Posted by in Uncategorized Parshat Vayigash Genesis 44:18-47:27 This dramatic Torah portion describes Joseph’s revelation to his brothers. Joseph is no stranger to revelations. He is a dreamer and a visionary. Throughout his life his dreams have revealed the future even when others haven’t wanted to acknowledge or hear about them. Joseph is prophetic. When he was a young…Read more »
Posted by in Uncategorized The fire in Israel is out. But there are still thousands of people displaced from their homes. Israel was woefully unprepared to fight the massive Carnek fire that burned more than 50,000 dunams of land and destroyed kibbutz Beit Oren in the process. Thankfully, Israel received help from many countries including Egypt, Turkey, Bulgaria and…Read more »
Posted by in Uncategorized Israel has experienced its worst fire ever. The Carmel Fire is a wildfire that has burned more than 50,000 dunams so far outside of Haifa. Two Druze brothers from the town of Isfiya have been arrested for negligence in starting the fire. Not arson. Seems they started a fire and it got out of control.…Read more »
Posted by in Uncategorized Today is THE GAME. The only one that matters. BCS be damned. Super Bowl? Feh! Today is the USC vs. UCLA crosstown rivalry game. Trojans against the Bruins. The Cardinal and Gold Trojans have won 1o times in the last eleven meetings. And though both teams have had less than stellar seasons this year, this…Read more »
Posted by in Uncategorized 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 »
Posted by in glbt, politics, Uncategorized 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 »
Posted by in Uncategorized 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 »
Posted by in Uncategorized 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 »
Posted by in Uncategorized 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 »
Posted by in Uncategorized 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 »
Walking Humbly. Seeking Justice. Living with Hope. 