Lately, I've been thinking about the 1976 film Voyage of the Damned. Perhaps you have seen it. The movie is a fictionalized account of the 1939 sailing of the MS St. Louis from Hamburg to Cuba with a passenger list of over 900 Jews. Only the ship is refused entry to Cuba and, then, the U.S. also turns the ship away. Forced to head back to Germany, some European nations take some of the Jewish passengers, but only those who made it to England were able to totally escape the coming tide of Nazis across Europe. I may not remember this quote exactly, but the most chilling words of the movie are when a Nazi officer on board says: "When the whole world has refused to accept them as refugees, no country can blame Germany for the fate of the Jews."

In a few days we will begin our observance of Rosh Hashanah. Although this is a solemn occasion as we embark on the Days of Awe, it is also a time that is associated with the Creation story, a time to celebrate the place of humanity in the world. From the time of Adam and Eve we are taught that humanity has a responsibility to protect God's Creation, including those who inhabit it.

Unfortunately, our world is not a safe place for many of its citizens. People are fleeing persecution in unprecedented numbers. As Jews, we understand all too well what it means to be refugees who are unable to find a safe harbor. As we enter the year 5776, may we do all that we can to ensure that all refugees can find a place where they are welcome.

Shabbat Shalom and Shana Tova Umetuka.