There is a particular mitzvah associated with Hanukkah, and that is placing our lit menorah somewhere that is visible to the street. (T. Bavli Shabbat 21b) The idea behind this mitzvah is that we are confirming that we Jews are here, that we are proud to be part of our local community, and that we aim to bring light into the world. It’s a beautiful message for us to remember, and for the world to hear. As the nights get darkest, amid a sea of Christmas, each year Temple Emanu-El has the honor (and the responsibility) of creating a ‘Hanukkah’ display at the Georgia Governor’s mansion. We show up in numbers, our children’s choir gives a concert (so cute) for the Governor and spouse and, with an inspired Hanukkah message, we present them gifts for kids who need them. Our display changes year to year, always based on the ‘theme’ determined for all the holiday displays by the mansion staff. But always our Temple Emanu-El creation prominently affirms that we Jews are here in … [Read more...]
What a Japanese Artist Taught Me About My Judaism and Thanksgiving
I took a field trip to The High Museum of Art on Tuesday morning to experience the Yoyai Kusama “Infinity Mirror Rooms” exhibit. Written on the wall was the following instruction: look for the recurring motif of peering eyes, awakened to the wonders of time and space: reminders that we are not alone in the universe but, instead, are surrounded by memories, souls, and spirits.” The experience of walking through these seven rooms reminded me of a chassidic lesson taught by Rabbi Simcha Bunam who instructed his students to write out two scrolls and put one in each pocket. On the first, the rabbi instructed them to write, “I am but dust and ashes,” and on the second he instructed his students to write, “The world was created for me.” Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms reflect Rabbi Simcha Bunam’s instruction. On the one hand (or in one pocket), we hold that we are just a speck in the universe. When I walked into Kusama’s rooms I was surrounded and embraced by specks of light or an endless … [Read more...]
When Did You Stop Praying? – Or Have You?
During our Diamond Family Religious School 3rd through 8th-grade tefillah (prayer service) this past Sunday, I invited the children of our congregation to take a moment for silent prayer. I want each of you to take a few deep breaths, to feel your feet on the floor in this holy space and to open up your heart to God and the universe. This is a special place where you can have a sacred conversation with yourself and the world. This sanctuary is here for you. Take a few moments and talk to God with the prayers of your heart. When you’ve finished your prayers, please take a seat and be respectful of your friends who might still be praying. Then it was silent — super, super silent. As I looked out at the kids, a few of them sat down fairly quickly — that’s to be expected. What I didn’t expect was the number of kids whose eyes were shut tight, their eyebrows narrowed, and their mouths moving ever so slightly as they were completely enveloped in deep prayer. At every grade level, … [Read more...]
A Shabbat of Courage
I’ve been thinking a lot this week about ‘courage’. Specifically, acts of Jewish courage, both from year’s past and since Pittsburgh. Also part of the context for my thinking is that we are coming up on Veteran’s Day, and I know the contribution that Jews have made in the US Military service since we were but thirteen colonies. This then, will be our ‘theme’ for tomorrow night’s Shabbat service. Interwoven between our timeless prayers of hope and connection, will be stories of courage. I’m also pleased to have Temple Emanu-El past president Norman Zoller share some thoughts on his military service (starting with two tours of Vietnam: Special Forces & 82nd Airborne, with a total of 22 years military service), and how it relates to his Judaism. This will be a service designed to raise us up, to inspire us, and to remind us of what real courage looks like, from the battlefield to Middle School. We will be honoring our Vets, and our country, as part of our time … [Read more...]
Tree of Life
The prophet Isaiah’s words, “Nachamu, Nachamu Ami/ be comforted, be comforted, my people” will echo through synagogues throughout America this Shabbat, as we mourn, grieve, and perhaps begin to heal. This has been a tough week. In some ways, everything has changed. In other ways, nothing has changed. The violence fueled by mentally unstable men armed with assault rifles who follow ideologies of hate that has plagued our schools, our concerts, and other houses of worship with increasing frequency has hit home in a way that pierces our Jewish soul. We have held one another, we have shown up in record numbers, and vowed to be stronger than any hate that we might face. The barrage of support that we, the Jewish community, has experienced from others has been a testament to the human spirit. For many of us, we continue to mourn (a dream, an ideal, lives lost…) even as we go about our daily lives. For some the Tree of Life is a call to action, for others it is a hard look … [Read more...]
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