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 […]
Prayer
Driving on Roswell Road
The other day I was driving on Roswell Road. In Atlanta. Sandy Springs, technically. It was about 6:15 pm. Suddenly. I realized. I knew the person. In the car. In front of me. Which made sense. Because we were headed to the same place. But then. I looked. In the rear view mirror. […]
How might we?
How might we be a little kinder? A little more compassionate? A little more present? A little more accepting? A little more curious? A little more open-minded? A little more engaged? A little more receptive? A little more appreciative? A little more humble? A little more aware? A little more uncertain? A little more flexible? […]
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 […]
Sweetness and Light
For several thousands of years the Jewish People considered themselves to be God’s “Chosen People.” Our ancestors felt that God has chosen the Jewish People to help realize God’s vision for humanity and all creation. Sometimes the idea of being God’s chosen people was a source of comfort and a buffer against the difficulties […]
Love Wins
Love Wins. It may not always feel that way. It may not always be obvious. It may not mean that there isn’t a great struggle to get there or that real pain and suffering aren’t inflicted along the way. But Love Wins. There may be wounds that never fully heal and scars that always remind. […]