costs. Then, before increasing membership costs, they surveyed every local congregation to be sure we are in line with others.
In addition to asking you for your financial support, your Temple needs each and every member to give some time to the relocation effort. The kitchen, the library, the attic, the offices will all have to be packed up. Items will be sorted through, some given to the Men's Club Flea Market, others discarded, and some items boxed for the new building. There are also several huge and time-consuming mailings to be done during the summer. If you have any time to help, either in a leadership or a follower role, please call the office at 845 279-4585 or email me at admin@templebethelohim.org and let me know what time of day, what days, etc. you are available.
Please also help by recruiting friends, acquaintances and other families to help fill our beautiful new space. If you know people who are looking for a spiritual home, invite them to attend one of the Open Houses during the summer. The Membership Committee is also planning two barbecues for prospective members prior to Shabbat services during the summer. There will be a date in July as well as Friday, August 18. There will be Open Houses on Friday nights in September and October as well.
Let's all take part in the memorable and exciting year ahead - occupying our new space will be one of the most thrilling events in the history of Temple Beth Elohim. And when that happens, be there to participate and enjoy!
May 2006
We can raise $50,000 and it won't cost you a penny!!!
Ava Saperstein, First Vice President
As you all know this is a very exciting time in the life of our Congregation. We are about to see our dream of a new home come true. With a new and larger building will come new and larger expenses. You have all been asked to give what you can to the capital campaign, and we continue to ask for your support. I would like to take this opportunity to tell you about an exciting fund raising program that we have begun. It won't cost you anything and the potential income for our Temple could well be over $50,000 annually. I am referring to our store certificate/gift card program. Some of you are already participating, and we thank you.
The program works like this. We are selling store certificates/gift cards for face value for various supermarkets, gas stations and many other types of stores. They are purchased by us at a discount. When you purchase $100 of supermarket certificates the Temple receives $4.00. You then go to your supermarket and purchase your groceries using the certificate or gift card. If every member family purchased their groceries through store certificates the Temple's potential income could be over $50,000.
Do you go to Starbucks every morning? If you obtain Starbucks cards from us, we would receive 6% of the cost of your morning coffee. Need a gift? Macy's cards give us 9%. Spring is here! Take a look at our merchant list. If you have a home improvement project we can get you cards from Lowe's or Home Depot. We can special order them in large denominations. One of our congregants just paid for their kitchen countertops with Home Depot cards.
Purchasing your groceries, gas, coffee or gifts through this program takes some planning on your part. When school is in session someone will be selling certificates on Sunday. We have a supply of grocery cards for A&P, Shoprite, Stop & Shop and Shaw's. We also keep a limited supply of gas cards for Shell and BP/Amoco. If you go to our website you can see the variety of merchants that are participating in this program. You can e-mail or call and order any items that we don't have in stock.
This seems so simple. If each family makes a commitment to purchase through our program, we have an opportunity to raise significant income.
If you would like to place an order or have any questions, please contact me by e-mail or contact me by phone via the Temple. The success of this program depends on you.
B'shalom,
Ava Saperstein, First Vice President
April 2006
Judi McAnaw, Director-at-Large
I recently attended a Friday evening service where I happily encountered a close friend who also decided to go to services that night, even though her children are past the b'nei mitzvah age, and they are no longer required to attend services. She was there alone and remarked that she had had a trying day and felt a need to come to services. On the other hand, I admit that I was there because my daughter is studying to become a bat mitzvah and is required to attend a certain number of services each month. My friend's comment made me stop and think of all the times I've noted that, though the initial motive to go to services may be out of obligation, it is always such an uplifting and fulfilling feeling to end a sometimes draining and challenging week at services with Rabbi and friends.
Like many of the families at Temple Beth Elohim, we joined the temple so our daughters could benefit from a formal Jewish education, as well as gain the guidance and understanding of the strong values and responsibilities associated with being Jewish. Years passed quickly, and before we knew it, our oldest daughter became a bat mitzvah. Although we experienced our share of the usual anxiety and planning panic that is unavoidable in preparing for this big event, I will forever look back at that year as a very special occasion in my life. During this time I was lucky enough to witness my daughter develop her own sense of what it means to be Jewish, in large part as a result of the kindness, wisdom and caring conveyed by Rabbi Acrish. I also watched her socialize with her b'nei mitzvah peers, a remarkable group of young teens who served as an impressive support group as they each celebrated their “big day.” I, too, made wonderful new life-long friends and spent hours with some of my dearest old friends, without whom Sarah's bat mitzvah would not have been nearly so special, or possible, since their constant support helped me avoid a series of nervous breakdowns.
For some of us, a bar or bat mitzvah is the first occasion we encounter that allows us to view our children as young adults, and their efforts to better our world through their personal mitzvah projects. There is an article in the Spring 2006 issue of Reform Judaism that is titled, “13 Ways to Become a Good Person.” In the article, Rabbi Jan Katzew comments on the Prophet Micah's challenge to be good - not perfect or great, but good. “Micah distilled the essence of goodness into three elements: ‘To do justice and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.' We must strive for a balance among these three virtues. And Maimonides taught that a tzaddik, a righteous person, is someone whose merits exceed his or her demands, someone who makes the world measurably better. A tzaddik is not holier than thou; a tzaddik is thou.”
Rabbi Katzew goes on to explain: “Jews are dedicated to perpetual self-improvement, to learning from successes and failures, and to seeking an elusive ethical balance in our lives. As we read in Pirke Avot (1:14), ‘If I am not for myself, who will be?' There are limits to selflessness. ‘If I am only for myself, what am I?' There are also limits to selfishness. ‘If not now, when?' In other words, don't wait to do something good.
Even when we err, BT Pesachim 50b informs us, good can result. ‘Out of doing good for an ulterior motive, a person will eventually do good for its own sake.' For example, every congregation has members who are involved because of an ulterior motive - a means to a bar or bat mitzvah, business contacts, etc. However, over time, and with the right encouragement, some of these ‘members by chance' do become ‘members by choice.' They join a synagogue as patrons, but after considerable experience they may come to really belong to the congregation as true members, perhaps even leaders.”
Now I am fortunate to be in the midst of preparing for my younger daughter's bat mitzvah, and once again we are immersed in studying prayers and Haftorah portion, party planning and community service. As I take part in my daughter's Shabbaton activities, volunteer my time for various other initiatives and as a member of the Board of Directors, it occurs to me that one important reason that congregants volunteer their time to Temple activities is to provide our children with a safe, educational and welcoming environment. How can we, as adults, ever hope to eradicate anti-Semitism and build a better world for our children if we don't show them by our actions that achieving tikkun olam is a goal that should be shared by all? As a parent I am reminded again and again that actions speak louder than words. We are helping our children learn to be responsible and caring adults when we volunteer our time in our children's classrooms to organize food baskets for needy families at Thanksgiving, when we put together gift baskets for sick children and their families through Friends of Karen, when we donate items to be included in gift baskets as a new temple building fundraiser, and equally important, when we support the individual community service projects performed by each and every b'nei mitzvah.
As Rabbi Katzew writes, most people are motivated by an ulterior motive. But how many of us have come to truly enjoy ourselves as we share special occasions and achievements, and perhaps even Friday night services, with children, family and friends? How many of us have been invited to a bar or bat mitzvah and have shared the immense pride of the students being honored for what they have accomplished? We can all show our children that we have the capacity to do good in the world by doing our part when asked by students, teachers and temple volunteers. Remember our b'nei mitzvah students when you read their mitzvah projects in the Menorah and Shabbat News. By supporting their efforts we can help them see that a single good act can tip the balance towards good in our own life and in the world.
If not now, when? Don't wait to do something good.
B'Shalom,
Judi McAnaw
March 2006
A Purim Reflection
Janet Mauro, Recording Secretary
The holiday of Purim is fun. We are allowed to make lots of noise in Temple, we have good pastries to eat, and may even have a bit too much to drink. There is also a good story to listen to! It has a villain, a heroine, court intrigue and drama. The story seems simple enough, the triumph of good over evil. But there is more to the story, a deeper message that we should heed.
The heroine of the story, Esther, was a very reluctant hero. Until she was strongly admonished by her guardian, Mordechai, that her fate would be the same as that of the other Jews -- that she, too, would likely be put to death, Esther did not act. We can imagine that her reluctance was in part because she was afraid, but also because this impending horror was too awful to contemplate.
I see Esther's story as a call to action, a reminder that we Jews must do for ourselves in the face of a threat, rather than wait for others to help us. Is this message still relevant today? I think it is. We are very comfortable here in America, particularly in the Northeast. So were the Jews of Persia, of Spain, of Germany. But sometimes things occur that should cause us to put up our ‘radar' and be aware. If we get an uncomfortable vibe, we should be prepared to explore it.
Both abroad and here at home, we often hear of incidents of anti-Semitism, some blatant, some subtle. We hear the loud clamor of anti-Semitism emanating from the Arab world. They want Israel and all its inhabitants to disappear into the sea. While they deny that the Holocaust ever occurred, they encourage the cartoonists of the world to enter a contest making fun of this same event. It is far easier for them to blame the Jews for their woes than to actually work to make life better for their own people.
In Europe, several countries have banned kosher methods of slaughter under the pretext of animal cruelty. What is the message that these governments are sending to the Jews who live there? Are they really so concerned about the comfort of the animals? Or are they saying, "If you don't like it, leave?" Synagogues are burned, people threatened and graveyards vandalized. This time the Jewish world mustn't be complacent. Unlike the time prior to World War II, European Jews today are speaking out and are forcing their governments to take action.
Here at home we also need to be concerned with anti-Semitism. On college campuses across the country Jewish students are proselytized to by other students and are subjected to anti-Israel speakers and protests. Often times even on our public campuses, major tests are scheduled and papers are due on the High Holy Days forcing Jewish students to make the difficult choice between worship and study. We hear of a campus where the paperwork required to secure a meeting room for the weekly Hillel Shabbat service somehow routinely goes ‘missing' and the students are left scrambling for a space come Friday. Is this simply a symptom of the school's lack of organization, or something more sinister? When Hillel posters around campus are repeatedly ripped down, shoulders are merely shrugged when a complaint is made. The question lingers.
Anti-Semitism is an issue that involves our younger children as well. Last year a group of concerned parents came together at Temple to talk about the scheduling of activities by some local schools and sports groups on the High Holy Days. The question was raised -- is this ignorance of Jewish holidays and tradition, insensitivity, or a subtle form of anti-Semitism? The group determined that rather than allow the problem to go unmarked, speaking calmly with the people in charge would be a positive way to find solutions to the problems. Because their children were being made to feel uncomfortable and excluded, the parents acted.
It seems that more action is needed to protect our children. I teach 4th grade in our Religious School and was quite saddened and disturbed to learn that many of the children in my class have already, at the young age of 9, experienced anti-Semitism from their peers. They are told that it is ‘stupid' to be Jewish, that they are condemned to a terrible fate, and are hated. It hurts our children that their peers see them as ‘bad' or ‘other' in their own towns. When asked if they speak with their parents or teachers about this, the children reflected that they felt there was nothing that these adults could do and this made them feel even more helpless.
I encourage you to speak with your children. Let them know that it is good to be Jewish, that we have strong values which will help to make this world a better place. Speak to those in positions of authority in your schools if your child has experienced anti-Semitism. Take action on your children's behalf and they will learn that they must speak up for justice for themselves and for all people. By doing this we will demonstrate to our children the tools and strength they will need when they leave the security of home and go off to college.
The prayer before the evening meal on Purim says, "Remembering the courage of Esther and the devotion of Mordechai, we give thanks for the women and men of every age who have helped to keep our people alive." In our world today and in our own communities, we must all be Esthers, and not reluctant ones.
B'Shalom,
Janet Mauro
February 2006
I considered a variety of topics for an article in the February Menorah, none of which seemed as important to me as what my wife Mary was discovering about young adults and internet activities. - Bruce Edleson, Immediate Past President
Tangled In the Web
by Mary Edleson
As parents, we trust our children - and why not? They do well in school, they play sports, they sing, dance, and play instruments. They are Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, they belong to the youth group at the synagogue; but they are also on the Internet and I have become aware of some startling information.
Have you heard of sites like myspace.com, xanga.com, or livejournal.com? These are sites where our children can post and share their personal information and pictures. It seems harmless to them - it is not. Maybe you've gotten communication from your child's school regarding these sites. Perhaps another parent mentioned one of the sites in passing. Have you gone to these sites? Have you asked your children about them?
When asked, they might respond,
- "Yeah, but all my friends are on it!"
"We just talk to each other!"
"I only go on it, but I don't have a site!"
"I don't have anything personal on it."
Too often our response is, "Okay but be careful about what you put on it. Don't put any personal information on the site." And we leave it at that.
We trust our children. They have been responsible and earned our trust over the years. They have made many good, productive choices. However - they may not understand the implications of posting personal information on the Internet, information accessible to anyone. Our children may not comprehend their lack of control over who views information in the open format of the Internet. Our children may not understand how their information may be perceived by others.
When you taught your toddler son or daughter to look both ways before crossing the street, did you let them immediately cross on their own? Our toddlers have grown and matured into young adults. They are young adults still in need of guidance. During the years between toddler and teen, we have been able to back off a little. Our children learned to dress themselves and feed themselves. They went to school and it seemed like parenting might be getting easier. Now they are on the internet. Our job just got harder again. We have to teach and guide our growing children to look both ways as they surf the internet - they do not always see the truck coming.
I am urging you to log on to myspace.com, xanga.com, or livejournal.com. Of these sites, myspace.com seems to be frequented most by children in our area. These sites may have been meant for innocent, playful communication between friends to share pictures and youthful interests. Unfortunately, with many of the positive attributes of the Internet there are the negatives. Please carefully check out the site, the photos, the personal information, and some links of the friends. Many of these links lead to sites of questionable integrity.
You can log on to myspace.com with just an email address and a password.
I wish I had known about these sites sooner. My awareness of the Internet has been raised, and I know that I will be much more diligent about monitoring my child's use. My goal is simply to inform you about these controversial sites that could have very serious consequences. Knowledge and awareness will assist us as we help keep our children from getting "tangled in the Web."
B'Shalom,
Mary Edleson
January 2006
Is my Cat Jewish?
Audrey Grifel
Financial Secretary
When I started learning Hebrew a few years back as part of being in the Adult Bat Mitzvah class, we were encouraged to post the alphabet in places we frequently visit in our homes to ensure daily practice. So I put a copy on the door of the fridge, one on the night stand, and, since I live with 3 cats, one by the litter box.
I remember one day I was doing a daily cleaning, while wrestling to differentiate between bet and kaf, when I caught my cat, Milo, staring at the sheet. He seemed quite interested in it for a minute or so, until some invisible target caused him to dart out of the room. All at once I felt captivated by this one thought: could my cat be…a Jew?
Later that day I was reading about Jewish holidays for class when Milo hopped up on the bed and plopped right down on the beginning of Hanukkah. I started thinking. We Jews are known to be “the People of the Book”, and now that I think about it, I can't open up any hardcover without his using it as a chaise lounge. This cat loves books - there's no doubt about that. But does he actually have to love reading them to be considered one of the tribe?
At night we were getting ready to go to sleep when I noticed Milo was grooming his brother, Andy. With eyes closed and positioning himself in some feline version of a hug, he enthusiastically used his little sandpaper tongue across Andy's face and head, as I had seen him do many times before. Andy has neurological problems thus rendering him no expert self-groomer, and his long coat often needed much assistance. Clearly Milo himself would not be benefiting from all this work. The only reward he could possibly hope to gain is the threat of an extra-large hairball tomorrow. Gemilut chasidim, I thought. Loving kindness.
Breakfast the next day had its usual clamor and excitement. Early morning meows and nudges encouraged me into the kitchen in no time. Milo has always had a very healthy appetite, and I watched as he eagerly worked on his meal. By the time he had walked away to launch into his ritual post-eating bath, the bowl was spotless. I mean no crumbs, nothing. Plus there was no elbowing in to catch a tidbit from any of the other bowls only to then leave leftovers; he had completely finished his share and was satisfied with it. How many times have we heard Rabbi at the Friday night Oneg Shabbat ask us not to take more food than we could eat? If Milo's mealtime behavior wasn't an example of bal tashchit, the commandment to not waste or use more than is needed, I didn't know what was.
I refocused my attention back on Milo who was now in full swing of ridding face, mouth and paws of all food remnants. Cats, as most people know, are religious about cleanliness and Milo brought his usual vigor about life to this task. Jewish ritual hand-washing and mikvahs now were coming to mind. Maybe my original question wasn't so absurd after all.
But what about tikkun olam? Was Milo's mission in life to repair our world? Well, whether it was conscious or not (which is a whole other discussion), I would say yes. He gave unconditional love to me and others, and in this world of ours dictated by fear, lack of trust, and often hostility, such a gift went a long way in helping us humans to fix our vulnerable hearts and broken psyches. I probably have learned more about how to love from Milo, the other 2 cats, and all animals in general than from any other experience or interaction. In addition, animals do not engage in many of those activities which threaten our planet like war, oppression, and pollution. In fact, animals when left alone by the rest of us assist in maintaining natural ecosystems, not destroying them. Ironically, animals are mentors and models for us to get in better touch with our humanity.
Contemplating all of this further, I lay on the couch when Milo jumped up to join me. I happened to be eating a piece of challah in which he showed some interest. I took a tiny piece off and after a brief investigative sniff, he gobbled it right down. He loved it.
How could there have been any doubt!
