California is facing a dire budget for the new year. Governor Brown has had no choice but to drastically cut everything from Mental health to Medi-cal payments. For the most vulnerable in our society it will be even more devastating, if we can even imagine that. What does it say about our society when we…Read more »
Author: rabbieger
Ten Responsibilities
Today on Shabbat we contemplate the meaning of commandment. What does it mean to be commanded in this day and age? Of course the Torah portion for today is Yitro. God gives the Ten Commandments to the people Israel. In Hebrew they are called Aseret HaDibrot. The Ten Sayings. Or as I like to call…Read more »
See yourself there!
Parshat Yitro Exodus 18:1-20:23 Who would have thought that after the miracle of the crossing of the Reed Sea that God would follow up with additional miracles? But miracles abound. This week’s portion, Yitro, is the ultimate high point in the journey to freedom for the Israelites. This week is the moment at Sinai when…Read more »
Trees for Tu B’shevat
Tu B’shvat higeeyah. Yes, Tu B’shvat is here. Today is the 15th of the month of Shevat. One of the New Year’s of Jewish tradition. Today is often called the birthday of the trees. This is because everything produced after this day is accounted for in the new calculations for the temple terumot and ma’aserot.…Read more »
Who will be the next to recognize an independent Palestinian state? – Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News
This is an article from Ha-aretz. One of Israel’s leading paper. The Palestinian state on the ground is being recognized by nations. Including Russia. Even without borders that have been agreed upon. Even without security zone negotiations. Even without dealing with the Gaza/Hamas situation. The Palestinian (read West Bank) leaders are moving forward to try…Read more »
The Return of Julie!
More music abounds at Kol Ami this coming Shabbat. This Friday night we welcome back singer/songwriter extrodinaire Julie Silver. Julie will co-lead worship with me bringing her unique voice, music and spiritual presence to our community. You are all invited to be there and sing with us. Services begin at 8 pm at Kol Ami…Read more »
Gay Golden Globes
It was a very gay night in Hollywood. Okay technically Beverly Hills. The Golden Globes was a night to celebrate Gays and lesbians. With a major win for best picture for “The Kids are All Right” and a best actress nod to Annette Benning in that very film, lesbian family life was highlighted. So too…Read more »
The Funerals are a changin’
I have been writing lately an occasional series about the changing funeral and burial customs in Judaism. I had planned to write several posts last week only to be interrupted in that by two funerals. Of course the death of Debbie Friedman last Sunday and her funeral last Tuesday and then the death of a…Read more »
King-sized reflections
Shabbat Shalom This weekend is Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend. We celebrate his birth and his amazing contributions to our nation and the world. Here are some of his words to reflect upon this weekend. And perhaps just perhaps help finally make justice and equality for all the way. True peace is not merely the…Read more »
Are you a Hadassah Lady?
This year the Jewish organization of Hadassah turns 100! It was founded by Henrietta Szold in 1912! And its work is dedicated to Israel, Jewish life in North America and Zionism. It is the largest women’s organization and largest volunteer organization! Hadassah does such great work. They support Israel in important ways. Of course one…Read more »