8 Elul 5776
September 11, 2016

Dear Friends,

Today, September 11th, we remember the terrible tragedy that befell this nation fifteen years ago.  We witnessed barbaric hatred that claimed over 3,000 innocent lives.  We witnessed a fundamental turning point for this country and for the entire world.  Life has not been the same since September 11, 2001. A vulnerability that we thought did not exist has been exposed – and it has affected each of us in different ways.  Some of us had relatives, friends, and acquaintances in the World Trade Center Towers – and even if you were fortunate enough to escape personal loss on that dark day – we share in the pain of our countrymen and fellow citizens.  Through the smoke and the veil of tears, we saw something amazing.  A nation made up of so many different races, religions and cultures came together as one.  We cried and mourned together and felt the brotherhood of mankind.  The American people came together in the Jewish tradition of Ish Echad B’Leyv Echadone people with one heart

September 11th has taught us about the unspeakable evil perpetrated by man, while at the same time showed us the beauty, kindness and goodness we can create when we are united.

But there is another important lesson we must remember on this tragic day.  In this week’s Parsha we read of the mitzvah of Bikurim, the obligation to bring the first fruits to the Temple, the Bais HaMikdash.  As the farmer brings his basket of precious bounty and hands it to the Kohen (priest) he recites, Arami Oved Avi …. An Aramean sought to destroy my forefather ….  The farmer remembers those who have tried to destroy his father and his people.  The farmer remembers that there are always forces and nations bent on our destruction.  And as he holds the fruits in his hands he realizes that despite all of the hatred and suffering, we have been able to plant, we have been able to regenerate.  The mitzvah of Bikurim teaches us about the strength of the human spirit.  No matter what happens, we can and must find the strength to plant and build again. 

Although our collective heart beats in the State of Israel, we are truly privileged to be citizens of this beautiful country.  We have seen her resilience and we have seen the ability of our fellow citizens to rebuild and replant.  Who among us can forget the image of our flag rising up above the smoldering ashes of the World Trade Center Towers?  The Stars and Stripes represent the values and ideals of democracy and freedom; values from which we benefit each and every day.  These are the values upon which this great country was founded and these are the values that will endure no matter how vicious our enemies may be.

Please take a moment to remember those who perished on this tragic day. Let us pray that God will console their families and give them the strength to rebuild and replant.  Let us pray for the safety and security of our men and women of the United States Armed Forces, as they continue to battle the evil that plagues humanity. 

As we stand in the final days of this year, we pray for the day when evil and bloodshed will cease to exist and the community of mankind will come together in an everlasting covenant of peace and respect.

With wishes for peace and final redemption,


Rabbi Shmuel Silber