Last week the Interfaith Poverty Coalition gathered for the annual Vigil that begins each legislative session. Witness to our prayers was a figure who has seen more history than most, the Independent Man. A steady stream of visitors took selfies in the lobby with this special 11 foot guest, for who knows the next time he will be lowered from his lofty post atop the dome. The iconic figure makes a regal sight befitting his symbolism of hope, justice and religious freedom. The
Independent Man was removed from the top of the dome because of cracks in his foundation. His ailment feels descriptive of our times. There are days when it feels as though we rest upon shaky ground ourselves. So much in the world is broken and feels as difficult to repair as a five hundred pound statue atop a three hundred foot dome.
We take comfort in the knowledge that the foundation of our friend, the Independent Man, will eventually be repaired. It is also a vision of hope for us. As Rabbi Nachman teaches “If you believe you can destroy, believe that you can repair”
As we enter 2024, let us consider the ways in which we can mend the rifts and heal the cracks around us and in so doing, repair our broken world.
100th Day This Shabbat, take a walk through our sanctuary to see photos of the hostages still held by Hamas. Sunday, January 14, marks the 100th day since they were captured. We stand with the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and others who are renewing their calls for release. If you'd like to learn more, consider signing up for "100 Days of Captivity: The Mitzvah of the Redeeming of Captives", a Zoom session with Rabbi Prof. Dalia Marx of HUC-JIR Jerusalem on Sunday at 12 p.m.
