Long before Bobbie McFerrin told us “don’t worry; be happy,” the Mishnah told us “Be Happy; It’s Adar!” Young and old are encouraged to plan fun costumes and to be ready to make noise as together we recall the story of the Book of Esther, drowning out the name of the wicked prime minister Haman. […]
Taking Time to Find G-d
In William Golding’s The Lord of the Flies, a group of young boys land on a desert island without any adults to guide them. They are left to fend for themselves in the wilderness. Still at an age where others had controlled their daily routines and actions, the boys find it difficult to find ways […]
It Takes Helping Hands to Build a Community
When G-d asked Moses to invite very member of the community to bring gifts to help build the Mishkan in the wilderness, a model for community engagement began. Inviting everyone to give what they could and to contribute their talents as well as their “stuff” allowed everyone to take ownership in the community’s central gathering […]
Are You What You Wear?
The well-known phrase “you are what you eat” reminds us that our appearance, our health, and even our overall attitude can be a reflection of which and how much food we choose to consume each day. It is a relatively new phrase, for generations ago food was viewed as a source of survival and/or pleasure, […]
Give With Heart
This portion, Terumah, begins with God telling Moses to ask the people for gifts, or offerings (terumah) to build the tabernacle. Moses is told to accept gifts from everyone who gives one willingly; all who give with heart. This is very different from giving tzedakah. We are commanded to give tzedakah – we are invited […]
Do More; Speak Less
This week’s parsha, Mishpatim (rules/statutes), is aptly named. We are reminded of the details of day to day life – how to interact with others in ways that fairly respect property and individual rights. The parsha provides the Israelites with a communal code that applies regardless of one’s societal position and serves to remind us […]
May Our Eyes See Opportunities
As the Israelites stood on the shore of the Sea of Reeds and realized they had escaped safely from the grip of the Pharaoh and his soldiers they were filled with happiness, joy, relief, amazement, and gratitude. Their feelings are expressed in Shirat HaYam – the Song of the Sea that begins chapter 15 of […]
The Responsibility of Freedom
Locusts, darkness, death of the first born… This week we witness the final plagues and their impact on the Egyptian and Israelite people. We witness G-d’s willingness to make difficult choices and to purposely harm some people to let others take steps to freedom. Parshat Bo demonstrates that our ancestors were definitely not in The […]
Healthy Hearts Lead to Healthy Community
This week Torah takes us back to Egypt at the start of the plagues. We watch the water of the Nile turn to blood; frogs fill the land; lice and insect swarms attack the people; an epidemic kills the livestock; the people’s infected insect bites turn to boils, and thunder and lightning fill the skies […]
Being Where Everybody Knows Your Name
Making your way in the world today takes everything you’ve got. Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot. Wouldn’t you like to get away? Sometimes you want to go Where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came. You wanna be where you can see, our troubles are […]
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