From the Desk of
Chief Rabbi Capers Shmuel Funnye
הרב הראש’ קפרס שמואל ‘פוננ
Rosh Hashanah Message
9th Elul 5777 – August 31, 2017
A Happy New Year – לשנה טובה תכתבו- to the entire House of Yisrael. I pray that as we approach this new year of 5778, Hashem continues to bless us as a people. So much has transpired during the last year on so many fronts; nationally, internationally, politically, socially, economically, and religiously, that I hardly know where to begin. First and foremost, I give all honor and praise to the Eternal One of Yisrael, the G-d of Avraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the source of life for all humanity. I say todah Yah for the blessings that the Eternal One has bestowed upon our community, with life, health, and rightness of consciousness.
On this Rosh Hashanah, let us reflect upon the values that make us who we are as a people and as a community of Israelites/Jews. We have made strides toward greater unification of Beta Yisrael nationally and throughout the world.
On August 4, 2017, the International Israelite Board of Rabbis held our national convention in Atlanta, Georgia. The convention was attended by Israelites from around the country. Also in attendance was Michael Jacobs, the editor of the Atlanta Jewish Times, who wrote a wonderful story about his Shabbat service experience.
The entire weekend was a celebration of the opening of Congregation Or Ami, which is under the spiritual leadership of Rabbi Shalem Yeshurun. Every facet of our weekend was outstanding, beginning with Erev Shabbat service and the powerful and highly spiritually moving Shabbat service, which included the dedication of Congregation Or Ami. On Sunday, the culminating activities included a study session on how a Bet Din operates and a wonderful banquet.
In 5777, we have also experienced difficult times. We lost elders in our community, and to their families we say, “May their souls be bound up in the bonds of life, with the Giver of life Hashem. “ Their memories shall forever be with us, who remain in the land of the living!
“Bring an end to the year and its curses. Let the year and its blessings begin!” We’ve had hurricanes, floods, famine in various parts of Africa, political upheaval at home, and it seems that #Blacklivesmatter, really may not matter. Where was G-D? Was the Eternal One listening to the cries of the starving? Did Hashem take note of the Black-on-Black killings across our urban areas throughout this country? Why are we now turning our backs on Dreamers in the political arena? What about Charlottesville, Virginia? What was that all about? Are we going backwards as a country? Why is it that racism and hatred seem to never die in our land of the free and home of the brave? Where is the unity of Hebrew Israelites?
Let us now affirm ourselves for the coming year; we will be involved in the politics of our country! Let us affirm that we will make ourselves part of the solution to the issues that plague our communities throughout this country. Let us affirm that we will involve ourselves in the issue of #Blacklivesmatter, let us affirm that our resources will be the first-in-line to assist issues that affect Africa. Let the Israelite communities throughout this country and the world affirm that we will work together, arm-in-arm, shoulder-to-shoulder, bolder-and-bolder, to build the nation that our forbearers dreamed of building. One G-D, One Aim, One People, the people of Am Yisrael!