So the Iraq war civilian casualties were worse than reported. I am not surprised. It seems according the reports this past weekend more than 109,000 Iraqi civilians lost their lives from 2003 -2009. More bloody and more violent than our own government led us to believe. But other reports during the Iraq war claimed high numbers…Read more »
Author: rabbieger
My invocation for President Obama
As a proud SC alumna יי שפתי תפתח ופי יגיד תהלתך Adonai Sfatai tiftach ufi yagid t’helatecha O God Open up my lips that my mouth may declare your glory. Let us pray. מקור החיים Mekor Hachayim- Source of Life itself, that flows through all existence. We come from many places and backgrounds. We call…Read more »
Obama Speaks: It Gets Better
President Obama joins the campaign. Not that one in November. The campaign “It Gets Better”. These messages of hope to our young people are meant to convey that life gets better. Don’t take your life because of despair and the hurt caused by taunting and teasing and bullying received because you are gay or lesbian.…Read more »
Anger, Sodom and Gemorrah and Islamophobia
Parshat Vayera Genesis 18:1 – 22:24 There is so much anger in the world. Frank Rich in a recent New York Times’ Op-Ed, “The Rage Won’t End On Election Day” details the rage that seems to explode everywhere and is being drummed up by news figures, politicians and others. The economy and unemployment coupled…Read more »
Are you wearing purple?
Today is wear purple day. It was chosen as a day to show solidarity and memorial for those glbt youth who committed suicide because they were bullied. Thank you to Anderson Cooper of CNN who has brought great national attention to this crisis. Thank you to Ellen who has focused additional national attention…Read more »
Women write a Torah!
Torah scrolls are sacred. Beautifully calligraphied, they contain the story of the ancient Israelites and our sacred account of the covenant with God. Torah scrolls are written with great piety and ritual by a scribe. At Kol Ami we had the honor and privilege of commissioning a Torah scroll several years ago and many in…Read more »
Israelis protest Loyalty Oath.
In Israel there was a huge rally this weekend. In Tel Aviv on Saturday night thousands gathered against proposed legislation there to create a loyalty oath to the state of Israel. This is aimed at making life uncomfortable for all those who are not Jewish. Read the Haaretz account. The oath would have all non-Jews…Read more »
Time for a cure
Today thousands of people will walk the streets of West Hollywood to raise money for Aids Project Los Angeles (APLA). This is an important act of charity. And APLA has been a leader in dealing with the enormity of the HIV/AIDS Crisis since the beginning of it. I am glad that people walk and still…Read more »
The Most Powerful Women
The list is in. This is the list of the Most Powerful Women in the World. It is refreshing to see a list of women rather than just the usual list of men. But Power is a funny thing–it can be used for good or for ill. Let’s hope each of these women use their…Read more »
More on Synagogue Life
There are some ins and outs of synagogue life that are a bit unwritten. In an earlier generation of synagogue members there were traditions of giving. But increasingly in congregations people seem to not know what to do. So… in the spirit of bringing to light that which is hidden let’s explore ways you might…Read more »