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...]

On Kol Nidre, Rabbi Max called upon the congregation to work toward living an unprocessed life and that we can use our Jewish rituals to help us get there.   How's it going for you so far?  Are you saying motzi before your meals? Are you taking that moment to acknowledge the mezuzah on the doorpost? Have you taken the extra few moments on Friday night to light candles, make kiddush, and bless the challah?  Whether you're batting 1.000 or haven't made it to the plate yet, I have just the ritual to add to your calendar this year. It happens to be a one-off, meaning it only happens once a year, but it happens every year.  At Temple Emanu-El, and at synagogues across the globe, Torah scrolls will be unrolled, and rerolled as we conclude the book of Deuteronomy and begin anew in Genesis.   Simchat Torah doesn't often fall at very convenient times. Everyone is tired after Rosh HaShanah, Yom Kippur, and even Sukkot.   However, THIS YEAR, our celebration couldn't be at a better time.   THIS … [Read more...]

I want to share that I found this year's High Holiday services (and experience) one of the most personally fulfilling that I have ever experienced as a rabbi. I am not speaking only of my personal prayer experience (which was very real), but also of our sacred collective. It was wonderful to see a full sanctuary, and lots of people at our Brook Run Park services (including the kids' service). The energy of our sacred space was uplifted, and hopeful, even in the midst of Yom Kippur's solemnity.  There were times where I felt joy to the point of tears. It felt like a community. Each year, we take a breath after the final shofar blast, and begin to prepare for Sukkot.  In fact, there is a tradition that as soon as you break your fast, you begin to build your sukkah.  (In fact, I was working on mine this morning). The theology behind this quick succession of holidays (as our rabbis present it) goes something like this:  On Yom Kippur you do the hard spiritual work of … [Read more...]

The tradition of tossing bread (or something) into a body of living water on Tashlich dates to the 15th century in central and eastern Europe. The custom comes from an interpretation of a verse from the Prophet Micah, "God will take us back in love…[As] you hurl all our sins into the depts of the sea. (Micah 7:19)" Over time, this verse became the source for the custom of Tashlich: casting our sins away for a fresh new year. However, the custom has not always been to toss bread into the water for fish or birds to eat. For instance, the modern Israeli custom is to walk the shore for Tashlich, sometimes with outturned pockets. This Tashlich do not bring bread. Today, we know that feeding bread to birds and fish is not healthy for their diet. Like us, bread has little nutritional value, fills them up, and prevents them from eating the appropriate nutrients. That doesn't mean we should stop Tashlich. Instead, bring bird seed, fish food, bark from a tree, or pebbles from your home. … [Read more...]

This last Shabbat before Rosh HaShanah is always one that I approach with mixed emotions.  On one hand, I take very seriously the opportunity that comes with the High Holidays to really 'take stock' of my life, how I use my time, and the state of my relationships.  There is a certain somberness that comes with this type of reflection, for with it there is an acknowledgment that my (and our) mortality is real. On the other hand, the days leading into the Jewish New Year are light, and usually full of optimism.  I love the depth of connection and coming together that we Jews have, woven into our rituals and our aspirations.  The reflecting, even though it can be hard work, usually results in me being excited for the changes that I plan to make. The real question that arises with Rosh HaShanah is: Are there changes that we can make in our lives that will help us to extend the length of our years, and to really live a healthier, more connected life each day? Our life cycle events, our … [Read more...]