Why does that resonate? Let go and let God — what does it even mean? And why does it offer solace and comfort at this time? I first heard that phrase from Rabbi Gadi during a Lunch and Learn about the Covenant of Abraham. As it replays in my head, the phrase becomes more and more relevant as we approach the high holidays. During this time of the great pandemic, when we know and accept [...]
U.S. Congressman John Robert Lewis, died Friday, July 17, after serving 33 years in the House. He was 80 years old. I was privileged to hear him speak, to be forever touched by his towering presence and humility, and to be inspired by his words: “Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.” On many occasions, he spoke alongside us — community organizers and arts advocates from all [...]
With burdens come opportunity. And with change comes transformation. Although we have experienced a seismic shift in our lives and in the world around us, Congregation Tifereth Israel has been an anchor and a constant in the new normal. For me, this is an auspicious time to shepherd the shul forward. I am honored that you have placed your faith and trust in me to take on this role. I can assure you that [...]
Who in his or her right mind would sign up for a job that pays zero, offers no union benefits and runs a 24/7 schedule? As far as I know, only synagogue presidents would allow themselves to stray so far from the path of reason. Who else imagines that the congregations they serve are seeking the ideal community for the celebration of Jewish traditions? Who else envisions committees staffed by synagogue volunteers who keep [...]
We never know when we might be on the receiving end of giving. In spite of the rules of language and space, the two positions are not at opposite ends of a straight line. What we give is “a gift,” with giver and receiver in a simple point-A-to-point-B transaction. But, in fact, the transaction is not a straight line at all. Instead, it is a tidy circle. Imagine yourself with a gift to give; you [...]
Tifereth Israel has gone tech. Wait. What? Yes, Congregation Tifereth Israel, that quaint little century-old synagogue in backwater Greenport, is now offering Shabbat services online. What’s more, by the time you read this, many of us will be joining synagogue meetings, courses and discussion groups through applications such as Zoom, Google Hangouts, and other platforms that support group participation. Do I hear you murmuring, “It’s about time?” Do you know what it takes to change [...]
This winter has been the season of astonishing chats. It began with a neighbor who suggested that it was time for a cup of tea by a cozy fireside. Not two sips into teatime, the conversation turned unexpectedly to what goes on in our respective houses of worship. By the time the teapot was empty, we had worked our way to the conclusion that the elements of ritual — prayer, song and reading sacred [...]
What are we thinking on Jan. 1, when we make resolutions to change our ways, only to promptly go about failing to stay the course? For years now, I have promised on Dec. 31 to mark Jan. 1 as the start date of the daf yomi —resolutely reading a page of Talmud each day for the next seven years. Every year, I don’t follow through. Is this failure? Maybe not. Look at it this way: [...]
Ugh! It’s that end-of-year time when we’re supposed to look back at our foibles and resolve to correct them in the coming year. Of course, next year, the same-old same-old will be back to greet us, those foibles cheerfully awaiting our resolution to correct them. Maybe we should change it up. Instead of looking back at our foibles, why not look outward at the rest of the world?Why not take our perennially imperfect selves [...]
A trick I learned while trying to become an extrovert was to slip a “What’s your favorite?” into the conversation. Ask one of those questions, and you’ll easily enter the kingdom of friendship. A person’s answer to a “favorite” question is always a lead-in to discussions about differences of opinions, of facts, of backgrounds, of hopes and dreams. And since we are programmed to be social, if we go with the program, those differences become [...]
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