Our tradition teaches that we are each endowed with three “levels” of the soul. The deepest, innermost level is the neshama – the spark or ember deep inside – that is given by G-d. It is the neshama that we speak of in Hebrew in the liturgy when we recite, “The soul that you have […]
We Need Both Views
I love Parshat Balak. How can one not enjoy a moment of comic relief – and the tale of a talking donkey!? OK, I will date myself and admit that I did enjoy re-runs of Mr. Ed when I was growing up. Yet, beyond the comedy there is much seriousness, and much we can learn. […]
The Sacred Act of Schlepping
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, and though water rushes forth, he is told he will not enter the Promised Land. Later, Aaron dies […]
Step into the Midst
This week’s parsha begins with a “showdown at the Wilderness Corral” as a group of leaders led by Korach, Dathan, and Abriram publicly challenge Moses and Aaron’s leadership. Gathering 250 family community leaders around them, the three question why Moses and Aaron should hold all of the power when the entire community was identified as […]
He Who Shouts the Loudest is Not Always Right
In this week’s Parshat Sh’lach L’cha, Moses is told to select a leader from each tribe and to charge them to move forward to scout out the land of Canaan ahead of the arrival of the multitude of Israelites. As the tale unfolds we learn that the scouts unanimously report that they found a land […]
Saying Goodbye
During my first year as director, we had a staff meeting where an outside consultant brought a deck of cards, each with an inspirational message or intention. I selected a card with a simple message: “Expect the Best.” This card has remained on my office bulletin board for seven years, providing me with a focus, […]
Leaning In
This week the JCC Nursery School book club read excerpts from Sheryl Sandberg’s much discussed book Lean In. Sandberg, who is COO of Facebook, argues that women unintentionally hold themselves back in their careers and encourages women to “sit at the table,” seek challenges, take risks, and pursue their goals. Sandberg’s book has elicited a […]
First Fruits
It has been a choppy week but I hope that some of you had the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather while we were off. I appreciated the sunshine, a picnic in the park with friends and family, and saying Kaddish at synagogue, one of three times a year when we join as a community […]
Blessing Our Children
Have you ever had a week where it feels like you barely skid into the finish line? This was that sort of week for me. A week packed with work, with family, with laundry, with meetings, and with too much rain! But as I begin to write this newsletter on Thursday night I begin to […]
Preparing For Endings
Earlier this week, a parent remarked, “this is your last kesher meeting.” I immediately felt my stomach turn and throat clench as I realized that we were moving into that season of “lasts.” Inevitably, as something comes to an end we begin to count down — the last Shabbat celebration, a last PA meeting, a […]
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