Rabbi, where are we on the Hate Crimes bill?
During Pesach we are reminded that even in our greatest joy, our liberation from Egypt, we are to lessen our joy because of the death of the Egyptians. Hatred is not a part of what it means to be Jewish. Throughout the story of Pesach and today, we are taught to do what is necessary for freedom and equality, but never to let hatred overtake us. Over the course of the past several weeks, we as a congregation have joined an inspired effort to protect our fellow citizens against hate crimes. As one of five states in the country without hate crimes legislation, the Temple Emanu-El Board of Directors believed it was time for Temple Emanu-El to take a stand for progress and equality in Georgia. We joined the efforts of the Anti-Defamation League and the Religious Action Center’s Georgia affiliate, Tzedek Georgia, to make a change. We had high hopes for this legislative session. Though we did not have a legislative victory, we made progress. The bills proposed against hate crimes made … [Read more...]
Rabbi, Why is this night different from all other nights?
On a very personal note, Erev Pesach, the night that the Jewish world sits down for seder, will always be a night that is different from all other nights. For my family, this is more than the traditions of dipping twice and reclining, because during seder four years ago, Rabbi Max proposed. That’s right, he asked a “fifth question.” Each of us have reasons that this night is different from all other nights, reasons that are totally outside the traditions of our haggadah. We may use special dishes or family china, we certainly prepare recipes that we don’t eat year round, and we often configure our dining rooms, living rooms, and furniture in new formations to accommodate our guests. For many, it’s a time to see family from near and far, all under the same roof. For others, it’s a time to bring Jewish and non-Jewish friends together for an interactive and exciting Jewish experience. Still, for others, it’s a time to discuss current cultural and world issues and uncover why this … [Read more...]
Rabbi Max, what will we do to make a change and end gun violence?
This past Sunday we gathered as a synagogue family with children as young as 12 years old to raise our voices, share our feelings, and learn what meaningful action we can take to reduce gun violence in our community. This was a hard, heart-wrenching conversation. The feelings of fear, anger, and sadness expressed by our middle school and high school students cut to the very core our being. We reinforced the need to voice these feelings, and that as their rabbis and cantor, we will always be “safe adults” to whom they can turn. We know our Temple Emanu-El family does not stand alone in the need to give voice to these feelings or take action. The Atlanta Rabbinical Association (ARA) has organized around the cause of gun violence prevention, and Temple Emanu-El is working collaboratively with each synagogue in the Atlanta area on this issue. Just over four weeks since the shooting in Parkland, Florida and a movement of citizens fed up with unmitigated gun violence is beginning to … [Read more...]
Friday With Family
RSVP below. … [Read more...]
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