Memory is central to Judaism, as evidenced by the six specific commandments of remembrance in the Torah. Memory is important for many reasons, including helping us to understand our origins and evaluate our moral progress or regress. And memory can be a way to express gratitude, as memory serves as a vital reminder that without those who preceded us, we would not have many of the blessings in our lives.

Judaism helps our people remember by commemorating significant historical events and providing ways to observe them. Passover, less than three weeks away, commemorates liberation from Egyptian oppression. Shavuot marks receiving the Torah at Sinai. In modern times, we added holidays like Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day.

We also have ways to ensure we remember the significant people who shaped the Jewish future. So important were the first families in Judaism, our daily Amidah prayer begins, Blessed are You, Adonai our God… God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob, God of Sarah, God of Rebecca, God of Rachel, and God of Leah. This traces us to our roots, recognizing God’s relationship with our ancestors, who were our founding families.

Today is our annual Founder’s Day at Stephen Wise Temple, a time to honor those who established our temple and schools: Rabbi Isaiah Zeldin z”l, who passed away in 2018, and Mrs. Metuka Benjamin, who led our schools for over four decades. Some of our longtime members learned directly from these founders, while many newer members may not know our origins. This morning, students and community members will gather at 8:15 to celebrate our founding together – and to learn about Rabbi Zeldin, Florence Zeldin and Rabbi Stephen S. Wise, the man who inspired Rabbi Zeldin to name our temple in his memory.

Just as we spiritually descend from Abraham and Sarah, who shaped the Jewish future, we honor and thank those who, in 1964, created this extraordinary center of Jewish life. Through their work, vision, and God-given gifts, they have left us the blessing of Stephen Wise Temple.

Rabbi David Woznica
Rabbi Isaiah Zeldin Chair