This week’s Torah portion is a telling tale about how attitude and perception color our reality – how what we see “out there,” so often reflects our inner disposition, our preconceived notions, biases and prejudices. The Israelites are ready to go up to the Promised Land, to return home to the land of their ancestors Continue Reading »
Dear friends, As Shabbat arrives this evening, we say goodbye to another tumultuous week. Many of you have shared the strong emotions you are feeling as we process a precarious shift from lockdown to tentative re-openings that feel precipitous to many of us. We continue, as well, to sort out our feelings and emotions about Continue Reading »
This week’s Torah reading, parshat Naso, continues the census of the Israelites that gives the Book of Numbers its English name. The act of counting described here is significant and relevant to us as modern readers of the Torah. First, as is the case with the census currently being conducted by the United States government, Continue Reading »
Since ancient days Judaism has had an aversion to counting, especially to counting people. The basis for this is the idea that ascribing a number sets a limit. This is true of population assessments and also of longevity. As recently as a few generations ago, this sensitivity endured as a superstition among the first generations Continue Reading »
Our Helping Hands initiative continues to grow in strength and in need, as the coronavirus quarantine stretches on. The initiative was launched to ensure the well-being and safety of our senior and at-risk congregants, and by every measure, it’s making a difference in many lives, in many ways. Said one congregant, “I’m alone in my Continue Reading »
Amidst all the change and turmoil we’ve all experienced this year, as a congregation we’ve also been blessed to have Student Cantor Simkin’s beautiful voice and spirit leading us in prayer. As the newly ordained Cantor Simkin concludes her final services with us, and prepares to assume her new role as full-time cantor for Temple Continue Reading »
Most of you are aware that Temple Beth-El began developing a team of Shomrim last spring. The initial purpose was to provide a watchful eye over our sacred space and our beloved temple family, in the wake of the atrocities experienced by synagogues and other houses of worship in recent years. The corps had several Continue Reading »
Our parashah for this Shabbat, B’midbar, has extraordinary resonance for this moment in our lives. B’midbar, which means “in the wilderness,” describes the beginning of our people’s difficult journey of 40 years through the desert to the Promised Land. Along the way they encounter many challenges. They experience fear, anxiety, frustration, uncertainty, and deprivation. Yet, Continue Reading »
A few years ago, MetLife ran a clever ad that featured an image of their iconic blimp with Snoopy and the word LIFE that highlighted the middle letters “IF.” Its tag line was, “Metlife, for the IF in LIFE.” Beyond good advertising, the ad offered sage advice. There is wisdom in being prepared for the Continue Reading »
This week’s Torah reading includes the call to be holy. “You shall be holy, for I the Eternal your God am holy.” (Leviticus 19:18) It is an awesome and daunting aspiration, especially because it is couched in the challenge to rise to this exalted place because God is holy. To be like God? How can this be expected Continue Reading »
