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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