Jewish Relationships Initiative

Category: Am Yisrael

  • Z’man Cheruteinu- The Time of our Freedom

    Passover asks us hard questions about what it means to be free and what our obligation is to those who are not.

    Passover celebrates the redemption of our people from bondage. It is at the center of what it means to be Jewish. But it is a paradox. What does it mean to be free, particularly when our brethren are held hostage under deplorable, cruel conditions when fighting for freedom against an enemy that comes at the cost of innocents caught up in the battles?

    As we gather around the Seder table this year, we celebrate. However, our celebration requires us to commit to helping those who are still not free. Break the middle matzah and hide the Afikomen for dessert later. Share the other piece as a symbol of sharing even this meager bread with those who are hungry.

    No one is truly free until all are free. Whether we quote Fannie Lou Hammer, Maya Angelou, or our sacred tradition, we still have work to do to help others find their way to freedom.

    Chag Pesach Sameach

    #BringThemHomeNow

  • Z’man Cheruteinu

     

    Nissim Black delivers his rap Zman Cheruteinu for us to get ready for the message of Passover.

    Enjoy and Chag Pesach Sameach!

    #BringThemHomeNow

  • at the Cusp of Shabbat and Pesach

    Shabbat is approaching and Pesach follows immediately thereafter.  I am taking a moment from the preparations to share the beautiful rendition of Stand By Me.  It is a fitting prayer seeking Divine connection.  Enjoy Music Travel Love as they share their beautiful rendition.

    Shabbat Shalom

    #BringThemHome

  • Why is this Passover different from all others?

    Why is this Passover different from all others?

    As we gather around the Seder table, we find ourselves in a moment that feels uniquely challenging. While previous generations have confronted serious issues, the current landscape is unlike anything we’ve encountered in recent memory. The ongoing war is relentless, with no end in sight and no plan for what follows. Hostages remain trapped, seemingly without hope for redemption. Furthermore, we are witnessing a rise in anti-Israel sentiment, along with a resurgence of Antisemitism not just abroad but right here in the United States. Fear and anxiety permeate our lives, and rather than coming together to confront these threats, we often find ourselves at odds with each other. This moment in time is fraught with tension.

    However, we have the power to respond constructively, with unity and compassion.

    By gathering at the Seder table, we embody the spirit of inclusion with our declaration: “Whoever is hungry, come and eat!” This Passover, our hunger for spiritual and emotional support is palpable. Let us set aside our differences to share and celebrate the profound story of our people’s redemption, recognizing that each of us connects to this narrative in our own distinctive way. Our tradition highlights four individuals asking different questions—a reflection of our diverse perspectives. We ought to welcome one another, fostering an environment of understanding even amidst spirited discussions. The Shalom Bayit, the peace of the Seder table, and our unity must prevail. Now, more than ever, we need each other. This Passover, let us cherish our time with family and community, share the powerful story of redemption and freedom, and be grateful that we have one another in these trying times.

    Wishing you a Zissen Pesach!

     

  • Shabbat Shalom

    As we prepare for Shabbat, I share Naomi Shemer’s Al Kol Eileh, All these things, performed by Central Synagogue.  a song praying for God’s protection and peace.

    Shabbat Shalom,

    #BringThemHomeNow

  • Shabbat Shalom

    Al Kol Eleh-Naomi Shemer’s song to her widowed sister- a song of hope as we continue to pray for the return of the hostages and for peace.

    Shabbat Shalom

    “Please do not uproot the planted, Do not forget the hope Bring me back and I shall return to the good land” It is spring outside, Passover is approaching, but our lips still struggle to say “Happy Holidays”. We were looking for words of encouragement and comfort, and we found them in the song “Al Kol Eleh”, Over All These, the words of encouragement that Naomi Shemer wrote to her widowed sister. We were joined by the musicians of the IDF Orchestra, conducted by Major Rom Shamir. We hope the line “Bring me back and I shall return” is heard and that our hostages return soon.

  • Shabbat Shalom

    Matisyahu -One day

    As the fightiing continues, we hope for a better time.

    Shabbat Shalom

  • Shabbat Shalom

    The traveler’s prayer is shared as we embark on a journey hoping:

    May it be Your will that You should lead us in peace and direct our steps in peace, and guide us in peace, and support us in peace, and cause us to reach our destination in life, joy, and peace.

    This Shabbat lets pray that our journey might be so and that our destination itself is Peace.

    Shabbat Shalom

    Thanks to the gifted Marni Loffman.

     

  • Shabbat Shalom -Jerusalem of Gold

    Naomi Shemer penned this anthem, expressing our longing for the sacredness of Jerusalem.  Rabbi Angela Buchdal and Cantor Dan Mutlu share their extraordinary voices to sing Yerushalim Shel Zahav.

    May the sacredness and promise of Jerusalem live, peace come to the region, and our hostages are returned home.

    Shabbat Shalom

  • #StandWithUkraine

    Kippah

    THE SUNFLOWER KIPPAH FOR UKRAINE

    We are trying to raise critical funds for Ukrainian relief. As Jews, we have a complex relationship with this region of the world and a vital role to play.

    Thank you for supporting the humanitarian efforts of the JDC, “the Joint,” and the JCC Krakow, which provide services to Ukrainian refugees.

    With your generous donation of $54, you will help feed, clothe, and shelter refugees who have escaped a brutal war. We want to offer our thanks with a gift of this handcrafted knit kippah, designed as a sunflower in the Ukrainian colors of blue and yellow.

    Please help us help them and #StandWithUkraine

     

     

    Select up to 3 Kippot

    This is available to anyone in the domestic United States. If we need to ship elsewhere, email me at RabbiDavid@RabbiDavidLevin.com, and we will figure it out.

    This is all about supporting the victims of the war against Ukraine. Thank you for your generosity.

    Rabbi David Levin

    #StandwithUkraine