It is considered as one of the ten tests that G-d imposed upon our forbear Abraham, that he was told "Lech Lichu" - Go and change your venue. It is hard to leave a birthplace; there, one is acclimated and feels safe. The familiar in life makes us feel at home and we want to hold on to it and not let go. But growth often requires that we transcend the comfortable and travel into new challenges. This was the experience of Abraham and this too became the experience of Jews in every age.

Had we Jews remained static and not wandering, it is doubtful that we could have survived to this age. Changing homes, lands, countries and continents was painful. Even changing our habitation when we do so, out of desire, and not because we are forced into it, is not an easy experience. It causes us to miss friends and family as, indeed, when we make Aliyah to Israel. But, it is the greatness and survival strength of our People that we have risen to the occasion and overcome the hardships over and over again. In each situation we grew as a people and we achieved greatness in the world.

For many of us in the Monsey Jewish Center, there is pain in leaving the home that we built and the community that we nurtured for four decades. We have imprinted much good value upon this Communty that will be lasting for many years to come. Here, we have raised generations of children who are raising their families all over the world with the teachings of the MJC world in which they were nurtured. We have exemplified a particular "Hashkafa" - a vision of what Judaism is meant to be. We are the bridge between various Jewish worlds who looked to us for leadership and an expression of values. We are a Synagogue that represents Jewish Sincerity and love of Torah, but also the love and respect that each individual deserves. And, we have shown ourselves to be caring to each other.

Now, with some pain, as with Abraham, we must leave this home and build a new habitation. Let it be to our eternal credit, that we will carry the values of the past with us and we will use that foundation to build a new home in which to plant Torah. May the words of G-d addressed to Abraham follow us - "Va-vu-re-chechu" "And I will Bless You", "Va-ah-gad-lu Shimechu" "And I will make your name Great", "Ve-he-yay Be-ru-chu" "And you will be a blessing to others" for many years to come.

We are fortunate in being able to make this move with the means and the values that can perpetuate the Congregation into a long and fruitful future. Now it is up to you, the Congregation, to continue in the spirit of unity and faith to proudly build a home of Torah and Learning; an exemplary center of inspiration for Rockland County and the Jewish World.

In the words of our Shabbat Prayer, "May G-d bless those who dedicate Synagogues for worship and those who enter therein to pray and all who are involved faithfully in the needs of the Community. May the Holy one pay their reward and remove from them every affliction and send blessing and success to all their handiwork along with all Israel their brethren".

My fellow MJC family, "Chazak Ve-emutz" "Be strong and of good Courage" and G-d will be with us and lead us to greater heights.

Rabbi David H. Chanofsky

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