The Chai Service
Written to celebrate the 18th year our synagogue's existence.
BY LEONARD H. BERMAN
Speaker # 1:
Chai, the word, the combination of the letters He and Yod.
Chai, the eighth and tenth letters of the Hebrew alphabet added together. Chai, the word that meas life.
Chai, the word that continues to summarize the sustaining philosophy of the Jewish people throughout their tragic and glorious history.
Chai— the mystical number eighteen,- the Chai year- the life year, the wonderful year that tells us to pause, review and look ahead.
Speaker # 2:
In this, our eighteenth year of exsistence; our eighteenth year of observing and honoring the law, ritual, values, culture and spirituality of Judaism, we invite all to rejoice with us as we celebrate our responsibility to preserve and perpetuate our heritage. We invite all to rejoice with us in our successful adherence to the Covenant God made with our people. We invite you to rejoice with us in our eighteenth year of upholding the statutes and precepts written in our Bible.
Speaker # 3
As God set before Adam life and death and told him to choose life, so we choose to reaffirm that choice today and rededicate ourselves [and this temple] to the belief that the cup of life is never half empty but always half full. Let this cup, filled beyond the brim, be the symbol of our faith in God and hope for all our tomorrows. (Wine is poured into the Kiddish cup to overflowing.)
Speaker # 4
This evening we shall study our sacred writings in a very special way. We shall consider the number eighteen and we shall seek out the wisdom of the eighteenth chapter in each of our sacred texts. We shall consider the underlying message to us in each of these chapters and we shall conclude what each might say to us about what is to be valued in life. We begin with Genesis.
GENESIS 18
In the chai chapter of Genesis, Abraham and Sarah are promised that new life, a son, shall bless them and that through Abraham's seed, all the nations of the earth shall be blessed. Because of Abraham's special place in God's plan, God reveals his intent to destroy Sodom and Gemorrah. Abraham, because of his sense of righteousness, questions the Lord's actions. Abraham asks the judge of all the earth to do right and not destroy the righteous with the wicked. Abraham's entreaty reaffirms God's choice of this man and God agrees to save the city if ten righteous men could be found living there. The chai chapter of Genesis affirms that where righteousness lives, there is life.
Righteousness gives meaning to life.
(A rose is place in a vase after this statement is read. The same is to be done for all the other readings.)
EXODUS 18
In the chai chapter of Exodus, Moses recognizes that if life is to have quality, there must be a system of justice. With the aid of his father-in-law, Jethro, Moses structures the system of higher and lower courts from which Western Civilization takes its legal structure. He clearly saw that a worthwhile existence without justice dispersed reasonably and honestly, would not endure.
Justice gives meaning too life.
LEVITICUS 18
In the chai chapter of Leviticus, God decrees the ethical standards and moral behaviors which are to become the solid foundation upon which will rest the relationship between man, woman and God. Who may marry whom and what behaviors are an abomination are delineated. Here are set forth the laws which ensure familial harmony. Here are set forth the laws which ensure the blessings on the land. Here are set forth the laws which say:
Family gives meaning to life.
NUMBERS 18
In the chai chapter of Numbers, God clearly sets out the portion and responsibilities of the priests and the Levites. God states that while the others of the house of Israel will have land as their inheritance, the priests and Levites shall have God as their inheritance. While the other tribes have the responsibility of tithing to the Levites, the Levites themselves are a tithe unto the Lord. Spiritual life is ensured when each knows and fulfills his or her own responsibility. Here is set forth the law which says:
Responsibility gives meaning to life.
DEUTERONOMY 18
The chai chapter of Deuteronomy echoes the chai chapter in Numbers. Again, the Levites are reminded that God is their inheritance and that the abominations practiced by those who defiled the land must not be suffered to continue. Here too, the Lord promises a prophet from among the house of Israel, a man like themselves, who will speak the true words of God to them. The truth may be judged by what comes to pass. A man from the people to give Israel hope. Here is the promise that says:
Hope gives meaning to life.
JOSHUA 18
In the chai chapter of Joshua, the leader chastises the seven remaining tribes who have not possessed the land which God has given them. For the new dream to be dreamed, the inheritance must be complete. For the drama ahead to unfold, the land must be possessed. For God's great experiment with mankind to continue, the borders must be defined and held by those who have accepted the Torah and the covenant. If Israel is to be worthy so that all the nations of the earth will be blessed through them as promised, the people must practice righteousness, guarantee justice, accept responsibility and speak truth. This could only come to pass if the Land, Israel, was established as their own. Here it is implied that possessing the land gives meaning to life.
Israel gives meaning to life.
SAMUEL 18
The chai chapter of Samuel I speaks of the love that David and Jonathan bore for each other; a love grew out of mutual admiration and respect for each other and loyalty to Saul. Yet Saul was fearful of David and the malady in Saul's soul caused him to deal treacherously with the young hero. Yet David remained unharmed, nurtured by loving people such as Jonathan and Mi-cha-el, Saul's daughter. Loving affection and support sustained David and gave him strength.
Loving gives meaning to life.
SAMUEL II 18
In the chai chapter of Samuel II, David seeks out his men to do battle with the forces of his son, Absalom. He sends them with the admonition that they are to deal gently with Absalom. Mercy must guide their behavior. When Absalom is found, totally vulnerable, a simple man whose name is not given, shows mercy where the elevated captain of the army shows none. Who has our admiration? Who acts Godly here? The simple pious man whose name is forgotten in time is to be honored for his act of mercy.
Mercy gives meaning to life.
JUDGES 18
In the chai chapter of Judges, the Danites, having not yet taken their land inheritance in Israel, scout the land and wage war. In their conquest, they discover that there is a Levite who ministers privately in a rich man's home. "Is it better," they say, "to be a priest unto the house of one man or that thou be a priest unto a tribe and a family in Israel?"
The Danites know that God is also found through ritual and symbols and they seek out one who is responsible and knowledgeable. It is through religious ritual that our lives are enhanced.
Ritual gives meaning to life.
KINGS I 18
In the chai chapter of Kings I, Elijah challenges the priests of Baal to call upon the name of their god to see if he will answer them. Elijah mocks them, suggesting that their god is on a journey or asleep. He then calls upon the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob, and the fire of the Lord falls from heaven, consumes the sacrifice, wood, stones, dust and water. The people are in awe and once again believe. Elijah has jeopardized his life once more and his reverence for God has protected him. Ahab, the King, relents and the priests of Baal are vanquished. Elijah triumphs and brings spiritual life back to Israel.
Reverence gives meaning to life.
KINGS II 18
In the chai chapter of Kings II, we are told that Hezekiah of Judah becomes king. He walks in the ways of the Lord and destroys the pagan images left by his predecessors. His faith in God's deliverance was so great that even after Assyria carried Israel into captivity, he was steadfast in his belief that God would protect and defend Judah. Even the people of besieged Jerusalem were silent in the face of Assyrian challenges, believing, like Hezekiah, their King, that faith in the Lord was the key to salvation. Here we are taught that:
Faith gives meaning to life.
CHRONICLES I 18
In the chai chapter of Chronicles I, David overcomes all opposition. With God as his source of strength, he vanquishes the Philistines, the Moabites and the Syrians. From each, he receives gold, silver and brass and all this booty is dedicated to the Lord. Wherever David went, the Lord protected and preserved him. All that David received, he dedicated to God. David's life was dedicated to the service of God and such dedication was the source of creative strength that gave David's life such meaning.
Dedication gives meaning to life.
CHRONICLES II 18
In the chai chapter of Chronicles II, Jehoshaphat, King of Judah and Ahab, King of Israel, consult the prophets as to their success in the coming war with Syria. All the prophets agree that they will be victorious except one, the prophet Micah. Micah says a lying spirit was put into the mouths of the prophets and the Lord has judged against them. Ahab does not like this truth and has the prophet thrown into prison. Later, Ahab dies in battle. Ahab denied the truth and it cost him his life. When truth is not sought out or heeded, destruction follows.
Truth gives meaning to life.
EZEKIEL 18
In the chai chapter of Ezekiel, God reaffirms that all souls belong to Him and sets out the qualities of those souls that shall live.
The people who are just and lawful, who have not lifted up their eyes to idols, have not defiled their neighbors, have not oppressed, have restored to the debtor his pledge, have spoiled none by violence, have given bread to the hungry, have clothed the needy, have not been usurious, have executed judgement between man and women, and have walked in the Lord's statutes shall surely live. If a phrase were to summarize these qualities, it would say:
Virtue gives meaning to life.
PSALM 18
In the chai psalm in the Book of Psalms, David acknowledges God's supreme power. "Salvation comes through the Lord", he says. In the face of overwhelming odds, the Lord heard David's voice and comes to his aid. David claims that he is saved because he has not departed from God's laws, nor has he become iniquitous. God is his shield and his salvation. God's gentleness, mercy, and deliverance will bring salvation to David's seed if. like David, they follow God's statutes. Like David, we must follow God’s laws if we are to find salvation.
Salvation gives meaning to life.
PROVERBS 18
The chai chapter of Proverbs presents life affirming wisdom.
∙ It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
∙ A fool's mouth is his destruction and his lips are the snare of his soul.
∙ The words of the talebearer are as wounds, and they go down to the innermost parts of the belly.
∙ The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous run into it and is safe.
∙ The heart of the prudent get knowledge; and the ear of the wise seek knowledge.
∙ Who so finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtain favor of the Lord.
∙ A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.
Wisdom gives meaning to life.
ISAIAH
In the chai chapter of the Book of Isaiah, an envoy from Ethiopia comes to King Hezekiah expressing their fear of Assyria. Isaiah praises their nobility and assures them that the Lord of hosts will not abandon them and that as an expression of their gratitude, Ethiopia will recognize God’s supreme power and in homage, send envoys with gifts to the Lord whose earthly dwelling-place is Zion.
Gratitude gives meaning to life.
JEREMIAH
In the chai chapter of the Book of Jeremiah, the prophet is commanded to go to the potter’s house and understand that God has the power to do with the people of Israel as the potter does with his clay. At this moment, the nation has sunk into depravity and God exhorts them to change their evil ways and listen unto God’s voice. Jeremiah is instructed to go to the people and tell them that they must transform themselves back into a holy people.
The capacity to transform one’s self gives meaning to life.
Speaker # 5:
We have been commanded by God to choose life. We have been give the Torah as our guide so we will know that which in life is good and that which is not. The messages within our holy writings are there for all to see. Nothing is hidden or reserved for a select group.. We are clearly told what is expected of us and we are given reasonable parameters within which we may act. God does not set us up to fail. We are free to choose our path with the understanding that the choices we make will generate our own rewards and our own punishments. To life! L’Chaim!
THIS SPECIAL “CHAI” SERVICE WAS ORIGINALLY CREATED AND PERFORMED AS PART OF THE SABBATH SERVICE COMMEMORATING THE EIGHTEENTH YEAR OF BETH TORAH IN WILLINGBORO N.J. IN THE EARLY 80'S. IT WAS REDICATED TO CANTOR ANITA HOCHMAN
WHO CELEBRATED HER “CHAI” YEAR AS A SWEET SINGER IN ISRAEL FOR CONGREGATION M’KOR SHALOM, CHERRY HILL, NEW JERSEY IN 1999.
BY LEONARD H. BERMAN
Speaker # 1:
Chai, the word, the combination of the letters He and Yod.
Chai, the eighth and tenth letters of the Hebrew alphabet added together. Chai, the word that meas life.
Chai, the word that continues to summarize the sustaining philosophy of the Jewish people throughout their tragic and glorious history.
Chai— the mystical number eighteen,- the Chai year- the life year, the wonderful year that tells us to pause, review and look ahead.
Speaker # 2:
In this, our eighteenth year of exsistence; our eighteenth year of observing and honoring the law, ritual, values, culture and spirituality of Judaism, we invite all to rejoice with us as we celebrate our responsibility to preserve and perpetuate our heritage. We invite all to rejoice with us in our successful adherence to the Covenant God made with our people. We invite you to rejoice with us in our eighteenth year of upholding the statutes and precepts written in our Bible.
Speaker # 3
As God set before Adam life and death and told him to choose life, so we choose to reaffirm that choice today and rededicate ourselves [and this temple] to the belief that the cup of life is never half empty but always half full. Let this cup, filled beyond the brim, be the symbol of our faith in God and hope for all our tomorrows. (Wine is poured into the Kiddish cup to overflowing.)
Speaker # 4
This evening we shall study our sacred writings in a very special way. We shall consider the number eighteen and we shall seek out the wisdom of the eighteenth chapter in each of our sacred texts. We shall consider the underlying message to us in each of these chapters and we shall conclude what each might say to us about what is to be valued in life. We begin with Genesis.
GENESIS 18
In the chai chapter of Genesis, Abraham and Sarah are promised that new life, a son, shall bless them and that through Abraham's seed, all the nations of the earth shall be blessed. Because of Abraham's special place in God's plan, God reveals his intent to destroy Sodom and Gemorrah. Abraham, because of his sense of righteousness, questions the Lord's actions. Abraham asks the judge of all the earth to do right and not destroy the righteous with the wicked. Abraham's entreaty reaffirms God's choice of this man and God agrees to save the city if ten righteous men could be found living there. The chai chapter of Genesis affirms that where righteousness lives, there is life.
Righteousness gives meaning to life.
(A rose is place in a vase after this statement is read. The same is to be done for all the other readings.)
EXODUS 18
In the chai chapter of Exodus, Moses recognizes that if life is to have quality, there must be a system of justice. With the aid of his father-in-law, Jethro, Moses structures the system of higher and lower courts from which Western Civilization takes its legal structure. He clearly saw that a worthwhile existence without justice dispersed reasonably and honestly, would not endure.
Justice gives meaning too life.
LEVITICUS 18
In the chai chapter of Leviticus, God decrees the ethical standards and moral behaviors which are to become the solid foundation upon which will rest the relationship between man, woman and God. Who may marry whom and what behaviors are an abomination are delineated. Here are set forth the laws which ensure familial harmony. Here are set forth the laws which ensure the blessings on the land. Here are set forth the laws which say:
Family gives meaning to life.
NUMBERS 18
In the chai chapter of Numbers, God clearly sets out the portion and responsibilities of the priests and the Levites. God states that while the others of the house of Israel will have land as their inheritance, the priests and Levites shall have God as their inheritance. While the other tribes have the responsibility of tithing to the Levites, the Levites themselves are a tithe unto the Lord. Spiritual life is ensured when each knows and fulfills his or her own responsibility. Here is set forth the law which says:
Responsibility gives meaning to life.
DEUTERONOMY 18
The chai chapter of Deuteronomy echoes the chai chapter in Numbers. Again, the Levites are reminded that God is their inheritance and that the abominations practiced by those who defiled the land must not be suffered to continue. Here too, the Lord promises a prophet from among the house of Israel, a man like themselves, who will speak the true words of God to them. The truth may be judged by what comes to pass. A man from the people to give Israel hope. Here is the promise that says:
Hope gives meaning to life.
JOSHUA 18
In the chai chapter of Joshua, the leader chastises the seven remaining tribes who have not possessed the land which God has given them. For the new dream to be dreamed, the inheritance must be complete. For the drama ahead to unfold, the land must be possessed. For God's great experiment with mankind to continue, the borders must be defined and held by those who have accepted the Torah and the covenant. If Israel is to be worthy so that all the nations of the earth will be blessed through them as promised, the people must practice righteousness, guarantee justice, accept responsibility and speak truth. This could only come to pass if the Land, Israel, was established as their own. Here it is implied that possessing the land gives meaning to life.
Israel gives meaning to life.
SAMUEL 18
The chai chapter of Samuel I speaks of the love that David and Jonathan bore for each other; a love grew out of mutual admiration and respect for each other and loyalty to Saul. Yet Saul was fearful of David and the malady in Saul's soul caused him to deal treacherously with the young hero. Yet David remained unharmed, nurtured by loving people such as Jonathan and Mi-cha-el, Saul's daughter. Loving affection and support sustained David and gave him strength.
Loving gives meaning to life.
SAMUEL II 18
In the chai chapter of Samuel II, David seeks out his men to do battle with the forces of his son, Absalom. He sends them with the admonition that they are to deal gently with Absalom. Mercy must guide their behavior. When Absalom is found, totally vulnerable, a simple man whose name is not given, shows mercy where the elevated captain of the army shows none. Who has our admiration? Who acts Godly here? The simple pious man whose name is forgotten in time is to be honored for his act of mercy.
Mercy gives meaning to life.
JUDGES 18
In the chai chapter of Judges, the Danites, having not yet taken their land inheritance in Israel, scout the land and wage war. In their conquest, they discover that there is a Levite who ministers privately in a rich man's home. "Is it better," they say, "to be a priest unto the house of one man or that thou be a priest unto a tribe and a family in Israel?"
The Danites know that God is also found through ritual and symbols and they seek out one who is responsible and knowledgeable. It is through religious ritual that our lives are enhanced.
Ritual gives meaning to life.
KINGS I 18
In the chai chapter of Kings I, Elijah challenges the priests of Baal to call upon the name of their god to see if he will answer them. Elijah mocks them, suggesting that their god is on a journey or asleep. He then calls upon the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob, and the fire of the Lord falls from heaven, consumes the sacrifice, wood, stones, dust and water. The people are in awe and once again believe. Elijah has jeopardized his life once more and his reverence for God has protected him. Ahab, the King, relents and the priests of Baal are vanquished. Elijah triumphs and brings spiritual life back to Israel.
Reverence gives meaning to life.
KINGS II 18
In the chai chapter of Kings II, we are told that Hezekiah of Judah becomes king. He walks in the ways of the Lord and destroys the pagan images left by his predecessors. His faith in God's deliverance was so great that even after Assyria carried Israel into captivity, he was steadfast in his belief that God would protect and defend Judah. Even the people of besieged Jerusalem were silent in the face of Assyrian challenges, believing, like Hezekiah, their King, that faith in the Lord was the key to salvation. Here we are taught that:
Faith gives meaning to life.
CHRONICLES I 18
In the chai chapter of Chronicles I, David overcomes all opposition. With God as his source of strength, he vanquishes the Philistines, the Moabites and the Syrians. From each, he receives gold, silver and brass and all this booty is dedicated to the Lord. Wherever David went, the Lord protected and preserved him. All that David received, he dedicated to God. David's life was dedicated to the service of God and such dedication was the source of creative strength that gave David's life such meaning.
Dedication gives meaning to life.
CHRONICLES II 18
In the chai chapter of Chronicles II, Jehoshaphat, King of Judah and Ahab, King of Israel, consult the prophets as to their success in the coming war with Syria. All the prophets agree that they will be victorious except one, the prophet Micah. Micah says a lying spirit was put into the mouths of the prophets and the Lord has judged against them. Ahab does not like this truth and has the prophet thrown into prison. Later, Ahab dies in battle. Ahab denied the truth and it cost him his life. When truth is not sought out or heeded, destruction follows.
Truth gives meaning to life.
EZEKIEL 18
In the chai chapter of Ezekiel, God reaffirms that all souls belong to Him and sets out the qualities of those souls that shall live.
The people who are just and lawful, who have not lifted up their eyes to idols, have not defiled their neighbors, have not oppressed, have restored to the debtor his pledge, have spoiled none by violence, have given bread to the hungry, have clothed the needy, have not been usurious, have executed judgement between man and women, and have walked in the Lord's statutes shall surely live. If a phrase were to summarize these qualities, it would say:
Virtue gives meaning to life.
PSALM 18
In the chai psalm in the Book of Psalms, David acknowledges God's supreme power. "Salvation comes through the Lord", he says. In the face of overwhelming odds, the Lord heard David's voice and comes to his aid. David claims that he is saved because he has not departed from God's laws, nor has he become iniquitous. God is his shield and his salvation. God's gentleness, mercy, and deliverance will bring salvation to David's seed if. like David, they follow God's statutes. Like David, we must follow God’s laws if we are to find salvation.
Salvation gives meaning to life.
PROVERBS 18
The chai chapter of Proverbs presents life affirming wisdom.
∙ It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
∙ A fool's mouth is his destruction and his lips are the snare of his soul.
∙ The words of the talebearer are as wounds, and they go down to the innermost parts of the belly.
∙ The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous run into it and is safe.
∙ The heart of the prudent get knowledge; and the ear of the wise seek knowledge.
∙ Who so finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtain favor of the Lord.
∙ A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.
Wisdom gives meaning to life.
ISAIAH
In the chai chapter of the Book of Isaiah, an envoy from Ethiopia comes to King Hezekiah expressing their fear of Assyria. Isaiah praises their nobility and assures them that the Lord of hosts will not abandon them and that as an expression of their gratitude, Ethiopia will recognize God’s supreme power and in homage, send envoys with gifts to the Lord whose earthly dwelling-place is Zion.
Gratitude gives meaning to life.
JEREMIAH
In the chai chapter of the Book of Jeremiah, the prophet is commanded to go to the potter’s house and understand that God has the power to do with the people of Israel as the potter does with his clay. At this moment, the nation has sunk into depravity and God exhorts them to change their evil ways and listen unto God’s voice. Jeremiah is instructed to go to the people and tell them that they must transform themselves back into a holy people.
The capacity to transform one’s self gives meaning to life.
Speaker # 5:
We have been commanded by God to choose life. We have been give the Torah as our guide so we will know that which in life is good and that which is not. The messages within our holy writings are there for all to see. Nothing is hidden or reserved for a select group.. We are clearly told what is expected of us and we are given reasonable parameters within which we may act. God does not set us up to fail. We are free to choose our path with the understanding that the choices we make will generate our own rewards and our own punishments. To life! L’Chaim!
THIS SPECIAL “CHAI” SERVICE WAS ORIGINALLY CREATED AND PERFORMED AS PART OF THE SABBATH SERVICE COMMEMORATING THE EIGHTEENTH YEAR OF BETH TORAH IN WILLINGBORO N.J. IN THE EARLY 80'S. IT WAS REDICATED TO CANTOR ANITA HOCHMAN
WHO CELEBRATED HER “CHAI” YEAR AS A SWEET SINGER IN ISRAEL FOR CONGREGATION M’KOR SHALOM, CHERRY HILL, NEW JERSEY IN 1999.