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March 2010

Price Chopper has put out the matzah, which must mean that Passover is almost upon us. It's hard for me to believe that another year has flown by since we last commemorated our exodus from Egypt.

Over the past few months, during Torah study, we have talked about how the Hebrews left Egypt as slaves to become the Children of Israel, a community. Our discussions often centered on what it means to be a community. In biological terms, a community is a group of interacting organisms (or different species) sharing an environment. The word "community" is often used in sociological terms to refer to a group that is organized around common values and social cohesion within a shared geographical location, generally in social units larger than a household. And, as a psychology major, I remember reading studies that showed that young adults who feel a sense of belonging in a community, particularly small communities, develop fewer psychiatric and depressive disorders than those who do not have the feeling of love and belonging.

Sharon Dunn, Past-President Paul Berch, and President Marty Cohn (left-to-right) at the 2006 Greenleaf Dedication Open House

So, what does it mean to be a member of the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community?

For me, BAJC provides an opportunity to come together with other Jews to celebrate Shabbat and holidays, to study Torah together with others, to have a network of wonderful friends, and to be part of a group with whom I can actively practice tikkun olam (social action and the pursuit of social justice). One wonderful example of shared tikkun olam occurred in January when Yael and I joined with the b'nai mitzvah class to serve a meal at the Overflow Shelter, organized by Bobbe.

The Torah portion read during Passover includes the Song of the Sea, the first time the Children of Israel sang a collective prayer. The Song of the Sea marks the point in our history when we became a community: It was the moment that brought us together, transforming us from individuals into a people with a shared experience--the miracle of God parting the Sea of Reeds. Thls song is the expression of gratitude to God as the Children of Israel stood together as one nation for the first time after experiencing the miracle of God parting the Sea of Reeds. Do you think that our prayers are more powerful when they come from individuals or a collective group? My vote is for the community. Therefore, as you sit down at your seder at the end of this month, please take a few moments to reflect on your role in the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community.

On behalf of my family, Yael, Rachel, Jessica and myself, I wish you and your family Chag sameach!

B’shalom,
Marty