In spite of our collective best efforts, I still hear people reporting anticipatory boredom when discussing their upcoming attendance at High Holy Day services. It’s a shame for a couple of reasons. First, High Holy Day services actually aren’t boring at all. Second, with all that life has to offer, there’s no reason to […]
Judaism
6th Grade Tefilah Bootcamp
At the start of every school year we take our 6th graders aside for some special Tefilah learning that helps them get ready to participate in Middle School Tefilah. I returned to my office after the first of these special sessions, called “6th Grade Tefilah Bootcamp” to find the following thought-provoking prompts and responses on […]
The Naivety of Hate- Tisha b’Av
Today’s Hebrew calendar date is the 9th of Av (Tisha b’Av). Tisha b’Av is a day of mourning. It commemorates the destruction of the 1st and 2nd Temples in Jerusalem. It commemorates other tragedies in Jewish history. There are many reasons given for the destruction of the 2nd Temple. There are military reasons, economic […]
Everyday holiness
There’s long been a distinction in Judaism between “Kodesh” (“Holy”) and “Chol” (“Profane/Mundane”). In fact, the Havdalah Service at the end of Shabbat includes a blessing that thanks God for distinguishing between these two different states- Kodesh and Chol. The distinction comes from the fact that the rabbis of ancient times thought that part of […]
A New Sacred Space
In January the space in this picture will open as a fully function Jewish prayer space. Looking at this picture I can’t help but wonder what other sacred spaces, places, moments, and capacities are being cultivated and constructed in this very moment? It’s an exciting thing to ponder.
In Praise of Donkeys, Asses, and Mules
Recently, a rabbinic colleague shared a post that brought my attention to the following political cartoon: Clearly the cartoonist is taking a derogatory posture toward Reform Jews (as well as The Supreme Court of Israel). To be honest, I’m not interested in the cartoonist, his/her agenda, or the culture surrounding it. Eventually The […]