Walk the Line
I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you’re mine, I walk the line
I find it very, very easy to be true
I find myself alone when each day is through
Yes, I’ll admit that I’m a fool for you
Because you’re mine, I walk the line
As sure as night is dark and day is light
I keep you on my mind both day and night
And happiness I’ve known proves that it’s right
Because you’re mine, I walk the line
You’ve got a way to keep me on your side
You give me cause for love that I can’t hide
For you I know I’d even try to turn the tide
Because you’re mine, I walk the line
I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you’re mine, I walk the line
A great song, a poem, a psalm or a prayer touches us when we can personalize and internalize the words of the author or composer. You have likely heard the recording that Johnny Cash made of this song which he wrote, promising to be faithful to his first wife Vivian. Johnny Cash later married June Carter.
It is a great song with a message of love that can inspire us during confusing times. Johnny Cash was blessed and tormented, as he dealt with temptation and sorrow, sharing his gifts with world. The meaning you glean from this song can reflect your personal journey of faithfulness and how challenging it can be to pray during the most difficult time that I pray we will ever know.
Right now the line that we walk is filled with risks that can be best overcome with diligence and the adherence to what we know to be appropriate precautions. Oh, how wonderful it would be to be able to gather freely in the synagogue and sing V’shmru B’nai Yisrael et haShabbat to God and to each other! We must walk the line.
Does this mean that we must hibernate, stop being the loving, engaging, socially exciting congregation that we are? Does that mean that we cannot celebrate our holidays with joy and fervor? Certainly B’nai Tikvah can continue to be a light, just from a little safe distance.
Think about it, we were able to hear the sound of the shofar safely, whether it was over our multiple streaming options and either distanced but in-person in our parking lot or at the banks of Oakeys Brook during Tashlich. We can celebrate as long as we walk the line.
Truthfully, I do not yet know how we are going to do it, but when we will celebrate the end of our holiday season with Simchat Torah, on Saturday Night and Sunday, October 10th and 11th, we will see each other and dance with our Torahs. STAY TUNED FOR DETAILS.
During difficult times some people turn to God for strength others feel that they have been forgotten. Thanks to the warmth and caring of our congregation I hope that you can feel the light in the shadows and that you can embrace your blessings. Please remember that you are not alone, we care, your family cares and God certainly cares for us.
Let’s keep doing good stuff together for each other and let’s walk the line.
Worship the Lord with Joy and Gladness,
Cantor Bruce Rockman
Sukkot 5781-October 2020