KA CC Archive Sep 2024

Can you believe that a handshake is one of the oldest symbols of intention? Anthropologists have found that it dates back to primitive times, when men carried weapons in their right hands to attack animals as well as one another. Savage men soon learned that more could be accomplished by working together, so they approached one another with open right hands to show there was no weapon and that they came in peace.

Judaism has many symbols of intention which involve the hand, such as the covering of our eyes when we light the Shabbat candles. The hand holds up the fringes of the tallit to kiss them when we recite the Shema and the “yad” of t’fillin is placed on the arm and the hand. The hand receives the ring in marriage, symbolizing the commitment of the bride and groom to each other.

These uses of our hands are symbols of great Jewish values and they have much meaning for us. As Jews, we observe mitzvot every day of the year without even realizing that we are doing something good. For example, we love and respect others without being aware of our actions; this is a mitzvah. We do charitable deeds, whether it is giving donations or helping our fellow Jews in times of trouble, without any expectation of a thank you. We react socially as a community when someone harms another Jew or a Jewish establishment, without being asked to do so. We support the State of Israel and the Jewish people as a whole (both financially and emotionally.)

At this time of the year we greet each other with Shanah Tovah. A good year, one in which we relate to each other, in which we work hard to promote and reinforce the bonds of Judaism in our families, with our friends, and in our communities. May the New Year find each of us and our families inscribed in the Book of Life for a good year, a year of celebration. May we continue to support each other and Judaism, together, into the next year.