Orbit April 2012 - Plainview Jewish Center

ORBIT
Page 6
The Cantor’s Note:
SHARING THE BREAD OF AFFLICTION
At an important moment toward the beginning of the seder ritual we
hold up the matzot and declare, “This is the bread of affliction which our
ancestors ate in Egypt. Let all who hunger come and eat.” This passage is
traditionally understood to be an invitation to the less fortunate and lonely
members of the community to share our sedarim.
I would like to offer another interpretation born out of the experiences I have shared with
members of our congregational family over the course of almost four decades. It is also very
much in the spirit of Jewish tradition. Well fed people can still suffer from emotional hungers.
The expression, “bread of affliction” may be considered as a metaphor for the misfortunes and
tragedies which befall human beings in their lifetimes. Caring compassionate people who offer
a helping hand and a shoulder to cry on provide reassurance that we are not alone in devastating
situations. Even the best friends cannot, of course, undo what has occurred or alter the unalterable,
but good people can help us bear our troubles just by their presence. Thus, Jewish tradition asks
us to share the “bread of affliction,” that we may ease the heavy burden of sorrow which afflicts
grieving fellow human beings.
Many years ago I received a beautiful letter which I saved and from which I will share
excerpts. It came from a woman who was motivated to recite Kaddish for her deceased father
for the prescribed eleven months. Her family was affiliated with a Reform congregation which
does not have a daily minyan, and so, she became a regular at our Plainview Jewish Center
evening minyan. She wrote:
Since returning after the end of the shiva period, I have prayed at, at least,
five other Conservative synagogues. None of them on Long Island has
demonstrated the spirit of Klal Yisrael and glowed with the menshlichkeit
and decency of Plainview Jewish Center. You should be very proud of your
congregants. Your evening minyan attendees have made me feel welcome
and a part of your community at this most difficult time. The comfort I have
found at your synagogue cannot be overstated or measured.
Creating a caring congregation – these words are part of our synagogue’s mission
statement. They are more than just lovely words because of the big hearts and good souls
behind them. It is the people of Plainview Jewish Center who forged the bonds of friendship,
compassion, and love which so moved this one mourner, and, undoubtedly, countless others like
her.
May God help us to bring healing for the “bread of affliction.” May we and our families
celebrate a sweet Passover in happiness and good health.
Cantor Morris Wolk D. Mus.