As we prayed for peace and joy this Pesach, we were surrounded by the comfort of the traditions we hold so dear — the warm embrace of our shul family, and the visible new beginnings of spring. What a joy it is to discover the surprises as they emerge: the bright yellows of daffodils, the purples of hyacinths, and the halos of forsythia. All become part of the mythical power and experience of Passover. May [...]
We see the unprecedented surge of humanity pouring across borders. We see the vacant and startled fear in the eyes of the children, clutching the hand of an adult or holding on to a coattail. We see terror on the faces of the adults expected to protect them, keep them safe. Together they face the unknown with a small bag and a teddy bear. As we watch this unfold, there is a familiarity with the [...]
Last month, I mused about how we should draw the line between welcoming strangers into our midst and the need to be safe and secure. But now, as I look around and consider the threatening signs and symbols that appear almost daily, the picture beyond our shul doors appears more ominous. The signs are blatant and unmistakable, although at times they seem so subtle they might be overlooked, ignored. That is, until the news splashes [...]
It is rooted in our tradition as Jews to argue with God and to argue with each other. We talk about it, and we laugh about it. We see that every page of the Talmud supports dispute and discussion, conflicting points of view that, over time, become the foundation for a greater truth. It is this tradition from which the rules of law are established when it seems apparent that two values or beliefs have [...]
The U.S. is being hit by the fourth wave of coronavirus infections. The Omicron variant is so transmissible that we are now on the “red list” of countries with travel restrictions. Locally, we are getting anxious and hunkering down again after a cautious, albeit brief emergence. I see a startling parallel now to our past pandemic responses as a shul community, but this time we are better prepared. Our wave of connections is already established. [...]
As we approach the end of 2021, is it too soon to consider the legacy of Covid? I think not, because when we look back, we can savor our astute flexibility — our creative impulses and speedy responses to the restrictions, isolation and, even now, the lingering fears of Covid. Kol Hakavod. Look at us. Look at who we are, what we have become. We are transformed in so many ways as a synagogue and [...]
The prayers we sing every Shabbat can become catalysts for change….for new understanding or vision of what is or what can be. We can recall the power of musicians and artists to lead social change. The songs that empowered a movement. The dance that embodied and reflected a culture. The paintings that explored new visions. These are the seeds that emerge from the unity of prayer. When a song or a prayer learned “by heart” [...]
As we begin 5782, the soaring spirit evoked in our hybrid High Holiday services carries us forward with renewed energy and bright plans for the future of our shul. We are building upon our many Covid-year successes: our award-winning Shofar and Lunch and Learn programs, our entertaining Shul Schmooze, the Book Circle, our Silent Auction and Virtual Journal, and the community outreach Tikkun Olam Initiative. Don’t forget our informative emails that hit your inbox [...]
As we approach 5782 and wish our shul family L’Shanah Tovah, we look to strengthen the bonds of our community wherever we are. What a joy it is now to unite with chevrah in person as well as on Zoom. Our hybrid response to services embraces more people than ever before. Just as we were united and determined to build our community and our spiritual lives in the face of the unprecedented upheaval of [...]
Do your recall when last we were together in the sanctuary? March 2020! Indeed, it was that long ago. In our zeal to maintain community and camaraderie, we outdid ourselves by developing new approaches to virtual services, holiday celebrations, parties, and programs. Zoom became Congregation Tifereth Israel’s brave new world. We figured out how to share our screens, show pictures and videos. We became interesting and prolific talking heads. Dressed from the shoulders up, we [...]
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