Page 36 - Jewish News_Sept2021

36A September 2021 COMMENTARY

Off-Broadway compelling Prime Minister Naftali Bennett

HELP...
HELP... By Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz, Community Chaplain assumes control of Israel’s government
equested to offer a recitation of
cuted precisely down to the second.
By Rabbi Howard A. Simon
Psalm 23 at a prominent cul-
A few years ago, I witnessed the
is a
i s a Rtural gathering, a well-known performance of a show by a group of or the past 12 years, Benjamin
Netanyahu has served as Prime
developmentally disabled young peo-
actor rose from his seat to give a stir-
ple. There was decidedly little polish FMinister of Israel. He had hoped
ring reading. Spellbound by his studied
phone cadence and intonation, the audience or precision. But what an abundance to continue in that office after the most
phone
of spirit and determination they dis- recent election, but the coalition of
erupted in a thun-
call der of applause. played. Tears welled in my eyes watch- Yamini leader Naftali Bennett, and
call
ing them try so earnestly to remember Yesh Atid, with chairman Yair Lapid,
All present recog-
a wa y nized they were lines and make their way on stage. and the joining of eight dif-
away
In the audience, parents and sib- ferent political parties was
in the presence
of a master per-
the performance’s conclusion, the ac- the government. Thus, Is-
former. lings brimmed with pride. When, at enough to take control of
th
Though the tors received an extended standing rael’s 36 government was
In partnership with The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and next speaker, an ovation, beaming, broad smiles broke sworn in with Bennett be-
th
the generosity of our donors, JFCS of the Suncoast is able to offer Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz elderly preacher, out among them. I’m grateful that the coming Israel’s 13 Prime
the following services at no cost to anyone in the had prepared remarks, he quietly re- pure, moving and cathartic moment Minister and, in two years,
Jewish community regardless of age: ceived permission to recite the same has stayed strongly with me. Lapid will become the
th
psalm instead. After ascending to the When Shakespeare famously state’s 14 Prime Minister.
• A friendly voice lectern with great dignity, he then wrote, “All the world’s a stage… And The question now is,
one man in his time plays many parts,” how will the new govern-
• Counseling Get the gazed upwards, closed his eyes and be- he understood that the human drama ment present itself to the United States
gan.
• Caregiver support assistance The hall quickly stilled. When he demands we assume a range of roles. and the world? The belief is that Prime
Sometimes, however, rather than Minister Bennett will be less boister-
• Bereavement support groups concluded a few moments later, to- defining these roles, we can come in- ous and will be more apt to speak in
tal silence reigned. There was no ap-
• Pastoral care you need! plause, but neither was there a dry eye. creasingly to be defined by them. This confidence with the leaders of the
• Delivered meals Later, an audience member ap- occurs when we begin to feel trapped world rather than voicing his opinions
• Temporary financial assistance proached the actor. “I don’t understand in our jobs, relationships and outlook. as a take-it-or-leave-it position.
The reality is that the major prob-
We experience an absence of personal
it,” he said. “You both said the same
thing and your presentation was letter investment in what we say and do. lem facing Israel will not change with
If you are in need of perfect. Yet when the preacher spoke in From a distance, all may look in a new leader. Iran, and its quest for
assistance, don’t hesitate his slow, halting manner, people were order as the curtain rises. Yet, though nuclear weapons, remains the number
to call JFCS at moved too deeply for words. What we may have our lines down perfectly, one concern for Israel. Prime Minis-
we can still be emotionally and spiritu- ter Bennett’s reaction to the election
941-366-2224 made the difference?” of Ebrahim Raisi as the new Iranian
extension 112. “I know Psalm 23,” replied the ac- ally immobilized.
tor, “but he knows the shepherd. That’s The High Holy Days provide an in- President sounded very much like a
the difference.” termission in our stage work so that we Netanyahu response. Bennett stated
The preacher had spoken from might consider our parts more closely “Raisi’s election is the last chance for
a knowledge and appreciation of the in order that we might live our lives the world powers to wake up before re-
psalm mined in the crucible of his soul. with greater sincerity. turning to the nuclear agreement, and to
His wasn’t a performance, but a testa- Like the preacher in the story, the
ment. children I saw on stage knew their
Like anyone else, I enjoy attending hearts as well as their roles. It made all
Make someone a Broadway show. It’s thrilling to see the difference.
Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz serves as the
and hear such fine actors display their
Community Chaplain and Director of
artistry. But sometimes such produc-
feel special tions seem to be almost too profession- the JFCS Jewish Healing Program. His FOLLOW
position is underwritten by The Jewish
ally polished with scenery changes,
dialogue, singing and dancing exe-
Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.
by making a donation in What do you think? SAM’S

their name. The Jewish News wants to know!

Send an email to jewishnews18@gmail.com. LEAD

Letters Policy
Letters to the editor should not exceed 300 words, must be typed, Follow Sam’s lead and tell someone about your
and include the writer’s name, mailing address and phone number. legacy gift today. All it takes is one person
Letters can be submitted via USPS or email (jewishnews18@gmail. reaching another to increase The Jewish
com). Not all letters will be published. Letters may be edited for
length and content. Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s legacy
commitments and ensure our future.
Follow us on Each one of us can make a difference!

JFEDSRQ.org/Legacy
@jfedsrq

Call Bonnie at Or visit jfedsrq.org/tribute
941.343.2115 to donate

Stay connected. For more information, contact Ilene Fox at 941.343.2111 or ifox@jfedsrq.org.