May 23rd 2008, 00:00

This Monday it will be my honor to participate in the Memorial Day service
at Memory Gardens Memorial Park in Brea. I have done this before and am
always deeply touched and humbled standing among the graves of those who
served our country valiantly. Although for many Americans this weekend will
be filled with fun in the sun and backyard barbeques, I hope we will also
take time to reflect on what it means to live in this great land and that
each of us will, in our own way, honor all those who have served and
continue to serve our country in so many important ways.

Our Torah portion this week, B'chukotai, is a stark reminder that there are
consequences to our actions. Living in a society with almost unlimited
freedom, we sometimes forget that important lesson. Today, people make
choices too hastily and think only about immediate gratification. When
signing up for cell phone service, purchasing a car or home, or agreeing to
any contract (including marriage), many people can't see beyond their hand
holding the pen. There is no thought to tomorrow, the next day, the next
year, or ten years down the road. And, of course, there are many ways of
getting out of contracts, sometimes with and sometimes without consequences.


It is often said that Americans have a short memory. Perhaps that is a
product of the fast-paced world in which we live and all the technology that
surrounds us. This Memorial Day weekend is a perfect opportunity to think
beyond the here and now - to reflect on the past and honor all those upon
whose shoulders we stand, and to look forward and think about how our
actions today will affect those who come after us.

At TBT tonight we will have our very special Musical Shabbat. We will have
the words projected up on a screen so your hands are free to clap and shake
your shaker egg! The service will be almost entirely in song with special
upbeat melodies featuring three guitars and cantor on piano. Tomorrow, we
will have Torah Study and Shabbat morning services as usual. Have a
wonderful and safe weekend!