Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Synagogue Memorial Plaques

On the morning of Rosh Hashanah as the Conservative congregation was filing into the sanctuary, Rabbi Feldman noticed little Max standing in the foyer of the synagogue staring up at a large plaque. It was covered with names with small American flags mounted on either side of it. The six-year old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the rabbi walked up, stood beside the little boy, and said quietly, "Shanah Tovah, Max."

""Shanah Tovah ,Rabbi Feldman," he replied, still focused on the plaque. " Rabbi Feldman, what is this?" he said, pointing to the plaque.  

The good Rabbi tenderly put his arm around Max's shoulder and said, " Well son, it's a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service. " 
Soberly, they just stood together, staring at the large plaque.
Finally, little  Max , in a voice barely audible and trembling with fear asked: "Which service, Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur?

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