We Never Know What the Future Will Bring

We never know what the future will bring. As I write this article, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon remains in a coma after a severe stroke. It is unlikely he will return to life as he and as we knew it. The sudden silencing of his voice from the political stage of Israel and of the world has many lessons to teach.

With his life, Prime Minister Sharon taught us that people can truly change. For much of his life, Sharon was known as an uncompromising warrior, a hawk, who was quick to use military force to achieve his political goals. Yet, in two year’s time, he became a different person, recognizing the imperative for pursuing peace with the Palestinians. His unexpected infirmity and the instantaneous international commentary that arose in response teach that a person’s acts in their final years are remembered most.

With his life, Prime Minister Sharon taught us to care passionately for Israel’s security on one hand and for its peace on the other. We can keep what was best in his political career alive by being passionate and stalwart supporters of Israel -- whether financially or simply in our discussions with our neighbors. We need to know about Israel and to be able to speak up knowledgably in its defense.

The best way to learn about Israel is to visit. Because we never know what the future will bring, we have made some changes to our congregational trip there this spring. As a Temple we are expecting great things to happen in the month of June. Rabbi Barras and Jodi are expecting a baby (which I pray will be cause for a congregational celebration), and as a result, I am now expecting to lead the exciting trip to Israel that Rabbi Barras had planned. Please consider joining me for a life changing trip to hear first hand the evolving politics and dynamics of our holy land, to see first hand the sites where our people and faith were born, to feel first hand the spirituality that has moved millions of souls throughout the generations, and to learn first hand why Israel is so central to who we are.