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U Mi * 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. I I I I