Have you heard the joke about the kid who comes home from college, and says to his parents, "its remarkable how much YOU have learned in four years." It's funny in that most of us see the wonderful irony that the kid who leaves home after High School thinking that his parents know nothing about the world, comes back realizing that actually, they actually are decently wise. It reminds me of what my father told me at 17 years old, "You should move out now while you still know everything!" Certainly I was that kid when I left home, and also was that young man when I realized that my parents have lots of good life wisdom, and are generous to share it with me. Early in my rabbinic career, I was having trouble balancing work with other things that were really important to me. This is not an uncommon problem for many of us, and balance is something that is not figured out and done, but rather requires constant attention and correction. In this particular case, I was trying to figure out … [Read more...]
Laughing at Ourselves
Satire is a key part of Jewish identity. Without the ability to laugh, I don't think the Jewish people would have survived to this day. Even as a rabbi, some of the best advice I received as a rabbinical student was to take the work seriously, but don't take yourself too seriously. I've tried to live by those words for the better part of a decade now. For better or for worse, as a professional Jew, I spend a lot of time immersed in the sacred and holy, and it is all too easy to live a life consumed by the seriousness that we use to approach much of Jewish life. Maybe that's why satire is necessary for Jewish identity-to cut through narcissism and ego like a knife through butter. In my opinion, no one does this better than the hit Israeli TV series, "The Jews are Coming." They imagine the ridiculous explanation Abraham gave to Isaac, and Ishmael right before their circumcision. They imagine what would have happened if one of the Israelites left their wallet in the sea after Moses led … [Read more...]
An Ascent Of Soul
Towards the end of our services each Shabbat, we do something very beautiful- we recall those whom we have loved but who have died, and with their names on our lips and their image in our minds, we recite the Mourner's Kaddish. Yidgadal V'yitkadash Shmey raba… For most of my life, I found this timing to be confusing and out of sync with a typical Shabbat service. My reasoning was always that it seemed disjointed to have such a macabre sentiment at the end of what was (otherwise) a joyous worship celebration. However, with age (and maybe a bit of wisdom), I now see the Mourner's Kaddish at the end of our Shabbat service as magnificently and courageously placed by our sages. For what the Mourner's Kaddish does is bring the memories of folks who were absolutely dear to the forefront of our mind, as if their presence was invited into the Sanctuary, and for a moment, is able to linger with us. The Mourner's Kaddish serves then, not as a 'downer', but rather as a wormhole through … [Read more...]
They Tried to Kill Us. We’re Alive! Let’s Eat! TREES!
There's a meme that has been going around the internet the past few years that is a chart of the Jewish holidays. Within the chart are the categories: They Tried to Kill Us. We're Alive! Let's Eat! TREES! This translations to: Does this holiday commemorate our survival after people tried to kill us? The answer of course being "yes" or "no." The next category has to do with whether or not we are commemorating death (like on Yom HaShoah). The answers again being "yes" or "no." Then there's the question of whether this is a holiday of eating. For this one they add the option of "ok," because on certain holidays it is okay to eat, but it's not a major theme. Finally, there is the category of whether or not the holiday involves trees (like Tu Bishvat) where again the answers are "yes" or "no." In many ways, it's just a fun and silly chart. In other ways, it is a reminder that the Jewish calendar keeps us VERY busy. That is until the Jewish month of Cheshvan, also referred to as … [Read more...]
A Rabbi and a Baptist singer walk into a synagogue…
Not a joke. This Shabbat, we will be joined once again by Rabbi Micah Lapidus and his ensemble for the latest Southern Soul Shabbat. Even if you've been before, you might not know that one of the vocalists, Melvin Myles, is also a soloist at historic Ebenezer Baptist Church. Years ago, Rabbi Micah and Melvin struck up a friendship and have been making spiritually uplifting music and prayers drawn from faith and the shared roots of the south. If you've been to Southern Soul Shabbat before, then you know how these melodies and prayers will hit you right in the heart and soul. You'll be clapping your hands, stomping your feet, and will be disappointed when it's over too fast. When you join us this Friday night, you'll be praying the words of our ancestors set to all original melodies composed by Rabbi Micah. This Shabbat is a combination of the soul of the south with the words and wisdom of Judaism. This musical and spiritual treat only comes around a handful of times in the year. Don't … [Read more...]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
- 18
- …
- 79
- Next Page »