The Balance of Power and Strength

Two weeks and Two days-that is how long we have been counting.  For 16 days we have been working on spiritual repair and correction.  First within ourselves and then carrying that tikkun into the world.  This period of reflection between Pesach and Shavuot are marked with spiritual preparation and purification in order that when we…Read more »

Their Blood Cries Out

Parshat Tazria-Metzorah/Yom Hashoa Leviticus 12:1-15:33 Rabbi Denise L. Eger This week observed Yom HaShoa, Holocaust Memorial Day.  The blood of 6 million murdered Jews still cries out to us today. Jews who lived throughout Europe and North Africa and the Mediterranean were systematically and cruelly murdered at the hands of the Nazi’s and Axis Forces…Read more »

Today we rememb…

Today we remember the 6 million Jews who died in the Holocaust of World War II.   On Monday, My family was present in the California Assembly Chambers for the Holocaust Remembrance Observance. Our Speaker, John Perez presided over a powerful program which honored both survivors of the horrors of the Holocaust and the liberators.  The Speaker’s…Read more »

How do you wield power?

Day seven of the omer! A whole week of counting has happened.  The first week.   The week of Chesed-lovingkindness.  Did you practice it?  Today is Malchut b’Chesed  Soverienty in lovingkindness… how do you wield power?  Our tradition teaches that even for the Holy One of blessing that compassion outweighs strict justice.  Be careful how…Read more »

Eternity in Lovingkindness

The future is unknown. But today is day four of the Omer and teaches us Netzach b’Chesed: Eternity, perseverance with loving-kindness.  We can’t know the future, we can try and control its outcome but the truth is that it is beyond our control.  We can ultimately only control our own actions and reactions.  Netzach b’Chesed reminds us…Read more »

Some are still Slaves

Wishing all a wonderful Pesach.  I hope the journey from slavery toward freedom brings you hope and renewal.   For some people in our world today they are slaves. They “belong” to another human being.  Slavery exists in 21st century sadly.  Passover comes to remind us that if one person is not free then we…Read more »

Open or Closed

Parshat Tzav Leviticus 6:1 -8:36 Religion is meant to be mysterious.  It talks about things you can’t see- like God.  Religion tries to in its best case scenario link people through emotional and communal bonds. Religion lifts up ideals of ethics and morality.  Religion tries to bind a group through ritual and to help us…Read more »

#Trayvon Martin

Today I dedicate this blog to the memory of Trayvon Martin.  He is the young man who went out to the store, got some Skittles and was shot dead by George Zimmerman the neighborhood watch member.  I don’t know what transpired between the two to cause Mr. Zimmerman to shoot.  But I do know that…Read more »