Continuing to Love Our Neighbors

Friends,

Even though we have not been in our sanctuary and chapel for some time, there is one light that is always shining because it has no switch – our ner tamid, eternal light. We place this light in front of our ark in ornate candelabras to fulfill the commandment in Leviticus that we should “lahalot ner tamid, kindle lamps regularly.” Today, following over 300 years of tradition, we keep this light burning perpetually, this custom was observed differently thousands of years ago.

In the ancient Temple in Jerusalem, this light was probably allowed to go out and be re-lit every night, according to our sages. Until recently in human history, light has been very expensive as we moved from burning wood to animal fats to oil to electricity. Today, with LED lights, we can ignore the light,confident that it is on, for years and decades. The electricity costs several dollars during that time period. As our world evolves, we have evolved our customs and traditions.

Like so many of you, I miss seeing our ner tamid in our building, but I know that it is continuing to shine. My concern at this moment is a light that requires much more effort and care - the light that burns within each of us. This light requires us to find energy that fills us as we seek and recognize the blessings that surround us. Sometimes this task is easy, and other times this presents a challenge. Especially now, when we are physically separated, we might find that this is more difficult than ever before. No matter our circumstances, it is essential that we all nurture our internal flames.

We nourish our souls when we find opportunities for gratitude and hope and when take time to care for ourselves. Whether you join us for worship on Friday night, learn on Shabbat morning, read the growing stack of books on your nightstand, walk around your neighborhood or a park, call a family member or friend, or go for a run or bike ride, we all need to take time to care for ourselves. No matter what brings you joy, take time to seek out the activities that keep your eternal light shining bright.

May our sacred CMI community always light the lights within each of us. We continue to pray for those afflicted by Covid-19 and please do not hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know is in need of any kind of support.

I wish you all blessings of hope, strength, courage and health,

Rabbi Immerman