One of the most difficult things to do is to admit that you do not know something. I believe that this is a true statement for all of us and regardless of our stage in life and it is my belief that learning equals growth and new challenges keep us vibrant.

So when over the last few weeks and a number of congregants came to me with the request to learn how to improve their Hebrew reading and how to better navigate our services, I immediately replied YES! Now I’ve been thinking about this for awhile but I’m not certain or know what the plan should be.

I’d like to teach basic Hebrew reading and language, Torah and Haftarah Trope and how to lead every service weekday, Shabbat and all of the special holiday services. OK, maybe I should temper my enthusiasm; this may be a bit much, or is it? It is easy to forgo such an opportunity due to unrealistic expectations. For example, you must be a competent Hebrew reader to take on any of my other goals, so that’s where we should start!

In our prayers we sing “Kedeshaynu B’mitzvotehcha, instill in us the holiness of Your mitzvoth”. With great enthusiasm, we rhythmically bang the pews and sing this prayer on Friday nights and Shabbat mornings. Rabbi Wolkoff spoke to us on the High Holidays about doing just this very expectation. Some of you were overwhelmed by the message; my take is that Rabbi Wolkoff wants us to grow and is encouraging us to take another step on the ladder, its time. Clearly it is and that is why people are asking to learn more.

I would say that I have a reasonable level of Judaic knowledge, but that I’m so far from being satisfied. As I did this past summer, I will continue my studies this semester and gladly share with you my journey.

Now is the perfect time for us to refresh our skills.

Please stop in, contact me by phone 732-2978-0696 ext 15 or email at cantor@bnaitikvah.org.

Would you like to become a Bat Mitzvah? We’ll plan it. Would you like to refresh your Bar Mitzvah? We can do that too. Read Torah or a Haftarah, read Hebrew for the first time, advanced Hebrew, I’ll teach you or I’ll find you a teacher.

I think we’re all ready to learn and to embrace our destiny. Please ask and expect the best.

“Kedeshaynu B’mitzvotehcha, instill in us the holiness of Your mitzvoth”
With joy,

Cantor Bruce Rockman
November 2014

I’ll see you at the Rutgers Jewish Film Festival.