Everything can be a grogger if you believe hard enough. Zohara's Jewish education at The MJCCA Schiff School and the Diamond Family Religious School taught me this lesson. Perhaps the first lesson we learn for the holiday of Purim is how to properly "boo" the bad guy, Haman. We could shout, whoop, and holler, but why expend all that energy when you can put some coins in a tin can and shake it all around the house? Like the shofar of the High Holy Days, the grogger wakes us up from the slumber of winter. Next weekend, we will celebrate Purim all weekend with our Temple Emanu-El family of all ages. Friday night, we have our DFRS/Davis Academy Shabbat service, Tot Shabbats throughout the day, our megillah reading with Dad's Garage Improv comedy troupe on Saturday night, and Sunday is the famous Purim Carnival with a Cause. There will be noise throughout the weekend that reminds us of the joy in the month of Adar-the sounds of laughter, children at play, and, of course, the grogger! I … [Read more...]
Purim is Nearly Here!
During the month of Adar, we are supposed to increase our joy. The Hebrew year, 5784, is a leap year, which means we have another month of Adar (Adar bet) to find extra joy. While the ongoing hostage crisis and war continue in Gaza, the thought of increasing joy is complicated. How can we be joyful when our brothers and sisters are still in captivity? How can we be joyful while innocent mothers and children are hungry in Gaza? And yet, we, the Jewish people - despite all of our persecution and attacks on our community throughout the centuries - continue to live Jewishly because it is at the core of our resistance. Here at Temple Emanu-El, we hope you will take advantage of the many ways we plan to increase joy in the next month of Adar. We have something for every age and stage to celebrate one of our most famous victories, the holiday of Purim. Sunday, March 10 K12 Mishloach Manot 12:30-2:00pm Kids in grades K, 1, and 2 will prepare special gift bags for friends and those in … [Read more...]
We Will Dance Again
Like many of you, I bought an Israeli-styled dog tag to show my support for Israel. On one side is the emblem of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) with the words "Am Yisrael Chai," Long live the people of Israel. On the other side is the emblem of the Nova music festival and the phrase, "We will dance again." For those unfamiliar, the Nova Music Festival was a dance party at Kibbutz Re'im in the desert for young Israelis. The now famous phrase, "We will dance again," comes from the released hostage Mia Schem, who was captured at the Nova Festival by Hamas. Mia's words resonate with me. We will dance again because we will not give in to intimidation and violence; rather, we will respond to hatred by living life to the fullest. In the last 146 days, we have celebrated (yes, celebrated) several Jewish holidays. Our joy has not been wholehearted, but we will not cease the pride in being Jewish because others hate us for it. Just like the days of mourning in our calendar, which recall the … [Read more...]
Recognizing the ‘Soul’ of the Synagogue
There is a powerful message that comes to us through almost every aspect of our Judaism that we, the Jewish people, are charged to help change the world for the better…in partnership with God. This charge has resonated, and inspired, Jews through hundreds of generations. It is empowering to believe that we are an important part of something essential to the world. That as human civilization moves through each era of time, the Jewish people have something vitally important to contribute to what we would term 'progress.' This manifests itself in part through each Jewish community's commitment to tikkun olam, but even more so through individual's who act 'above and beyond' for the sake of healing a world that is broken. Each one is a drop of water that forms streams, until the good righteousness that we bring into the world is like a "raging river." (Amos 5:24). This Shabbat we recognize a few of these volunteers who help, in their own way, bring about the world that Judaism charges … [Read more...]
Celebrating a Sabbatical for Rabbi Spike Anderson
Dear Temple Emanu-El, About a year ago, we announced to the congregation that I would be heading out on a four-month sabbatical starting March of 2024. That time is fast approaching. After 16 years in the rabbinate, nine of which I have served at Temple Emanu-El as Senior rabbi, I am so very grateful to have been granted this gift of time. In these upcoming months, I plan to engage in serious Jewish study (some of which will be in Israel), explore mission-based service work, and perhaps write the book that I've been thinking about for a decade. No doubt, these activities will benefit my own spiritual life, and will certainly help to nourish the soul of Temple Emanu-El for years to come. While on Sabbatical, our congregation will continue with momentum under the leadership of Rabbi Rachael Klein Miller and Rabbi Max Miller, as well as our Co-Presidents and Board of Directors. May this endeavor bless and enrich us all. From strength to strength, Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Spike … [Read more...]
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