Gates of Prayer, Metairie, LA - Weekly Newsletter

Dear "Who Dat Nation,"

     We won! We won! I am writing this message prior to the Super Bowl, but regardless of the final score, I feel confident in saying that we, all of us living in Greater New Orleans, have won and our beloved Saints have contributed to that victory. Their success this year is both inspirational and exemplary.
     The Saints remind us of "the little engine that could." Year after year we patiently and not so patiently waited for them to make it to the top of the hill. This year they reached the summit and regardless of whether they won or not, they provide hope for all who have dreams. Using Talmudic logic, if the Saints can make the Super Bowl, then anything is possible.
     Much has been made of the fact that they reflect the recent history of New Orleans and its ongoing recovery from Hurricane Katrina. Crime has not ceased; poverty and homelessness still haunt the community; blight is all around. Recovery is not complete, but much has been accomplished: schools are improving; streets are being repaved; new housing dots the landscape, including improved public housing; new business construction is evident; the so-called medical/ bio-tech development is closer to becoming a reality and a new mayor will soon take office. Recovery is not complete, but it is further along. As we learned from our love affair with the Saints, patience continues to be needed.
     This year's football victories have been highlighted with names like Brees, Bush, Colston, Vilma and Sharper. But there are more than 53 players who contributed to success. Each offensive touchdown entailed 11 players working together. Each defensive stop required 11 players coordinating their action. In football as in life, we all need each other. When we pause to appreciate and respect that reality, we can accomplish great feats.
     On multiple occasions in this week's Torah portion and elsewhere in Torah, we read: "You shall not oppress the stranger, for you know the feelings of the stranger, having been strangers in the land of Egypt." Let us enjoy these moments of gridiron success, but not lord it over others. Celebrate, don't denigrate.
     New Orleans has always approached its football team with a certain amount of religious reverence. After all they are called, the "Saints." Over the years billboards, bumper stickers and tee shirts proclaimed: "Keep the Faith" and "Bless You Boys." With the Super Bowl behind us, we can give thanks for the joy that this season provided, learn from its highs and lows and truly feel regardless of the final score that we have won. Then again, as in life, once the season is over, we know there will be another to follow.

L'shalom,
Rabbi Robert H. Loewy

P.S. The game is now over. Victory is ours and it feels great.