The phrase of 2020 may very well become "social distancing." This term is the call for us to remain apart from one another so that we can end the spread of COVID-19. But I'd like us to use a different term: "Physical distancing." We may be physically distant from one another this week and for an unknown amount of time moving forward, but we have the opportunity to remain socially and spiritually close. Ironically, our Torah portion this week, Vayakhel-Pekudei, begins with the word vayakehl, meaning, assemble. That's right. In the midst of physical distancing, our Torah portion speaks of the gathering and coming together of the Israelites. And why are they coming together? They're coming together to build something beautiful, the Mishkan, God's dwelling place as they travel through the wilderness. Friends, we too are building a new Mishkan together this week, a digital gathering place to bring God's presence into our lives, into our homes, and to be with our families. Now, the … [Read more...]

When you live with an avid baker (that’s Rabbi Max), there’s nothing better than a Friday afternoon with challah in the oven, the smell of the rosemary sea salt seasoning in the air, and the knowledge that Shabbat is almost here. Whether you’re the one who prepares the dough, the one who braids the dough, or the one who eats it (or maybe you do all three!), you’re taking ingredients from the earth and using your hands to craft something beautiful to share with those you love. As the smell fills your home, loved ones know that Shabbat is on the way. Whether you’re baking the challah for your family, for the family next door who just welcomed a child into their lives, for the neighbor who is sick, for the fellow congregant who just needs a pick-me-up, or for that “just because” moment, this is a spiritual expression of your Jewish identity. Gender need not dictate the baker. All of us have access to this spiritual practice. I make this call every year: If you’ve never tried your hand at … [Read more...]

The World Zionist Congress Elections are coming soon, and our congregation’s votes are critical to maintaining a large Reform presence! The election (which happens every five years)  is our chance to have the Reform Movement’s voice and priorities heard in Israel. This is our chance to combat the discrimination the Reform Movement faces in Israel. Together we can grow our Reform Movement and work towards making progress on the issues we care about: religious freedom, equality, and many more. This process is critically important to the allocation of funds toward progressive causes in Israel. Did you know that the Israeli government pays the salaries of hundreds of rabbis, but only 9 are Reform? Or, that while only 20% of the Israeli population is comprised of Orthodox Jews, 100% of Jewish marriages in Israel are controlled by the Orthodox Chief  Rabbinate? A vote for ARZA is a vote to make changes to these types of discrimination. We often sit from the comfort of our American homes and … [Read more...]

Thanksgiving may just be a few weeks behind us and Chanukah just a few weeks ahead, but we are in full swing of the hosting season! Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or family that’s coming to town, the Jewish value of hachnasat orchim (welcoming guests) calls upon us to welcome people into our homes. For Temple Emanu-El families, it just so happens that we’re extending the season of hospitality by a few extra weeks and asking our families to open up their homes to Jewish teens from all across the Southern Area Region for NFTY-SAR Winter Kallah, hosted by Temple Emanu-El January 17–19, 2020. You do not even have to have a teen living in your home or beds for them to sleep in order to host (they’ll bring sleeping bags for the floor!). You’ll just be asked to provide breakfast, a few late-night snacks, and a few car rides throughout the weekend. When we talk about being a welcoming community, our hope is that the welcoming nature extends beyond the walls of our building and into … [Read more...]