What is the Meaning of Labor Day These Days?

Labor Day has become a day full of sales, with everyone looking for the best deal on pretty much everything.  But today, I stopped to think about the meaning behind the day, and thought about how the union my dad belonged to negotiated a contract with my dad's employer that put braces on my teeth and gave our family good enough health insurance such that when his heart began to give out, he received good medical care which eventually meant he received a new heart.  Without his union membership, I'm not sure these things would have been available to me and my family. 

Labor Day celebrates the accomplishments of the American worker to organize himself with others to ensure a safe workplace and to earn a fair wage.  This is so much more meaningful than Labor Day being all about getting a good deal at a sale.  Food for thought.

"Teamsmanship" . . .

Watching the Olympics always moves me and, like many, Women's Gymnastics is a sport that often makes me cry. 

When the All-Around finalists were named, I saw the disappointment following years of training to reach an unreached goal, yet I saw an admirable display of courage following.  Then, last night, as a teammate reached for gold, I saw the mark of sportsmanship as the team member not allowed to compete cheered the other two on.  To me, this was the mark of one committed to "teamsmanship" over individual glory and is something to be admired.

Today, our congregation begins a new chapter of its worship life as we welcome our new Cantorial Soloist, Michelle Auslander Cohen, as a member of the Temple Israel team.  Seeing two women on the bimah will be different for many.  Folks have even asked, will members accept this and, yes, they will.  The team on the bimah may look different, but our community will be transformed by our newest team member's beautiful voice ... and tonight we will all pray together as a community.  May this be the first of many beautiful Shabbatot we share together.   : )

True Sadness When I (Finally) Turned on the TV Tonight ...

When I moved into the condominium I am renting, I was told by the Association management that the unit came with internet included but not cable.  It's been three weeks without my usual background noise of news and comedies. 

Tonight, for some reason, I decided to turn the TV on to see what happened ... and the darn thing works ... apparently I DO get (at least some) cable channels included!  Three weeks of news except what I searched out intentionally ... is this a good discovery or not that I actually DO have access to live television?   Hmmmm. 

I completely missed this week's shooting spree in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.  I found out about the terrorism in Bulgaria via Facebook when people offered their prayers for the victims and their families.  I heard about the tragedy in Colorado hours after everyone else.

How much do we really need instant news?  Was my life lessened or enriched by the delay or is there really no difference?  Only time will tell.  : )

New Location, New Title, New Me . . .

On July 1, 2012, I became the new Rabbi at Temple Israel of West Palm Beach, Florida.  It has been a busy couple weeks and I have finally had a  moment to figure out how to change the title page of this little blog ... there will be lots more posts to come as I explore my new world.  Life is one crazy good adventure.   : )