Candlelight. It’s magical, romantic, spiritual, and useful. But there’s more to the light of candles than might meet the eye. I’m always reminded of this in the winter. Candles are central to the celebration of many winter holidays but to Chanukah in particular. The story of Chanukah revolves around two main points:Â The success of […]
For Chanukah: The Kabbalah of Candlelight Read More »
Here I am again with the sun going down on a Friday night and no challah (traditional egg bread) in the oven, no chicken or roast in the oven, not table set for dinner, not even candles prepared for Shabbat. The house is clean, thanks to Oliva, but no one will be home to enjoy
Doing Shabbos When You Can't Do Shabbos Read More »
Each year on Simchat Torah I am struck by the importance of remembering the importance of going back and revisiting our beginnings. More often than not we learn something new or remember something necessary to our present life.  On this holiday, which literally means “rejoicing in the Torah (or law),” we celebrate the completion
Begin Again and Again and Again… Read More »
Not everyone knows that Sukkot is known as the “Season of our Joy.” This year, given the unstable economic situation in the United States, as well as around the world, however, I think many people are experiencing it as the season of our fear. However, the fact that this Jewish holiday is characterized by joyous
Season of Our Fear Read More »
Tonight begins the festival of Sukkot. This year, I find myself thinking very different thoughts about his holiday. Normally, I am focused on shaking the lulav and holding the etrog while praying with my whole body in all directions with a pure soul, cleansed during the High Holy Days…well, that is still there for me this year.
Getting in the Flow on Sukkot Read More »
I sat in Yom Kippur services struggling with an issue I’ve grappled with for several years now. As I looked at the faces of two people, I found it impossible to forgive them. With the gates closing, I could not reconcile the idea of forgiveness with their ongoing actions. “Oh, God,” I prayed, “Forgive me,
When Forgiveness Seems Impossible Read More »
We are told that on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, “it is written” and on Yom Kippur, the Day of Repentance, “it is sealed.” What is “it”? Our fate for the next year. With Erev Yom Kippur, the beginning of this awe inspiring day, almost upon us, it is important to think about who
Who Shall Live and Who Shall Die? And Can We Avert the Decree? Read More »
Ah…the shofar on Rosh Hashanah. It’s a lovely sound when well blown. It’s a call to action, a call to prayer, a call to attention, a call to go inward, a call to return – to God, to religious observance, to community, to self. And it’s a mitzvah, a commandment, to hear it blown on the the
The Good and the Bad on Rosh Hashanah Read More »
Here in California, we have just a few more hours until the start of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. I’m hurrying to finish my work. I’ve already purchased my round challah from the local Jewish bakery. My brisket is made. I need to shower and get dressed and make it to services early, because
Pray With and From Your Heart this Rosh Hashanah Read More »
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is almost upon us. Depending upon where you live, it might be less than 24 hours before you find yourself sitting in a synagogue somewhere thinking about the last year, the new year, what you need to repent for, who you need to go to and ask for forgiveness, and what
The Strongest Prayer on the New Year Read More »
It’s that time of year again…S’lichot (or Selichot), the time of year when Jews begin preparing for the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The first night of S’lichot was last Saturday. I chose not to attend services this year, although last year I was involved in leading them. This year I stayed
Time to Get Honest with Myself Read More »
Have you ever wondered why certain things just keep coming back into your life, almost like ghosts haunting you? I think they are the spirits of your unfinished business showing up in new and varied forms to make you face them once again and finally complete what you started. Complete. That term got used a
Unfinished Business Read More »
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