I was driving home from prayer service Saturday, almost home. I was in a very peaceful place, at least I thought I was. Then it happened. Someone driving a very large SUV entered the roadway through a yield– but did not yield. She started coming into my lane, very quickly. I immediately hit the brakes, laid on the horn, and well, patience was lost. Because I stopped, I signaled for her to go in front of me, thinking she was in such a hurry. When we met at the stoplight, she said she was so sorry, she didn’t mean to […]
Summer is Over
Summer is over. The solstice and Jewish New Year are passing. For many of us, it is a time of reflection and re-beginnings. Unlike the “January 1st” New Year, I start mine off in prayers. Many spent this past month reflecting on the year just ending. What we did and what can we do better?
Bolton Street Synagogue
High Holy Days Bolton Street Synagogue invites all Rosh Hashanah worshipers to a picnic and outdoor service in its meadow on the evening of Wednesday, September 20th, starting at 5 pm. This service is free. All are welcome to participate in this erev (opening night) Rosh Hashanah event. The evening begins with a “Picnic in the Meadow” followed by a musical prelude by flutist Leslie Margolis and pianist Mark Giuliano. At 6:15 pm, Rabbi Andrew Gordon will begin the erev Rosh Hashanah service.
Call to Action
Now that we have entered the Hebrew month of Elul, some of us, depending on where we live, hear a strange sound in the morning. In most orthodox neighborhoods, the shofar (ram’s horn) is blown every day. The purpose of this is to awaken us from our complacency.
What’s Happening for Me Spiritually?
The Hebrew month before the Jewish New Year is called Elul. This month is the time to get spiritually ready to face the new year. It is time to take inventory of my past year. What have I done that missed the mark? What did I do that I am proud of? How could I have done things differently?
How Does the Spirit Move You?
How does the spirit move you? Is it seeing a sunrise, a rainbow, a baby’s smile, a budding flower? When you hear someone playing piano, can you tell when they are just playing it or when they are moved to play it? Do you use that spirit to be creative?
How Does the Spirit Move You?
How does the spirit move you? Is it seeing a sunrise, a rainbow, a baby’s smile, a budding flower? When you hear someone playing piano, can you tell when they are just playing it or when they are moved to play it? Do you use that spirit to be creative?
May I Be Happy, May I Be Well
This morning we studied a Bible story about Pinchas. He used violence to stop a plague that God brought upon the Israelites because of their behaviors with the local people. In response to his violent act, God gave him the blessing of eternal shalom, peace. Such a strange reward for a very violent act. What does this story teach? That if you act violently, with God in mind, that you are doing the correct thing? I sure do hope not. We see too much of this in the news everyday.
Pride Month is Over
Pride month is over. We marched, we partied, we celebrated in the streets all across our country and in many countries around the world. What a month!
I am Alive
Some days I wake up filled with strength and vigor. I can do anything. I can be the best that is inside me. Then, there are the days when I wake up and feel that I am defeated before I start. Wow! I sometimes forget to say “Thanks, I am awake” until I reach for my kippah (head cover). It reminds me that there is something so much greater than I am. My day begins with gratitude– the reminder works.