9/11...A Day to Remember and Serve

Today we mark 8 years since the tragic events of September 11, 2001. We recall where we were on that horrific day and reflect on how we and our country have changed since then. This year, for the first time, we are called to make 9/11 a national day of service. This has caused much discussion and controversy. Truthfully, my feelings are mixed.

Critics of a national day of service on 9/11 believe that it cheapens the memory of those who died, or were injured, while advocates state that we honor their memory by serving our fellow Americans and humanity. In reflecting on this point, I thought of the two versions of the 4th Commandment in the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy. We are told to "Remember" and "Observe" the Sabbath and then are given two different reasons...God ceased from his work of creation on the 7th day and we were slaves in Egypt. Perhaps Torah offers some insight into how we should treat the 8th anniversary of 9/11 and those to follow.

I empathize with those who say that making 9/11 a day of service dishonors the victims of that day. We wouldn't make Yom HaShoah, or Pearl Harbor Day a national day of service. It should be a day of rememberance and reflection. More importantly, we should keep the memories of those events fresh in our mind, less we lose sight of the evil that still exists in this world and the threat it poses to us and our country.

But I also believe that we should use those memories as motivation to improve the world. This is the concept of tikkun that we've spoken so much about. Service to our fellow citizens and humanity is a way to do just that.

So let's make it a two part mitzvah, or commandment like that of Shabbat. On 9/11, let's remember and honor the victims of those tragic events and reflect on where we've come as individuals and a country since then. And then on 9/12, let us pledge to serve humanity and the world as a way to make it better for current and future generations. This way, we bring all together in the same united spirit that we saw in the days after September 11, 2001.

It's just a thought. I'd like to hear yours.

Until next time....

Shmuel