In so many ways, in just over a decade, Sinai's newest synagogue has become a recognized and beloved landmark for the Jewish community and the city itself. Whether for worship, religious school, preschool, or for a wedding, bar/bat mitzvah or funeral, this Temple is a most welcoming and inspirational "House of Prayer for all People."
By now, you must have noticed that the Thai restaurant across the street from the Temple has been replaced by yet another Starbucks. I enjoy good coffee as well, so I have no particular objection to the latest Starbucks, although I am somewhat amazed that we now have four of them within about a quarter of a mile from the Temple. The public's thirst for Starbucks seems to be virtually insatiable.
On Sunday, October 21, we will join in celebrating the Heidi Kon's Tenth Anniversary as our Director of Religious Education. In her decade with us, our children have benefited immeasurably from her devotion to Jewish learning. So much of what has been achieved over the past decade is directly attributable to Heidi's skills, dedication and love of Jewish learning. She is my cherished colleague and friend.
Recently Pope Benedict authorized the return to the Latin Mass; an event, which many liberals within the Church fear may be an omen of even more retrogressive steps yet to be taken, and which ultimately may reverse many of the modernizations that were put into effect as a result of Vatican II. The Pope has opened the door to wider use of the Latin Mass by allowing priests to say the Mass without requiring authorization from their local bishop.
I confess! I have watched every single episode of The Sopranos, and I'm really sorry that it is over. As despicable as most of the characters are, this series was totally mesmerizing from start to finish. There is an undeniable morbid fascination with the underworld, which, incidentally, is now being played out in real life with the major mob trial that is now underway right here in Chicago (of all places!)
When it comes to evaluating Rev. Jerry Falwell's legacy, it is not a simple matter for us as Jewish Americans. That he had a tremendous impact in American politics cannot be doubted. Jerry Falwell was an important figure, and for us he was also tremendously disconcerting. For better or for worse, Jerry Falwell was a significant pillar of the Reagan revolution. The Moral Majority, which he founded in 1979, has had an immense impact on the political system, even though Falwell disbanded the organization over two decades ago. Still, the Christian Coalition, which more or less took up where the Moral Majority left off, continues to thrive and to flex its muscles.
Recently, Paris Hilton was sentenced to jail for driving without a license, her driver's license having been suspended after her conviction for drunk driving. In her first public comments since she was handed a 45-day jail sentence for a driving related offense, she stated: "I feel that I was treated unfairly and that the sentence is both cruel and unwarranted and I don't deserve this." The predictions are that her incarceration will only benefit her, and that is probably true.
