For weeks we have been dealing with tragedies wrought by nature. This week we have been forced to confront an even more gut wrenching horror, the senseless violence human beings can do to one another. As we still struggle to come to terms with the motives of the murderer, we should look to our tradition to provide context for how to confront incomprehensible destruction. The first and most accessible way to do this is in the words of, and actions of, communal prayer. Though the holiday of Sukkot is meant to be one of unbridled joy, we mix our current reality with the theme of the week to find that our confusion and sorrow is mixed with our gratitude for life and sustenance. This Shabbat we will come together for comfort, warmth, and community knowing that our prayers will not bring the victims back to life but that, perhaps, we will find solace in the embrace of the friends and family we have around us. The second way we try to understand the massacre in Las Vegas is by reading our … [Read more...]
The Most Precious Thing
Most years I tell our smallest congregants a Yom Kippur story that I love, called ‘The Most Precious Thing.’ In it, God sends an angel out into the world to find…the most precious thing. First, the angel comes back with a smile from a father holding his infant child. “Precious, but try again,” says God. Next, the angel comes back having witnessed a kindness of a child to an elder. “Precious, but try again,” says God. Finally, the angel witnesses a man’s remorse for the rift with his brother, and as he says “I’m truly sorry”, the angel catches one of his falling tears and brings it back to God. “Yes,” says God, “ ‘I’m sorry’” is the most precious thing because it helps heal wounds between brothers and sisters, parents and children, and brings peace into the world.” Take a bow, the end. (If you want to hear this story, with puppets, come to our super fun Yom Kippur kids’ service at 10:45a on Saturday. (Open and Free to the Community) The theme of “I’m sorry” is an essential … [Read more...]
About Schiff Preschool of Temple Emanu-El
Schiff Preschool, nestled in the warm embrace of Temple Emanu-El, provides an extraordinary educational experience for students aged 6 weeks through pre-k. Phenomenal teachers, small class sizes, flexible full and half day options, and learning experiences designed for YOUR child are just part of what make Schiff so special. For registration information, and to schedule your visit, call 770.352.9303 today. … [Read more...]
Everyone Welcome at Temple Emanu-El
The initiative will offer three children with complementary mild developmental differences the opportunity to be part of one of the school’s pre-K classes, for which an additional support teacher trained in working with learning differences will work collaboratively with the teachers and all students on a daily basis. The other classroom teachers and key staff at the school will receive additional training to provide the best possible experience for all the children and families. “Our preschool is built on a strong foundation that children should have the opportunity and right to be successful and valued for what they can gain and give back to the classroom environment,” said Sheila Purdin, director. “While we’ve had many children with special needs participate in our programs in the past, we saw this as a significant way to create a structured, collaborative classroom experience that benefits all children.” The families of the three students will share the cost of the … [Read more...]
The Mirror of Rosh Hashanah
On Rosh HaShanah we are tasked to look in the mirror, with eyes wide open, and to recognize the reality of what we see. Mirrors are strange things. Especially, when we look into them. Really look into them. On the surface, what you first see is merely a reflection of your appearance, but if you can hold your gaze, and look softly into your own eyes, the mirror will show you much, much more. If you let it, the mirror will show you a picture of yourself next to pictures of who you used to be. One from when you were a child. Another, is of you as a young adult, confident that you have a long life ahead of you. A 3rd image from a few years later. A 4th… All of them the ‘you’ of your past, each staring back at you in this moment, right now, this Rosh HaShanah day. Mirrors are strange things. Especially, when we look into them. Really look into them. If you let it, if you continue to face your reflection, you will see that you, in this moment, are much more than an … [Read more...]