From the Cantor - May 2000

Since May is the last month of school in our calendar, I want to share a discussion we had during Jr. Congregation not long ago. Every couple of years we review the Ten Commandments by asking ourselves how we would add to them in the matter that articles and amendments are added to a constitution. Here are the Aseret Dibrot Alpayim (10 Commandments 2000) as agreed-upon by our Jr. Congregation families:

1. Treat your animals kindly.
2. Be responsible when owning a car, a boat, a computer, or any big piece of equipment that could either really help or really hurt people.
3. Thou shalt not distinguish between races, religions, lifestyles, or other beliefs.
4. No random acts of violence. No direct acts, either. This includes vandalism.
5. Respect the environment. Treat your surroundings well.
6. Be sure to teach your children.
7. Don't use your position of power to the detriment of others.
8. Be responsible for those less fortunate. Enable them to someday observe this.
9. Treat people as you want to be treated.
10. Keep peace.

Late this month, seven congregants will each become a Bat Mitzvah. Although they are older than thirteen, they show by example that it is never too early or too late to embrace the gift of Torah, or to learn to read from it, for that matter! I am proud of my first class of Anshei Mitzvah (people of the Commandment) because they have taught so much Torah to me and to each other. And to illustrate that especially teachers enjoy learning throughout a lifetime, one of these Anshei Mitzvah is none other than our very own Director of Education, Leah Schaer! Come join us on Shabbat morning, May 27.

B'Shalom u-v'shir,
Cantor Jacqueline Shuchat-Marx

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