News
Chag Purim Sameach
Sometimes the Jewish holidays allow us to reflect more deeply on life. As we wish everyone a Chag Purim Sameach, a happy Purim, we remember that this is the holiday of ונהפכו, turning things around. This photo, of founder David Jacobson’s son, Gabriel dressing up as his mother, Iris’ painting, is a great example of how we can use this
Shabbat Shalom!
When building the Temple, everyone is asked to give. There is no specific amount, the direction is to give according to their own ability. May this be a reminder that each of us is required in creating holiness, and each of us is accepted and desired for our own talents, virtues and gifts. Shabbat Shalom!
“We shall do and we shall listen,”
“We shall do and we shall listen,” say the Jewish people this week, after hearing a long set of laws given to them from Sinai. As Jewish peoplehood develops, we understand that there is a need for a set of laws in order to create a just, loving society. To say that we shall follow these laws and listen to
Honor thy Mother and Father
This week, we receive our laws, the beginning of the blueprint for social society moving forward, the Ten Commandments. One of our favorites is to Honor thy Mother and Father. Let your loved ones know that you love them, check in with them, see if you can help them or just if they want to talk. Let’s work on making
This week, the adventure begins.
This week, we cross the sea. This week, the adventure begins. This is the time in which we tap into what it feels to be redeemed, to become a nation. Shabbat Shalom!
Shabbat Shalom!
This week, we are commanded to remember the Exodus, the defining event that creates our peoplehood. This is an honor and incredible responsibility for us all, humbling us to remember from where we came. Shabbat Shalom!
Shabbat Shalom!
Last week, god introduces himself to Moses as “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh,” or “I will be what I will be.” This photo is taken from David Yallin street in Jerusalem this past week, which has the name of god, as he speaks of himself, written in ancient Hebrew. This week, god uses the Tetragrammaton when sharing with Moses that god will
May we continue to appreciate this wonderful new start.
The beginning of a new book, a new journey, a new cycle of relearning what redemption means. May we continue to appreciate this wonderful new start. Shabbat Shalom!
Shabbat Shalom – Vayechi
This week’s parsha, the final one in the book of Genesis, is called Vayehi, or, And He Shall Live. In this portion, Jacob dies and leaves blessings for his children, the tribes of Israel. This teaches us that in the Torah, even death is a part of life, that those who leave us continue to live among us in their
Shabbat Shalom – Parshat Vayigash
This sunrise, experienced this morning in Benjamin’s biblical allotment in the land of Israel, is a beautiful connection to this week’s parsha. Benjamin is the connection of Joseph back to his brothers, the family reuniting and the ended hunger of the tribe of Israel. Shabbat Shalom!