Sept 4, 2026 – Nitzavim-Vayeilech

Bard of the Bluegrass

Kentucky is known throughout the country for bourbon, basketball and bluegrass. But we Kentuckians know there is an equally important fourth “B” that makes our commonwealth special — our books. Our writers might not be as well-known as our greatest boxer, wealthiest business founder, longest-serving officeholder or winningest coach, but what they have contributed to Kentucky, our nation and our world is every bit as significant. Through a life devoted to letters, Wendell Berry leaves behind a body of work that will not be forgotten. It is poetically fitting that in a week when our Torah portion, Nitzavim-Vayeilech, prepares us for the death of Moses, we are forced to bid farewell to the Bard of the Bluegrass, The Poet of Port Royal, The Laureate in Chief of Limestone literature.

No less than three of Berry’s poems appear in our High Holy Days prayer book. Rabbis and Jewish writers around the world are mourning his death. Two nights ago, at Central Baptist Church, his daughter, Mary Berry, read his 9/11 essay, “In the Presence of Fear,” to a gathering of every faith, race and political persuasion found in our city, where he studied agriculture, taught writing, raised a family and went to church. He wrote of his love of the land, concern for the planet, dismay at our destructiveness and passion for purpose.

Like Moses before him, there were many who dismissed Berry as harsh and cranky, an outraged and out-of-touch dreamer refusing to accept reality. And like Moses before him, there were many who cherished his words, believed in his message and valued his leadership. What he warned us about has come to pass. What he urged us to take greater notice of is suffering from neglect. What he told us to be weary of is taking ever greater hold of our lives. Like Moses, he reminded us that we are not stupid, feeble and helpless. The capacity to meet our challenges is among our greatest gifts. “It is near to you and in your hearts that you may do it.” We are not doomed and we need not despair.

It is worth pointing out that our Torah portion draws to an end with the words: “Moses wrote this down in a poem.” A poet’s words are more than something we memorize or mention when the mood strikes us. They nest in our conscience and root in our soul. We can no more rid ourselves of them then we could choose to keep breathing. The life of Wendell Berry, like that of Moses, is now relegated to the past. The legacy of our beloved Limestone Laureate lives on. May his memory be a blessing.

Please bring a favorite Wendell Berry poem or two with you to services and sign up to read it during oneg (social time) after our worship is completed.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi David Wirtschafter