pect of mourning that is still observed. In spite of the loss, the day is an affirmation of life.Tonight is the 33rd day of the Omer. Known throughout time as Lag B’Omer it is a special day during the 7 weeks between Pesach and Shavuot. After an intense four weeks of planting and cultivating the land there is a reprieve. Our sages also credit the day with the lifting of a plague. Some scholars say that was the day the fighting ended between the Roman legions and the Jewish rebels. There is an as
Read MoreWe are now midway through the Period of the Omer, halfway to Sinai. During these six weeks there is a lovely tradition of studying a small text from the Mishna, called Pirke Avot, the Ethics of the Sages. It is an extraordinary anthology of ethical teachings by the Tanna, the early rabbis. These teachings are even more precious to us now as we experience a growing disregard for ethical teachings and behavior. The extent of deception in our society, the abuse of language, the amount of spam, corruption, cheating and disregard for life is worsening. While many do rise to the heights of Sinai, we often feel unsupported.
Read MoreIn Jewish time we are in the second week of the counting of the Omer, an ancient practice and mitzvah when a measure of grain was brought to the Temple each of the 49 days after the beginning of Pesach. The focus is clearly on the land, it’s productivity and expressing gratitude to the Creator. Most of us urban and suburban folks don’t see the awesome efforts that farmers are engaged in this time of the year. We more easily witness the news about devastating fires, floods and wars and their impact on the land.
Read MoreThese weeks between Pesach and Shavuot are filled with special opportunities for learning. Our weekly Parshiot, Torah readings, focus on the ways we become a more conscious and sacred community. This week’s Parsha, Shmini, focuses on the dietary practices of the community of Israel. While not specifically using the word Kashrut, these teachings become part of the foundation of Kashrut.
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