Congregation Beth Shalom

There is a Talmudic dictum that teaches, "Sh'teeka K'Ho'da'ah-Silence is like assent".  If one who possesses the power to do so does not protest, it is considered as a sign of acquiescence or assent.

In ancient times, the father held sway over his minor children.  This was especially true with regard to legal vows entered into by daughters living in his home.  In the Book of Numbers it is written, "If a woman makes a vow to the Lord or assumes an obligation while still in her father's household by reason of her youth, and he father learns of her vow or her self-imposed obligation and offers no [immediate]-objection, all her vows shall stand and every self-imposed obligation shall stand." At the moment the father learns of his daughter's vow, he possesses the authority to immediately annul it.  If, after learning of the vow he remains silent, the silence is understood as consent.

How often do we face acts of injustice with silence?  A derogatory comment, an act of selfishness,  or encountering cruelty toward others-in each instance we are called upon to take a side.  By remaining silent, we tacitly agree to the hurt being administered to others.  As Rabbi Brad Artson has noted, "There is no neutrality. Silence is assent."

It is almost cliché to say, "We are living in difficult times."  While Congress argues whether to raise the debt limit, the number of homeless reaches record numbers, unemployment runs rampant, more middle class Americans fall into poverty.  At the same time our schools produce more illiterate and educationally unmotivated children and racism & bigotry are on the rise.  Remaining silent is voting for the status quo.

Not only is silence at this time unseemly, it also flies in the face of Jewish tradition.  Our responsibility is to make this world whole & holy, or as we say "sanctifying God in the midst of the people." We do this by letting our elected representatives know our position on present legislation.  More importantly, we do this by lending a hand to the homeless, clothing the naked, healing the sick and actively pursuing peace.

CBS is offering you the chance to make a difference in the lives of local families in need of a helping hand.  As participants in the nationwide program Family Promise, Beth Shalom will be hosting a family in need during the week of August 21-28.  You can help by volunteering time to assist with meals or other necessities.  For information on joining the effort, call the synagogue office.

Rabbi Howard Siegel