It’s been a week since my last post. You might think I’ve been lazy. Or maybe you think I got busy and then tired out from Simchat Torah and Shemini Atzeret, which fell during this past week. You might think I was remiss not to mention the holidays or write about them. In fact, I was […]
I (We) Begin Again…In the Beginning Read More »
Sukkot began on Friday night. I’ve been disabled…recovering from knee surgery that occurred on Tuesday right after Yom Kippur…and unable to go to Sukkot services. (That’s also why I’ve been quiet here on the blog.) Jews go into the Sukkah, a temporary hut, once a year and perform the mitzvah, or commandment, of shaking and
The Symbolism of the Lulav and Why Anyone Should Consider Shaking One Read More »
I graduated from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communication. I still remember one of the first lessons I learned there: Communication-real communication-requires a broadcaster or transmitter and a receiver. In other words, someone has to speak and someone has to listen. Today, on the eight Day of Awe, with Yom Kippur just a
Eighth Day of Awe: Communication Read More »
Today, we – I – turn inward to examine a different type of sin: sins committed against ourselves. Have we taken care of our bodies? Have we taken time to rest? Have we allowed ourselves time for friends and for connecting with God? Have we allowed ourselves to enjoy life? Or have we spent all
Second Day of Awe: Sins Against Yourself Read More »
As Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year came to a close on Saturday evening, the Days of Awe began. They lead us right up to the holiest day of the year, Yom Kippur, the Day of Repentance. During this time we are told to turn inward and reflect upon our words and deeds over the
First Day of Awe: Sins Against Other People Read More »
As Jews all around the world prepare for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, astrologers are watching as the new moon rises and six planets align in Virgo. What does this mean to us? It means that not only are we entering into the most holy 10 days of the Jewish year, a time of introspection,
A Time of Awe:Rosh Hashanah, a New Moon and Planets in Virgo Read More »
Tisha B’Av, the saddest day in the Jewish calendar, begins tonight. The Mishna says that five disasters occurred on this date, including the destruction of the First and Second Temples. The Rabbis who lived during the time of the destruction of the Second Temple were, understandably, preoccupied with the causes of these calamities. In one well-known source they tell
Using Tisha B'Av as Inspiration to Become a Change Agent Read More »
Today, the 17th of Tammuz on the Jewish calendar, marks the anniversary of many terribly events.  The first of these came when Moses smashed the first set of tablets he obtained atop Mt. Sinai after he found the Israelites worshiping the Golden Calf. Then, on the same date, the Babylonians entered Jerusalem in 586 B.C.E. The
Why Do Bad Things Happen on the 17th of Tammuz? Read More »
The holiday of Shavuot begins this year on the evening of May 28th. I started thinking about the holiday, it’s meaning and how to celebrate it more meaningfully when I saw a photo of my old rabbi from Congregation Etz Chaim in Lomard, Il, dressed as Moses and holding a staff and the tablets with
This Shavuot, Give Your Torah Read More »
Jews in Israel and around the world will celebrate Israel’s Independence Day, Yom Ha’Atzmaut, this coming Wednesday. April 29. I once wrote an essay on how to make this holiday not just a secular observance but a spiritual one – a subject right up my alley. It was published in Sh’ma‘s bi-annual anthology published (Living Words
Four-World's Approach to Yom Ha'Atzmaut Read More »
On the spring Jewish holiday of Passover, Jews all over the world ask questions. Traditionally, we ask just four questions, and we are supplied with answers either in the Haggadah, the prayer book used during the seder, or home service conducted on Passover, or by participants at the seder. The questions – and the answers
Passover Questions…Ask More Than Four Read More »
The Purim story has so many layers and themes, but one of them always stands out for me: God’s hand in the events. Have you ever wondered why you ended up in a certain place at a certain time? You’re there and suddenly something amazing happens. You go somewhere or do something, and some synchronistic
The Hand of God in our Lives on Purim and Everyday Read More »
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