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Box
by Rabbi Samuel J. Fox
JTA
Why do individuals recite the
main body of prayer, the “She-
jnonah Esreh,” in a soft tone,
before the prayer is chanted by a
cantor? J
ex P‘ anat *ons are
offered for this “silent prayer.”
One is that the main body of
prayer contains a paragraph of
confession. If recited aloud, other
people could hear one’s confes
sion of sins, which might prove
embarrassing.
Another explanation is that
praying aloud would show a lack
of faith in the Almighty, who we
believe can hear the faintest sound
and even voiceless thoughts.
However, one should move
one s lips and offer soft expres
sion in the course of such pray
ers. A function of prayer is to
help articulate concerns and feel
ings to the Almighty, and even to
oneself as an image of the Al
mighty.
Why is it ritually necessary to
wash one's hands before each
meal?
Ethics of The Fathers requires
Jews at the dinner table to dis
cuss some of the contents of our
holy literature and recite prayers
before and after the meal. Thus,
the meal is not only a mechanical
process undertaken by animals,
it is also a spiritual process, ena
bling the human being to digest
spiritual knowledge as well as
nourishment.
The dining table of today’s
Jew is considered a symbol of an
altar of the Jewish temples from
which sacrifices were offered to
God. Just as the priest approach
ing an altar increased his spiritu
ality and washed his hands, so
too does a Jew approaching the
table.
You
alreadyare
a Zionist...
If you believe in the unity of the Jewish people and
the centrality of Israel in Jewish life...
If you stand for strengthening the democratic State
of Israel...
If you support the ingathering of the Jewish people
to its historic home, Eretz Yisrael...
If you advocate the preservation of the Jewish
people and their identity through education and
cultural programming...
If you care about the protection of Jewish rights,
and all minority rights, everywhere...
If you believe in these principles of the Zionist
Movement, then you already believe as all Zionists
believe.
But are you acting on your beliefs?
Zionism today.
It all started with a dream...
Zionism emerged from the deep yearning of a
people to return to their Biblical homeland. A people,
dispersed by time and terror, seeking a new national
movement incorporating aspirations so often
challenged by pogroms and torturous times.
It was these aspirations for freedom that were so
similar to those that gave birth to America. And their
fulfillment was the creation of the State of Israel, in
a way that resonates strongly in the hearts of all
Americans. And in the million who have joined
the Zionist Movement.
Is the Zionist Movement
the way?
Without an organized movement in
which Jews are publicly identified, there
can be no democratic action. Not for
peace, nor for the many monumental
accomplishments of recent years
The resettlement in Israel of
1,800,000 immigrants from over
100 countries. The vast educa
tional program for many
hundreds of thousands of
youngsters in Israel and in
the United States. The ini
tiation of the struggle to
rescue Soviet Jewry,
Ethiopian Jewry, and
Jews in peril through
out the globe.
You can continue this endeavor as part of a mean
ingful American Jewish community by lending voice
to the Zionist Movement. By standing up and being
counted. This is the American way. The way for the
1,000,000 Americans who presently declare with
pride, “I am a Zionist.”
How can I be effective?
1. Affiliate. Join any of the 16 American Zionist
organizations. Just mail the coupon for membership
information. Today.
2. Participate. Come to Philadelphia, where
American democracy began! From January 4th to
7th, 1987, Philadelphia will be home to the American
Zionist Assembly. The climax of our membership
campaign. Here you can be inspired by world-
renowned speakers, learn from celebrated educa
tors, enjoy cultural and spiritual regeneration through
a striking series of programs. And
' most significantly, share in the
) decisions affecting Zionists the
world over. Ask for enrollment
and reservation details.
3. Vote. As a Zionist organization member, you will
be asked, in May 1987, to help elect delegates to the
31st World Zionist Congress in late 1987. Your
answer has never meant more. The World Zionist
Congress—the parliament of the Jewish people—
is the only democratic legislative body for world
Jewry; your vote is their instrument. Raise your
hand high!
Benjamin Cohen,
President
Karen J. Rubinstein,
Executive Director
AZF Constituent Organizations:
American Zionist Youth Council / American Jewish
League / Americans for Progressive Israel / AMIT
Women / Ass’n. of Reform Zionists of America / Bnai
Zion / Emunah Women / Hadassah / Herut Zionists of
America / Mercaz / Labor Zionist Alliance / North
American Aliyah Movement / Na’amat-USA / Religious
Zionists of America / Zionist Organization of America /
Zionist Student Movement
American Zionist Federation
515 Park Ave., New York, NY 10022
□ YES! I want to participate in the Zionist
Philadelphia. Send information.
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