Today President Lyndon Johnson officially signed into law which created the Medicare program. Written as an amendment to Social Security to provide medical care to Americans over the age of 65, the specifics of Medicare coverage have changed over the years as well as its surrounding controversy. According to Robert Ball, one Medicare’s creators, the intent of its designers was “a first step toward universal coverage” but settled for something less ambitious and thus more politically viable. The elderly were an ideal group for a government program due to their difficulties in obtaining private health insurance in the open market, and eventually the law was passed. In recent years the topic of government controlled health care has become one of the most controversial and politically divisive to the point where demonstrations have turned violent, ironically causing physical injury. While new healthcare legislation was recently passed, the debate will no doubt continue for years to come. Hopefully future debates will be carried out with the dignity and respect for humanity which Medicare originally sought to provide. Ball, Robert M. (Winter 1995). “Perspectives On Medicare: What Medicare’s Architects Had In Mind”. Health Affairs 14 (4): 62–72. http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/reprint/14/4/62.pdf Shabbat Shalom! Rabbi Josh Yuter
Rabbi’s Corner – Comfort Food for Thought Edition
Dear Friends,
The Shabbat after Tisha B’av is called “Nachamu” or “consolation” named for the haftara. The first words of the haftara are often translated as “comfort ye, comfort ye my people” which itself assumes an interesting connection between being “comforted” and being “consoled.”
While the two words are certainly synonymous, the word “comfort” also implies a soothing of a physical nature, or alternatively, while consolation is limited to the amelioration of negative feelings, comfort may also connote the instilling of positive feelings as well.
I suggest that these two terms represent equally plausible reactions one may have in the wake of the temple’s destruction. For some the best one can hope for immediately after experiencing a loss is consolation – the ability to pick up the pieces and continue with one’s routine. Others with a different disposition may in fact be able to accept comfort to the point where they are not only surviving, but thriving.
In either case, this week have the unique honor to have God himself offering words of nechama. May we merit the capacity to be consoled or comforted to the degree in which it is needed.
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Josh Yuter
Monday July 19th
Tuesday July 20th
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