There is a powerful message that comes to us through almost every aspect of our Judaism that we, the Jewish people, are charged to help change the world for the better…in partnership with God. This charge has resonated, and inspired, Jews through hundreds of generations. It is empowering to believe that we are an important part of something essential to the world. That as human civilization moves through each era of time, the Jewish people have something vitally important to contribute to what we would term 'progress.' This manifests itself in part through each Jewish community's commitment to tikkun olam, but even more so through individual's who act 'above and beyond' for the sake of healing a world that is broken. Each one is a drop of water that forms streams, until the good righteousness that we bring into the world is like a "raging river." (Amos 5:24). This Shabbat we recognize a few of these volunteers who help, in their own way, bring about the world that Judaism charges … [Read more...]

Dear Temple Emanu-El, About a year ago, we announced to the congregation that I would be heading out on a four-month sabbatical starting March of 2024.  That time is fast approaching. After 16 years in the rabbinate, nine of which I have served at Temple Emanu-El as Senior rabbi, I am so very grateful to have been granted this gift of time. In these upcoming months, I plan to engage in serious Jewish study (some of which will be in Israel), explore mission-based service work, and perhaps write the book that I've been thinking about for a decade.  No doubt, these activities will benefit my own spiritual life, and will certainly help to nourish the soul of Temple Emanu-El for years to come. While on Sabbatical, our congregation will continue with momentum under the leadership of Rabbi Rachael Klein Miller and Rabbi Max Miller, as well as our Co-Presidents and Board of Directors. May this endeavor bless and enrich us all. From strength to strength, Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Spike … [Read more...]

This weekend begins the Jewish month of Adar, a time of unparalleled joy in the Jewish year. In a few weeks, we will celebrate Purim, and not long afterward, we will mark our exodus from Egypt with the holiday of Pesach. Amid war, sadness, and despair, commemorating joyful holidays may seem at odds with the ethos of the last four months. However, this is far from the first time we have celebrated simchas while also holding sorrow. Disasters mar Jewish history, but throughout our generations, we have combined joy and "oy." Through the writings of our sages, we have a path to reconcile these two opposite emotions.  In the 16th century, Rabbi Joseph Karo of Tzfat compiled the most widely accepted code of Jewish law called the Shulchan Aruch (in English, the Set Table). Karo's code of law touched upon every area of life, including personal and communal practices when mourning coincides with holidays. The Shulchan Aruch states that all the elements of mourning continue throughout Chanukah … [Read more...]

Dear Temple Emanu-El, The Jews of Georgia had a big 'win' this week! For those of you who were awake this past Yom Kippur for the sermon, we talked about the importance of passing HB30, known as the 'antisemitism bill' through the Georgia State Legislature. The previous two years we were unsuccessful in this effort, but this past Thursday, HB30 passed overwhelmingly in the Georgia State House and Senate. Many Jewish organizations have put significant time and energy into lobbying elected officials, meeting with them, and explaining how HB30 will increase our (sense of) protection as Antisemitism continues to dramatically rise.  (An important note, out of all the Georgia State legislators, only one is Jewish (Esther Panitch, House District 51). The American Jewish Committee (AJC) really quarterbacked this effort, and I am VERY PROUD to say that Temple Emanu-El did our part. Almost 400 of you were at our Legislative Shabbat dinner & service on January 12th, where we hosted more than … [Read more...]

"I have a voice. My voice is powerful. My voice can change the world." These words by Elana Arian are sung over and over by the teens attending the L'Taken Social Justice Seminar as they move through this very special weekend. L'Taken, in partnership with the Religious Action Center and the Union for Reform Judaism, is designed to both expose high school students to a variety of public policy issues and explore the Jewish values that inform the Reform Movement's advocacy around these issues. Our teens spent time learning about social issues and public policy that interested them, as well as how to present their ideas in the best ways possible. They took this learning and created presentations for our Georgia politicians. We were fortunate to present to Legislative Correspondents in the offices of Senator Jon Ossoff, Senator Raphael Warnock, Representative Rich McCormick, and Representative Henry Johnson. The students presented on the issues of Israel, Antisemitism, Disability … [Read more...]