Kabbalistic Judaism experiences connection to God through a hierarchy of ten spheres of creation called sefirot. Each sphere embodies a different quality of the divine that we strive to emulate in our lives. Through our active embodiment of each quality, we connect to God and each other, bringing a spark of God into the world.  Awareness of something that is greater than ourselves is the first step towards embodying the qualities one encounters as they move down the spherical ladder. It is placed at the center of Binah understanding, and Chochmah- wisdom. It is only with awareness, that we can have a sense of understanding and wisdom to take action in the world. Awareness is the first step.  This Friday, we elevate JDAIM: Jewish Disability Awareness & Inclusion Month. Becoming aware that folks who live with different abilities or needs still exist on the margins of society is the first step to taking action towards more fulfilling inclusion and recognition.  Friday we step … [Read more...]

As many of you know, Max and I made the journey to Boston in January so that Zohara could be seen by a specialized surgeon to repair her very rare congenital heart defect. Thank God, the surgery was a success. There are many lessons from this trip that I will carry with me throughout my life. I studied this week's Torah portion, Yitro, through my new perspective. I took a deep exhale, and I returned to the text that reminds us all that it's okay to not only take help when it is offered, but to ask for it as well. As the portion tells us, Moses was busy trying to manage the Israelites, and Jethro could tell Moses was overwhelmed-so much so that he basically told Moses that he would burn-out if he continued to lead in this way - doing everything on his own. Moses couldn't be everything to everybody. Jethro reminded Moses, "the task is too heavy, you cannot do it alone." (Ex. 18:18) I know I am not the only person going through something tough right now. We all have, are currently, or … [Read more...]

Today is the Jewish holiday of Tu Bishvat (the 15th of the month called Shevat), which has been dubbed by some as "Jewish Earth Day." Although we do not emphasize it enough, Judaism has deep roots (pun intended) to environmental conservationism. Some of the most celebrated rabbis throughout our history have made it a point to protect our natural surroundings, and have professed that the most profound of spiritual encounters happen in nature when we have this particular mindset. Tu Bishvat, and its message of natural renewal, very much speak to me. Caring for the Earth, and protecting it against human short-term gains, is a top priority for my attention and time. I cannot emphasize this enough. So it is with pleasure that we have a week-long celebration at Temple Emanu-El for, what the sixteenth century Jewish mystics called, 'the birthday of the trees.' Shabbat morning Cevrei Torah torah study will explore the intellectual side of Jewish sacred texts which connect us with … [Read more...]

Each week I speak with my nervous B'nai Mitzvah students about our Torah, about why we refer to it as our Tree of Life. Some of their responses include: "....The Torah is our foundation, it represents our family tree-our history, it is a part of Creation- it represents God's creation and nature, it gives us life, it gives us roots." " Pretty awesome kids, right?   Tu'Bishvat, one of our four Jewish New Years and the 'birthday of the' trees is next week. The Kabbalists regarded this time as sacred; one of spiritual transformation and renewal. Modern, cosmopolitan Jews that we are, dedicate this time toward elevating our environmental concerns. We review our recycling and renewal habits, consider our plant-based diets, ready the ground for gardening, and yes… plant trees!  We continue our month-long celebration next week with TE-Talks, as  Rabbi Prinz guides us through the world of chocolate. Where would we be without the Cacao Tree? On Shabbat, join us for an … [Read more...]

In Pirke Avot, we read that "In a place where no one is acting like a human being, be a human being." My parents of blessed memory taught me that "mentschlikite" is the most important aspect of maturity. Be a mentsch, be honest, do good, have integrity. In our Torah portion this week, we find Moses confronting Pharaoh. But before appearing to Pharaoh, Moses says to God, …"The Israelites would not listen to me; how then should Pharaoh heed me, a man of impeded speech…." Moses doesn't quite understand why he is chosen to lead. A stutterer.  He is saying why not pick someone who can sell this idea of freeing the Israelites to Pharaoh? Of course, the Rabbis see the reason Moses is chosen. Moses is a Rodef Tzedek. A pursuer of righteousness. Moses, who kills an Egyptian taskmaster without regard to himself. He sees the evil of slavery before him and takes action. So the question from this weeks Torah portion Va-era which not only tells of Moses confronting Pharaoh but lists the … [Read more...]