We are entering a new chapter in our lives. I’m not just talking about the Book of Exodus: Shmot, or 2022.
Parshat Shmot describes the enslavement of the Hebrews in Egypt, the birth, rescue and adoption of Moses by Pharoah’s daughter. It also highlights Moses’ decision to ally himself with the enslaved people, inviting Pharoah’s wrath and forcing him to flee Egypt.
Read MoreVa’Yechi, “and Jacob lived in the land of Mitzrayim seventeen years….”
We notice that it doesn’t say “ and Jacob dwelled - VaYeshev - in the land of Egypt...”. The wording, VaYechi, implies he "lived fully" there, reunited with his son, Joseph, and seeing the reconciliation between his children. Jacob now prepares to die. What we see in this Parsha is how he approaches death and the meaningfulness of his final words to his children. In his last days or hours Jacob is both the father and the prophet. Clearly, he put a lot of thought into what he would say. Our anonymous biblical editor certainly did.
Read MoreFinally, something is going in a good direction in this week's Parsha. After the darkness of the previous sedrahs, we now see some light. We see a Teshuvah process in full view where Joseph, who, himself underwent deep transformative and radical therapy, has now, wisely, designed a program to bring his brothers to a place of Teshuvah and, finally, a much needed family reconciliation and healing.
Read MoreParshat Miketz begins by describing Joseph’s emergence from the depths of imprisonment and aloneness. In his aloneness he reaches a level of maturity of wisdom and it is noted on high. The text reveals that “God is with Joseph.” What does that mean? Inner strength? Wisdom? Hopefulness? Caring for others in need? Going beyond borders? Encouraging acts of Teshuvah, reconciling?
Read MoreMost Americans revere Thanksgiving as a time to be with loved ones, a final harvest festival that connects most Americans in a spirit of common national identity. To have a day that brings Americans together in a time when we are so divided seems to be a really good thing. Sadly, and tragically, Thanksgiving is not celebrated by most Native peoples in the United States. While the Pilgrims and the local Wampanoag people celebrated in Massachusetts in 1621, exactly 400 years ago, this was for many the beginning of a painful history for indigenous peoples.
Read MoreAnother amazing Parsha! VaYishlach recounts the story of the dramatic and emotional reunion of Jacob and Esau, the brothers who had been estranged for some twenty years. The touching scene of their embrace and reconciliation can give us hope in light of the social estrangements that we are experiencing today.
Read MoreThis week’s Parsha, VaYetze, “And he went out,” beautifully describes Jacob’s lone journey to Haran, located in modern day Turkey, where he has family. You may recall there was some family strife and his mother Rebecca thought it best for Jacob to live with her brother, Laban. Haran was where Avraham and Sarah were from as well. It’s interesting that he needed this diaspora where he matured, found love, and raised a family.
Read MoreDiane and I just returned from celebrating our son Dani’s wedding in Jerusalem. We feel very blessed that he found Chana, a woman who also shares a love of learning, acts of chesed, modesty and a special closeness to the spiritual life.
Read MoreThis past Sunday, I joined Rabbi Arik Ascherman of Torat Tzedek, Torah of Justice, the human rights organization that he founded a few years ago in Israel on an eye opening visit to the Shetachim, the Palestinian Territories. Picking me up at 5:30am, we drove from Jerusalem to the southern Bik’ah Jordan valley on the the beautiful Allon Road through the Judean Hills. A most youthful 83 year old activist and writer, Batia Makover, also joined us.
Read MoreIn Parshat Lech L’cha, Avram and Sarai are setting off on their journey to “a land that I will show you.” At various stages in our lives we also begin our journeys anew. Nothing stays the same. Where we go, where we have been, and where we are now are necessary parts of life. It is about changes in our relationships with family, with community, our work, and our hopes and dreams. It is certainly influenced by aging. It’s kind of comforting to know that Avram is 75 and Sarai is 74 when they break new ground.
Read MoreIn Parshat Lech L’cha, Avram and Sarai are setting off on their journey to “a land that I will show you.” At various stages in our lives we also begin our journeys anew. Nothing stays the same. Where we go, where we have been, and where we are now are necessary parts of life. It is about changes in our relationships with family, with community, our work, and our hopes and dreams. It is certainly influenced by aging. It’s kind of comforting to know that Avram is 75 and Sarai is 74 when they break new ground.
Read MoreWelcome to the month of Heshvan (Kheshvan), the eighth month on the Hebrew calendar. Originally, called Marcheshvan, from the ancient Akkadian language, it is a month without holidays! Some say it is time for settling in after the flurry of penitential and renewing holidays in Tishri.
Read MoreAs we take leave of the summer months and the recent Yom Tovim, I am, especially, moved by our people’s resilience during this season. I want to express my gratitude to the Kehila’s High Holiday Committee and Charlie Pilzer for planning hybrid services. It seems that hybrid is the future, even after, G!d willing, the pandemic is over.
Read MoreMoadim L’Simcha, Festivals for Joy! This week and into next is known as Z’man Simchateynu, the Season of Our Rejoicing.
Read MoreNo doubt you will be receiving this newsletter as we enter Yom Kippur. Please read the newsletter when you get a chance because it contains information about upcoming activities and resources that you may find meaningful and enjoy.
Read MoreWe are now in the Yamim HaNoraim, the Ten Days of Awe. Below are a few teachings to help us focus on these Days.
“As civilization advances, the sense of wonder declines. Such decline is an alarming symptom of our state of mind. Humankind will not perish for want of information, but only for want of appreciation.” A.J.Heschel
Read MoreThis is a Shmitah Year!
No, not the yiddish word Shmateh.
This coming Jewish new year 5782 has been designated by our sages as a Shmita Year, a year of honoring and allowing the land to renew itself and for us, stewards of the earth, to renew ourselves as well. Originating In the Torah, Leviticus 25, we are instructed:
Read MoreThis week's Parsha, Ki Tavo, and the recent readings from the prophets, highlight themes of comfort and hope and a path to achieving blessing and happiness in life.
Read MoreOne thing about the tragedy of what’s happening in Afghanistan is that few agree on who is to blame. The role of the US since 9/11 has a lot of folks wondering. But nearly everyone agrees that our government, and other governments, must do whatever is possible to save the lives of thousands of Afghani men, women, children, journalists and others.
Read MoreAt a time when wildfires are raging out West, across Europe, Greece and Turkey and Covid is taking more lives in so many countries, we can take some solace in the passage in the Senate of a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure plan on Tuesday. For weeks, months, we have agonized over and witnessed the efforts of this administration and dedicated democrats and enough republicans to overcome many hurdles in order to significantly move this Infrastructure plan forward.
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