11 Elul 5780 - August 31, 2020

I AM JEWISH: LINDA KUSMER

I am Jewish because I was born to two Jewish parents. What is more important is that I choose to practice my Judaism as a Reform Jew. Being a Reform Jew allows me to study Torah and interpret the meaning and lessons from it in a way that fits my life. I believe that GOD gives me "Good Orderly Direction" if I listen, Shema. 

As a Reform Jew I can connect with God, my higher power, directly. Not needing a person to speak for me to God. Being Jewish inspires me to question. The more I question the more I learn and can apply that knowledge to my everyday life. 

I love the traditions, the Holy Days and the music. I was brought up with those traditions and passed them on to my children and grandchildren. The first thought I have when I wake in the morning is thanking God for all God does for me and my family. I like the spiritual feeling that we are being protected and guided. The way I can express my Jewishness is to participate in my United Hebrew Congregation. It is a gift to have a wonderful community and clergy. Being Jewish makes me feel that I am a part of a much larger group that is connected by our faith and traditions.    

It is tradition to read Psalm 27 every day during Elul.  

PSALM 27

God is my light and my refuge secure - whom shall I fear?

God is the stronghold of my life - of whom should I be afraid?

When those who act with malice would devour me with words,

it is they who stumble, they who fall.

If an army were to take up arms against me, my heart would not fear.

If war were waged against me, still I would trust.

Just one thing I have asked of God; only this do I seek:

to dwell in God’s house all the days of my life,

to behold divine sweetness and beauty, and to gaze in delight at God’s Temple.

God shelters me in times of hardship, shields me in a tent of divine protection,

raises me high on a rock - so that now my head rises above enemies around me. 

Let me make offerings in that tent - the offerings of a joyful cry.

Let me sing hymns, and celebrate the One who is eternal - Adonai.

Hear my voice when I call; God, answer me with grace.

My heart spoke for you - it said, “Seek My face.” Your face, Adonai, I will seek.

Do not hide your face from me, nor angrily turn away Your faithful one -

the one You have sustained. My God-of-rescue, do not desert me!

When my father and mother have gone, God will gather me in.

Teach me your way, Adonai; and guide me on a straight path,

because of those who lie in wait for me.

Do not hand me over to the will of foes who rose against me -

lying witnesses and those whose very breath is violence.

If only I could believe that I will see God’s goodness

in the land of the living. . .

Wait for Adonai

Be strong of heart, and be bold -- but wait for Adonai.

It is also tradition to hear the sound of the shofar each day during Elul.  It is a wake up call to prepare for the upcoming holy days. 

UHCSTL · Shofar 1