L'dor Vador
(Published in The Outreach, January 2004)
The Outreach is the newsletter of Valley Outreach Synagogue, Reseda, California
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The concept expressed by the Hebrew phrase, L'dor Vador, which appears in the text of the Kedushah, or Sanctification portion of
our service is a profound one. It speaks of continuity. In the prayer we announce our endless praise for the Source of our blessings.
We proclaim that we, as the Jewish people and as individuals are eternally grateful for the miracles of our world. Not only is our own praise
endless, but its source is drawn from hundreds of generations before us and, God willing, will endure in all ages henceforward. Regardless of
our acceptance or understanding of God, as Jews, our tradition asks that we live in awe.
The phrase L'dor Vador is often used outside the prayer book in Jewish life as well. It is emblazoned on the walls of synagogues and
quoted in life cycle ceremonies. Indeed, both the synagogue’s presence and the events within it represent Jewish endurance.
There have been numerous occasions wherein I have had the privilege of performing Bar and Bat Mitzvah services for grandchildren of
Holocaust survivors. On these days, I become even more aware of the tenuous link between the generations of the Jewish people and of the
miraculous nature of our survival. As the Torah scroll is passed from the arms of the grandparents to the parents and ultimately to the
child, L'dor Vador is spelled out before our eyes. Despite the countless times in our history when the Torah was ripped from our grasp
and hurtled to the ground, this Tree of Life still bears fruit and we who cling to it find peace.
Hoping that the year 2004 will bring health and peace to your lives,
Cantor Ron Li-Paz
