Inspired by teachings from Amichai Lau-Lauvie and Sara Wolkenfeld May I stand filled with yirah (awe so powerful it has me momentarily silenced) as Yom Kippur’s final shofar sounds, just as my ancestors did at Mount Sinai. Yet, may the silence and stillness be momentary; may the sight of the ram’s horn not shock me […]
We All Are Standing Here.. Now What Will You Do?
“You are (all) standing here today; all of you; in front of Adonai, your G-d.” So begins this week’s parsha, Nitzavim. In chapter 29, verses 9 & 10, Moses reminds us that each one of us, no matter our work, our income, our age, or our level of involvement in the community stands, today and […]
‘Tis the Season of Transitions
September is a time of transition. So, too, is this Hebrew month of Elul. We watch children begin or return to school or take a next career or life step. No matter their age or stage of life, we hope that our children have the skills and confidence to comfortably face the content and the […]
When We Go Out
We carefully get dressed for work and then, when we go out the door we find that the snowplow filled our driveway. By the time we dig out and get to the office we are wet and bedraggled. Looking out our 12th story window the scene looks pristine and quiet, yet when we get to […]
Let Us See Peace on Earth
“See, I am putting before you today a blessing and a curse.” So begins Parshat R’eh (Deut. 11:26) In this opening line, our ancestors, and we, are reminded, individually and collectively, we have choices and power. We can weigh the opportunities before us and choose our path. Each one of us can consciously make a […]
May There Come a Time
Earlier this week the Jewish people observed Tisha B’Av, the day of communal mourning for the many periods of destruction and losses of our collective past. This year the day was especially poignant as we watched our Homeland engaged in a fight for the safety of its citizens as well as citizens fighting for their […]
Will Your Words Hurt or Heal?
This week we enter the final book of Torah – Devarim (words). Its name, which is also the name of this week’s parsha, refers to the many words that Moses will share with the next generation of Israelites in his final speech, doing his best to prepare them to remember and live all they have […]
The Leaders We Need
I have always struggled with Parshat Pinchas. I believe that those who are our leaders should be thoughtful, not reactive. I believe in elevating those who have proven themselves as individuals who work for the good of all. I have never supported moving anyone “up the professional ladder” to get them out of the way […]
Will We Ever Learn?
As I watched the news of this week unfold my heart became increasingly heavy. Kidnappings, murders, shellings, and calls for revenge have left me speechless and pained. Usually when I read Parshat Balak I focus on the beautiful words that the wizard Bilaam sang from the edge of a cliff, showering blessings upon the people […]
Understanding the Conundrum
Much happens in Parshat Chukat, Miriam dies. Moses, still grieving for his sister and stressing under his long held burden of leading a quarrelsome, complaining group, hits the rock instead of ordering it to bring forth water as G-d had commanded, and though water rushes forth, he is told he will not enter the Promised […]
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