Hooray for Illinois- land of Lincoln! Yesterday the Illinois legislature passed a civil union bill and sent it to their governor, Pat Quinn. Quinn has promised to sign it. While it is not full civil marriage it is in a very conservative state a way forward! Hooray for the Midwest! Making progress. I know you…Read more »
Author: rabbieger
First Light One Light
Tonight is the first night of Chanukah. How will you bring light to this dark Kislev night? The first light of Chanukah ignites more than just a flame. It is illumination in dark corners. It brings the light of creation, of holiness and God into a previously empty setting. Just like before God started to…Read more »
The Federal Prop 8 trial coming soon
Next Monday, Dec 6 all eyes will be on the 9th Circuit Federal Court in San Francisco as the next step in the Prop 8 case moves forward! Three randomly chosen Federal judges will hear the arguments in the case. There are 2 Democratically appointed judges and one Republican appointed judge. Michael Hawkins, Stephen Reinhardt…Read more »
World AIDS Day 2010
Don’t forget World AIDS Day is Wednesday Dec. 1. It seems the world often does forget. It does forget those with HIV/AIDS. Whether in Africa, or here in the U.S. HIV is still ever-present. Lurking. Waiting to attack. On Wednesday Dec. 1 we will have a chance to focus the world’s thinking on AIDS. Remind…Read more »
Synagogue Etiquette:To cover the head or not?
Increasingly I am seeing fewer people don a yarmulke/kippah or tallit during services. In our congregation like most we make them both available. Wearing a kippah is of course mandatory for men in an orthodox synagogue and in most Conservative congregations as well. But it optional in most Reconstructionist and Reform congregation. In fact there…Read more »
Synagogue Etiquette redux
On this Shabbat morning a bit more about synagogue etiquette. This time actual sanctuary etiquette. There is a lot to remember about a synagogue service whether holy day, Shabbat or weekday service. Each has its own pace and rhythm even though they share many prayers in common. Perhaps one of the most basic rules is to stand…Read more »
Tree
I have had the good fortune to have a tangerine tree nearby that has been bountiful with its tangerines. Overflowing actually. I have been feeding it over the last couple of months and now the tangerines are amazingly sweet and I have been able to share them with lots of folks! It is different to…Read more »
What are You thankful for?
What are you Thankful for this week? Happy Thanksgiving all. On this day of gratitude I give thanks for my family in all the ways it is constituted. For those that are still living and for those who came before. I give thanks for my amazing son. And for my many good friends. I…Read more »
Family troubles for Joseph
Parshat Vayeshev Genesis 37:1-40:23 As we Americans prepare for our Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, family issues always come to the foreground. The Norman Rockwell paintings of happy families sitting around festive holiday tables come to mind. And for some families that is what this holiday will be about. Everyone will come together, laugh and enjoy…Read more »
It’s not even Thanksgiving yet
Christmas is already here. It started before Halloween this year. I went into the pharmacy before Halloween and there along side the bags of candy were the Christmas decorations. Now in these few days before Thanksgiving, Christmas is already here with carols playing on loudspeakers in every store. I find it amazing that my minister…Read more »