8 Elul 5784

Rabbi Adi Cohen

Temple Shalom Gold Coast

Reflecting on actions and self-definition

In Judaism, our faith calls us to be beacons of light in a world often shrouded in darkness. Rooted in the Divine covenant between Abraham and the All Mighty, “and you shall be a blessing” (Gen 12:2), we are encouraged to actively engage in acts of kindness, compassion and social justice, to contribute positively to society.

We are reminded of our sacred duty to serve others, to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, comfort the bereaved and fight for justice with every fibre of our being.

Despite the challenges we face, both within and outside our communities, let us not be defined by fear or hatred, but by the unwavering strength of our convictions and the boundless commitment we have for a better world.

As we embark on this journey towards the High Holy Days, may we find solace in our shared values, draw inspiration from our rich tradition, and let our actions speak louder than any words ever could.

As we head on a spiritual journey toward the High Holy Days, let us reflect on the profound words in Mishkan T’filah (page 333),

“We pray that we may live not by our fears but by our hopes, not by our words but by our deeds”.

May this year be filled with spiritual growth, meaningful connections, and the fulfilment of our deepest aspirations.

L’shanah Tovah.