Text of the “D’var” that I had the pleasure of sharing at Olney Kehila for Rosh Hashanah services today. on a Jewish spiritual practice of naming your year as a way to determine how you will be written into the Book of Life. Photo Credit: Ron Almog, used by CC-A permissions
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Explore the practice of creating a Dream Decree (Minshar Cholem) to prepare for Yamim Noraim.
read moreOneShul’s first Rosh HaShanah Service, lead by Ketzirah. Featuring music by Shoshanah Jedwab and Taya Shere, used by permission of the artists.
read moreI was honored to be asked to speak at the Rosh Hashanah services of Olney Kehilah this year. Below is the text of the “drash” I gave.
read moreJoin me and at OneShul.org for online, interactive High Holiday services 2012 (5773). I’ll be leading Erev Rosh Hashanah and Neilah (closing) Yom Kippur.
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Tishrei 5772 begins at Sundown on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 The shofar is not only a symbol we all associate with Tishrei, but it’s also a symbol of Judaism. Many of us only think about the shofar at the High Holy days, but in ancient times it was used regularly in religious rites. Blow the shofar at the new moon, at the full moon for our feast-day. (Psalm 81:3) In Psalms, we see the order to blow the shofar at both the new moon, Rosh Chodesh, and the full moon feast days. Historically the shofar would have been used to call us to prayer and attention for a myriad of reasons and events. The shofar was also the sound of G-d/dess’ voice we hear at Sinai. Is it any wonder that this ancient relic is one we still treasure today? When considering the shofar, also remember that it is a sign of our history as a nation of shepherds. I’m exploring purchasing my first shofar, and finding that I not only want one that is beautiful and playable — but also that I know comes from an animal that is not just kosher, but was also raised with respect and given a good life. I also want it to be local. Why should I import a shofar from a foreign country, when there are so many sheep right here? I would like to learn to play the shofar, but I also want to incorporate it into my fall altar, or spiritual focal point if you prefer. If you are unfamiliar with the idea of having a Jewish personal altar, here’s a post about the practice. This Tishrei, consider the Shofar as more than something you just hear at synagogue. Explore the history, symbolism, elemental aspects, and potential spiritual uses. Like Torah, the shofar can be understood on four (and probably more levels). Consider the shofar at it’s literal level, the alluded to meanings, the “drash” or hidden story, and the mystical meaning.Here are some...
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Shavuot: Seder of the Seven Prophetesses
Culture: I am fascinated by culture on most levels. I mostly focus on American culture and what makes us who we are as a country, but I'm also intrigued by sub-cultures in the USA and the growing global cultural trends.
