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Writings about Rabbi Arnold Kopikis
-2005-
October-November 2005—Rabbi Arnold Kopikis, "From
the Rabbi: Tahei Shanah U'virhoteah," Orot (newsletter of Ner Tamid
Synagogue, Poway), page 2: There is a Psalm that we say each day during
the month of Elul, in order to prepare ourselves for the Days of Awe. One
paragraph is this Psalm (PS 27 [Siddur Sim Shalom, Page 80, 3rd
paragraph]) seems strange. The Psalmist says: "One thing only do I ask of
the Lord," and then he proceeds to ask for two things: that he "may be
able to dwell in the House of the Lord, and that he may be able to visit God's
holy place." Which is it that the psalmist really wants—that he may be
able to dwell there, or that he may be able to visit there? Rabbi Shlomo Riskin
offers the following explanation: There are two kinds of people who come to
Services on the High Holy Days, each with one great advantage, and each with one
great disadvantage. Those who come regularly during the entire year know how to
pray; they know the words, the melodies, and the order of the Service. This is
their advantage; nevertheless, they have one great disadvantage. Because they
have said the words so often and because they have come to Synagogue so many
times throughout the year, the words have become familiar and there is no
surprise for them in the Service. They can say the words quickly and by heart
and so, they have a tendency to take them for granted. Those who come only a few
times a year have one great disadvantage: they do not know the prayers so well;
they stumble over the words and they are not familiar with the order of the
service. However, they have one great advantage that the regulars do not have in
that they are not bored (at least I hope not!), nor do they perceive the service
as a routine. For them, the words are fresh and new, and the Service is a
discovery. The Psalmist does not stand in judgment on either group. Nor we,
(actually anybody) should ever stand in judgment of anyone else. Instead, what
the psalmist asks for is that we may be able to achieve a combination of the
spirit of both. The psalmist asks that we may know the words and be familiar
with the service like a dweller, a regular, and that we may likewise be able to
respond with enthusiasm and excitement as a visitor does. It we would only learn
from each one of us: from "the regulars" and from "the
visitors" alike. If we would only be able to combine the virtues and the
spiritual advantages we all have then we would really be capable not only of
praying together, but also of being what we should always strive for: a strong,
united community dedicated to preserving Judaism, to establishing continuity and
to assuring a brilliant future for generations to come. Now, the time has
come to stay together as a jubilant, proud, consolidated family. Now is the time
to enjoy our Ner Tamid Community in its magnificent new facilities and to
re-dedicate ourselves to Torah—study, Avodah—communal worship, and Ma'asim
Tovim—deeds of loving-kindness. I hope and pray that this coming
year, 5766, will be one of even greater accomplishments for our Community.
I extend my deepest appreciation to all of you, and a warmhearted Yasher Koah to
the collective hard work and the extraordinary support of the entire membership.
With your attitude and commitment, you are showing the real way to build
community. Tahel Shanah U'virhoteah—may this year begin with blessings
of good health..... Rabbi A. Kopikis