Dear Friends,

דע מאין באת ולאן אתה הולך ולפני מי אתה עתיד ליתן דין וחשבון.

Jews always try to build on their past, fulfill their present, and prepare for the future. Throughout our lives, we must take stock in what we have accomplished, how we are proceeding, and where we are heading. This outlook is true and necessary, both on an individual and a communal level. Four plus years ago, we started our kehilla with apprehension and trepidation, hope and excitement. Today, we look back to see what we have accomplished, and forward, to rededicate ourselves to our goals.

Rav Shalom Yosef Zevin, at the end of Sefer Shemos, notes that the parshiyos of Vayakhel and Pekudei are usually read together, and even if not, they follow each other. In a homiletic comment, Rav Zevin remarks that there are many that believe in the strength of the צבור, the collective effort. It’s all about the team, and individuals lose their own identity. The sum wipes out the value of any of the combined parts. There are others, though, that believe in the כח of the יחיד, the ability for each person to strive and succeed, to make an impact. The greatness of a group is the specific parts within. יהדות does not accept either extreme. We believe that a צבור, a קהילה, is an entity that achieves goals and attainments that would not have been possible by any יחיד by himself or herself. The collective is greater than the sum of its parts. But that does not diminish the uniqueness, value, and importance of the contribution of each of the members. We believe in ויקהל, the קהילה, the צבור, the group, as well as פקודי, the פקודה של כל אחד ואחד, the special position and abilities of each and every individual. ויקהל and פקודי go together.

The single greatest element of Kehillat Nofei Hashemesh has been the unique contribution of each family that has moved in, and how that contribution helps to solidify the צבור which we have. Our wonderful families have come together, bound by common values and ideals: the desire to build a serious מקום תורה ותפילה, a place where are children will feel comfortable and proud about who they are and what they believe in, a place where אהבת הבריות, אהבת תורה, ואהבת ארץ ישראל can mesh together into a commitment to build a מקום של קידוש ה', of which we all can take pride.

Yours,

Rav Shalom Rosner

Kehillat Nofei HaShemesh