As I write these words, the election is a scant week away. I’ve heard from many of you that it’s hard to think about much else right now. This election feels momentous and maybe even frightening in a way we’ve never experienced before.
“…Love is the point of Torah. It’s what Torah most deeply comes to teach us, year after year…”
Preparations are fully underway for our High Holy Day services and programs. I am looking forward to worshiping with you very soon. It is always wonderful to welcome you to our beautiful sanctuary. Thanks to those of you who have already RSVP’d for services.
I love Yom Kippur. I know that probably sounds weird to most folks, but it’s true. I love it because the day feels meaningful from start to finish. It’s a whole day of introspection and togetherness and song, and these are a few of my favorite things.
The guest post is the D’var Torah that CBI member & cantorial soloist Ziva Larson offered at Erev Rosh Hashanah Evening Service on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.
“…Our year’s most sacred season is almost upon us! I’m writing to share a bit about what to expect at this year’s high holidays. As always, some things will be timeless and familiar, while others will be new.
This is part one of a two-part series on this year’s Days of Awe; the second part will appear in the October newsletter…”
One of my favorite things that I’m doing right now is co-teaching a class called “Repentance and Repair” with Rabbi David Markus. As some of you know, we started off by assigning a little bit of spiritual homework.
As summer turns to fall, we are getting our classrooms ready to welcome our students to an exciting new year of Jewish Journeys. We spent time this summer organizing our library and kitchen. We prepared for the busy season ahead. Rabbi Rachel, cantorial soloist Ziva Larson, and our choir are hard at work preparing for the High Holidays.
“…Pursue justice by approaching the world with the integrity of a juror.
Guard our gates, mindful of what we’re taking in and what we’re putting into the world.
And pour out our hearts – not to the vast indifferent universe, but to an imagined beloved Friend….”
“…Torah urges us to remove our protective calluses, a scant six weeks before the new year – all the better to do the work of teshuvah to which this season calls us. …”
“…I think it’s probably human nature to look past our reminders. How often do we stop at a door where there’s a mezuzah and touch it and kiss our fingers, reaffirming our commitment to the ethical covenant of mitzvot that is our inheritance? I’ll admit: I forget most of the time. And I forget mitzvot. And I forget the work of teshuvah. Which is why when we hit Tisha b’Av and start this seven-week runway to the high holidays, I start to feel a deep sense of urgency….”
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From the Rabbi – November 2024
Community, From The Rabbi, Jewish Values, Newsletter, Social ActionAs I write these words, the election is a scant week away. I’ve heard from many of you that it’s hard to think about much else right now. This election feels momentous and maybe even frightening in a way we’ve never experienced before.
More Love (Simhat Torah 5785)
Divrei Torah“…Love is the point of Torah. It’s what Torah most deeply comes to teach us, year after year…”
Yom Kippur Morning 5785 | The Book of Resilience
Days of Awe, Divrei Torah, From The Rabbi, Resilience, Sermons, Spiritual Life, Teshuvah, Yom KippurKol Nidre 5785 | How Can We Pray?
Days of Awe, Divrei Torah, From The Rabbi, Prayer, Sermons, Spiritual Life, Teshuvah, Yom KippurOctober 2024 | Tishrei 5785
Community, Days of Awe, Events, From The President, NewsletterPreparations are fully underway for our High Holy Day services and programs. I am looking forward to worshiping with you very soon. It is always wonderful to welcome you to our beautiful sanctuary. Thanks to those of you who have already RSVP’d for services.
From the Rabbi – October 2024 | High Holiday Letter, Entering 5785 (Part Two)
Days of Awe, From The Rabbi, SukkotI love Yom Kippur. I know that probably sounds weird to most folks, but it’s true. I love it because the day feels meaningful from start to finish. It’s a whole day of introspection and togetherness and song, and these are a few of my favorite things.
Rosh Hashanah 5785 | Many Views, One Community
Community, Days of Awe, From The Rabbi, Israel, Rosh Hashanah, SermonsErev Rosh Hashanah 5785 | A Gathering of Sparks: Becoming One People, One Voice
Days of Awe, Divrei Torah, From The Rabbi, Guest Posts, Inclusion & Diversity, Jewish Values, Rosh Hashanah, Sermons, Social Action, Tikkun OlamThe guest post is the D’var Torah that CBI member & cantorial soloist Ziva Larson offered at Erev Rosh Hashanah Evening Service on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.
High Holiday Letter – Entering 5785 (Part One)
Days of Awe, From The Rabbi“…Our year’s most sacred season is almost upon us! I’m writing to share a bit about what to expect at this year’s high holidays. As always, some things will be timeless and familiar, while others will be new.
This is part one of a two-part series on this year’s Days of Awe; the second part will appear in the October newsletter…”
Together We Shine: Ki Tavo 5784 / 2024
Divrei Torah, Elul, TeshuvahFrom the Rabbi – September 2024
Classes, Days of Awe, From The Rabbi, Newsletter, Spiritual Life, TeshuvahOne of my favorite things that I’m doing right now is co-teaching a class called “Repentance and Repair” with Rabbi David Markus. As some of you know, we started off by assigning a little bit of spiritual homework.
September 2024 | Elul 5784
Days of Awe, From The President, Newsletter, VolunteeringAs summer turns to fall, we are getting our classrooms ready to welcome our students to an exciting new year of Jewish Journeys. We spent time this summer organizing our library and kitchen. We prepared for the busy season ahead. Rabbi Rachel, cantorial soloist Ziva Larson, and our choir are hard at work preparing for the High Holidays.
Three Practices for Now: Shoftim 5784 / 2024
Divrei Torah, Elul, From The Rabbi, Runway to the Days of Awe“…Pursue justice by approaching the world with the integrity of a juror.
Guard our gates, mindful of what we’re taking in and what we’re putting into the world.
And pour out our hearts – not to the vast indifferent universe, but to an imagined beloved Friend….”
If We Listen: Ekev 5784 / 2024
Divrei Torah“…Torah urges us to remove our protective calluses, a scant six weeks before the new year – all the better to do the work of teshuvah to which this season calls us. …”
Here, Right Here: Va’etchanan 5784 / 2024
Divrei Torah, Teshuvah“…I think it’s probably human nature to look past our reminders. How often do we stop at a door where there’s a mezuzah and touch it and kiss our fingers, reaffirming our commitment to the ethical covenant of mitzvot that is our inheritance? I’ll admit: I forget most of the time. And I forget mitzvot. And I forget the work of teshuvah. Which is why when we hit Tisha b’Av and start this seven-week runway to the high holidays, I start to feel a deep sense of urgency….”