Good evening.
As this public meeting begins tonight, we seek inspiration
for the work of decision making. We seek
help to focus on what is most important as we ask for the strength and clarity
of mind to help and guide the residents of Bergen County.
The Rabbis teach us that the world stands on three things,
Torah – study, Avodah – service, and gemilut hasadim – acts of lovingkindness.
Through study we seek to discern the truth as we adjust our
perspective to see through the eyes of others.
Through service, we remember that we are responsible for
this amazing and often confusing world, that as difficult as it is to chart a
path through uncertainty, we still must confront our challenges so that we
might remove obstacles for others.
Through acts of lovingkindness, we affirm that people are
more important than things, and reaffirm the teaching from Jewish tradition
that giving is what makes us wealthy.
May these three core values and objectives inform, support,
and create a path for tonight’s meeting as the Jewish community of Bergen
County prepares to celebrate next week the Tu Bishevat holiday, the New Year
for the trees, the trees which, like the leaders of our communities, watch over
us, provide us support, help shade us in times of trouble, and encourage us to
build stronger communities by rooting our highest values deep in the rich earth
on which we live.
Amen.
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