Sometimes it feels like services, especially High Holy Day ones happen despite other things, serious things that compete for our attention. I have had a long standing relationship with the Community Crisis Center in Elgin, our domestic violence shelter. (and so much more). Every October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, they host a Partner in Peace breakfast. This year I wasn’t even going to go even though it is one of my favorite events of the whole year. But they needed me to do the invocation, so I said yes, as long as I finished writing at least two sermons.

I have also been working with one of our families to help a four year old, essentially non-verbal child. I will always prioritize a child in potential danger over my sermons. Apparently I am not alone.

Here is a story that really, really resonates this year.

The great Rabbi Israel Salanter was missing from a synagogue on the Eve of Atonement, during the Kol Nidre, the holiest night of the Jewish calendar. The elders of the synagogue went out searching for him and they found him. There were two versions: One, he was taking care of a wounded calf, the other, he was helping some sick child. And they said to him, “Rabbi, why aren’t you in the synagogue.” He said, “Do you see what I am doing?” “But Rabbi, it is your duty to be in the synagogue praying.” He said, “I am praying. Every act of kindness is a prayer—a prayer that walks, moves, breathes and lives.”   Rabbi William Silverman

Invocation at Partners in Peace Breakfast 

Tonight, Jews all over the world will gather to recite the ancient words of Kol Nidre. It is a prayer, really a contract that helps us release us from our vows. Shalom Bayit, peace of the bouse is a big value in Judaism, but it can fail. That’s where all of you come in. And I am grateful for your presence here this morning, and for the work you do beyond this beautiful setting.  

So as we move into 5785, the Jewish year that begin just last week, here are my vows, my prayers for 5785. I hope you will echo with Amen, a Hebrew word that means , “May it be true.” 

I vow to listen to the voices of women. To hear them and believe them. 

I vow to hold shaking hands, give hugs when needed and be a shoulder to cry on. 

I vow to cry out and to cry with victims and survivors.  

I vow to help protect women and children, and men and children from family violence. 

I vow to support the work of the Community Crisis Center, their staff and their partners  

I vow to advocate for women everywhere so that one day we won’t need to have these breakfasts, as lovely as they are.  

I vow to not lose hope. To find joy in little moments. To see the smiles of those we serve. 

Ufros Aleinu Sukkat Shlomecha, Spread over us the sukkah, that fragile shelter of Your peace. Amen.