I find myself drawn to the folk music and protest songs of an earlier tumultuous time in this nation’s history and some of the current balladeers singing about the need for justice in a time of injustice.
As Black History month draws to a close, and the work of civil rights seems more urgent than ever, I wanted to welcome Shabbat with Teach Your Children, the classic from Crosby Stills and Nash.
Wishing everyone Shabbat Shalom
The Hollies recorded this classic in 1969. The words still resonate for me and this Shabbat I hope we are a little bit close to realizing the message.
Shabbat Shalom
We mourn the death of Reverend Jesse Jackson. Jackson was a complex individual and a person of great accomplishment.
In this world of purity litmus tests, cancel culture, and identity politics, it is easy for some to write off this icon of the civil rights movement, focusing on shortcomings and missteps rather than accomplishments.
He helped move the arc of justice forward. We can and should remember him for all the good he did, and hopefully find space in our hearts, even though he, like all of us, had flaws. Jackson fostered a sense of pride and self-esteem in those who struggled in a society determined to deny them, as captured in his well-known saying, “I am Somebody.” Jesse Jackson was Somebody.
This is a moment to rededicate ourselves to the vision of respect and dignity for every person that Jackson preached. The work is far from over, and it is ours to do.
May his memory be for a blessing.
Bruce Springsteen’s Minneapolis is a battle cry for us to uphold the values we hold dear, the rule of law, the constitutional rights each of us is entitled to, and the dignity and respect for all people.
As we enter Shabbat, we pray for each other and vow to fight for our precious values. We must be better than this.
Shabbat Shalom
One Day
Mattisyahu’s song One Day is our hope – but it will take a our concerted effort to realized the dream of peace. Shabbat is our taste of what it could be, Now more than ever we must commmit to making our dream a reality.
The Shvesters share their rendition of a poignant Yiddish song Vi Iz Dus Gesele, Where is the little street? A song of longing, nostalgia, and lost love.
It is a way to help us perhaps enter this Shabbat. Given the current turmoil, we seek a better time. May we work to see that time come soon.
Wishing you Shabbat Shalom.
As we enter the last Shabbat of 2025, I share Auld Lang Syne, the famous song of this time of year, written by Scottish composer and poet Robert Burns. It asks us to remember that our humanity and our kindness are expressed in our relationships with others. As we move into the new year, resolve to love others, treat them with dignity, respect, and compassion. May we find ways to forgive others and ourselves.
Shabbat Shalom
We prepare for the first night of Hanukkah, deeply shaken 
by the murderous assault on Bondi Beach and at Brown University.
The wanton hatred and violence are almost overwhelming. But we must find a way to gather this evening around our chanukiot, light our candles, place them in the window, and be with each other, letting the miracle of rededication take hold with an additional layer of meaning, overcoming the darkness of the moment and shining a light of love and hope.
Chag Urim Sameach,
Rabbi David Levin
President
The Board of Rabbis of Greater Philadelphia