(A) Introduce self (B) As we gather here to memorialize dear departed relatives and reverence their memories, we do so in a spirit of joy and thanksgiving. (1) As Americans - first messages of Peace wafted towards us on the gentle breezes of oncoming Spring. We thank G-d for that. (2) As Jews - reversal of Russian anti-semitism, first ray of light in what threatened to be horrible nightmare. We thank G-d for that. (3) As Individuals - lived to enjoy another holiday. We thank G-d for that. (4) As Sons and Daughters - come here to pay our respects and devotions to the Sanctuary of Faith and Devotion in which our parents ministered, we do so also in a spirit of thanksgiving. If there be a tear, it is not the tear of misery, rather the tear of mellow happiness and exalted sentiment. For Yizkor is not a Death-Service. It is affirmation that Life continues beyond the Grave, that as long as the children live and as long as they worship the same G-d, so long do the parents partake of Life Eternal. When we say UTEHAI NISHMASAM TSERURAH BI'TSROR HA'CHAYIM, May their souls be bound up in the bond of Life, it is our expression of Faith that in joy and happiness, their heart can rob the grave of its victory, and the soul can rob Death of its sting. As long as we live and remember, they live. We thank G-d for that.

C. How are we going to express these thanks? Are mere words sufficient? King David asked that question in Hallel: MAH ASHIV LASHEM KOL TAGMULOTEI ALAI, How can I repay the Lord for all his benefits towards me? Three answers.

1. KOS YESHUA ESSA. I will lift the cup of salvation. Celebrate. Kiddush. L'CHAYIM. Express happiness in the usual way. Alright, we do so frequently in this synagogue too. But there must be more than that.
2. UVISHEIM HASHEM EKRA, I will call upon the Name of the Lord. Prayer, Study, Education. WSJC invites you to do so—all year, for three times a year is far from enough. Shul open every day. Hebrew School, Senior League (gym, lecture hall) & others contemplated. Tuesday Evening Forum Series. Adult Education Institute. We invite you to thank G-d by "calling upon the Name of the Lord" in our Center & with us. But to do this, a Center must have wherewithal to exist—and that’s the third, most important:
3. NDARAI LA'SHEM ASHALEM NEGDAH NA LECHAL AMI, I will pay my vows unto the Lord in the presence of all his people. Now, in this assembly of the People of G-d, let us, each in the sacred silence of his own heart, decide upon a substantial vow, one which will go far enough in supporting this great structure where thousands thank the Lord and study His word. In the memory of those dear ones whose company G-d gave us to enjoy, to benefit from their experience, and to share in their loves and joys and sorrows, let us say NDARAI LA'SHEM ASHALEM, I will pay my vows.

My dear friends, for YOUR sake, come and be with us all year. But at least, for G-D’S sake, help us maintain this edifice.

(if time—story of 8-year-old boy. What lives cost money)

D. This synagogue has come a long way from the time collected money in. We shall go a step further this year—not ask, announce pledges. This Rabbi has sufficient confidence in the sympathetic understanding of his fellow-Jews to know that they will respond with open hearts without being forced against the wall. This Rabbi maintains that this Synagogue is not a religious speak-easy, and therefore has great trust in those here assembled that their self-respect and innate honesty and decency will guide them and lead them to do what is right by them, by us, and by G-d.