The fiftieth anniversary of our congregation is an opportunity to reflect on the values that have been the foundation of our temple these many decades. One day, many years ago, the leaders of our temple adopted a slogan, “Marbeh Torah, Marbeh Hayim – The more Torah, the more life,” from the second chapter of Pirke Avot. From an aesthetic point of view, this was the perfect slogan. Its letters resemble the letters of our name, especially our commonly used “MRT.” This is also a great slogan in terms of our temple mission, to be a house of study, tikkun olam, worship and community gathering (all good Torah values). Throughout our years, this temple has been dedicated to spreading Torah from a Reform perspective in Monmouth County. The Jubilee is a reminder of that centrality of Torah.
In Leviticus, the original jubilee is described as a special occasion that involved shofar blowing, freedom and release and celebration. Rabbinic commentary has come to understand the jubilee, in part at least, as a recollection of Sinai. The shofars are like the shofars heard at the base of the mountain, the freedom like the freedom we newly tasted from Egypt. A jubilee is about celebrating the anniversary and about gathering with friends and family. But ultimately, Jubilee is about Torah. Here's to fifty more years of more torah and more life!
The more Torah the more life has indeed been our watchword. We have much to be jubilant about at MRT and we feel this more and more from our present perch in Oxford England.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rabbi, for reminding us of our central core. We will miss being part of the Jubilee.
Susan and Frank Whyman