Synagogue Sermon
American Jewry Stands Before the Jury of History: a Tercentenary Sermon (1954)
This year Jews through the length and breadth of America will celebrate the 300th anniversary of the landing of the first Jews on American soil. And this Saturday we of Kodimoh, as all Jews of Forest Park, devote to that theme – the Tercentenary. It is an occasion for happiness, pride and rejoicing. But aside from the sense of celebration, we American Jews must and will indulge in the ancient Jewish sport of self-analysis and self-criticism. The eight-month period is not going to be, nor should it be allowed to become, a birthday party with a lot of singing, guest speaker, a cake with candles and a rousing “Happy Birthday." The occasion is too solemn for that. For we must now undergo a collective cheshbon ha’nefesh. And perhaps, upon reflection, we will find that there is much to be desired, and that we must revise our thinking about American Jewry. In the words of contemporary American diplomacy, we may have to experience an “agonizing reappraisal." When, as we read in this morning’s portion, Israel was about ready to enter its promised land, when it had completed its monumental sojourn in the desert and was prepared to reaffirm its covenant with G-d, G-d made sure to make them aware of the fact that they were now in the historical spotlight. Atem nitzavim ha’yom, you are now standing this day, each and every one of you, before the appraising eyes of G-d and before the jury of history. And one might say that the same command is applicable to American Jewry today: you stand before the jury of generations, on this day you are to be judged and evaluated – be ready for the task, nay, for the ordeal. And who are we to judge our people – whether then or now? The massorah, Tradition, plays upon the word atem – “you” – sensing that in this word G-d orders a self-appraisal to His people. And the massorah connects it with three other verses which begin with that provocative, almost accusative, atem. Tradition tells us, as it were, that when atem nitzavim, when a people stan…
