We need to pause and take a breath.
Let Shabbat give us time to breathe.
There will be time to organize our thoughts, prepare, and respond to the reality of the elections. There is much to do.
But for now, it is Shabbat. Take the time to breathe.
Shabbat Shalom
Israel made it clear that it was prepared to engage in a broader war. Targeted attacks, particularly the one that assassinated Haniyeh in Tehran, sent an unambiguous message.
The recent barrage from Iran in the conflict’s latest phase serves as a stark reminder that Iran and its allies are equally committed to intensifying the fight.
We sit on the edge. The words of reprisal portend a substantial response intended to be punishing.
Despite the current turmoil, the potential for peace is not lost. Coexistence, though distant, is not unattainable.
As we enter Shabbat, let us find solace in this sacred moment and fervently pray for the peace of Shabbat to soon embrace us all.
Shabbat Shalom
Erev Shel Shoshanim-Evening of the Lillies is a song of love poetry, a way to understand the beauty of Shabbat. This version is Jane Bordeaux’s.
We welcome Shabbat. As tensions run high and hot, we are praying for peace.
Shabbat Shalom
In preparation for the Amidah, we share V’Shamru.
The Wilson Thicket Band shared this version at Temple Israel, West Bloomfield Mi.
Wishing everyone Shabbat Shalom.
And pray to #Bring Them Home!
Shake your Lulav and
Shabbat Shalom!
It is the second night of Hannukah and Shabbat. These two holidays coincide this year (yes, they coincide EVERY year- Hannukah is an eight-day holiday after all.) I share this fun song from Six-13, Feliz Chanukah, as a way to lighten and brighten Shabbat and the second night.
(How do you transliterate חנכה?)
Chag Urim Sameach and Shabbat Shalom
An interesting way to welcome Shabbat from 8th Day, an American Chasidic pop-rock band from California.
Enjoy and Shabbat Shalom!
Joshua Nelson, one of our extraordinary gifts, brings his Gospel style to Lecha Dodi to help us welcome Shabbat. Imagine the Shabbat bride entering to this! It’s get up out of your seat and dance time. Shabbat Shalom!
A wonderful upbeat tune from Six13 to welcome Shabbat.
Wishing all a Shabbat of Peace and rest~
Yet again a terror attack claimed the lives of 14 this time in San Bernadino California. We enter another Shabbat bloodied and battered seeking solace. But unfortunately this respite in our sanctuary cannot shield us any longer and Shabbat is buckling under the pressure.
Each time there is a horrific mass shooting and we do not demand action to curb gun violence in this country, we abet the violation of Shabbat. We cannot retreat into a passive wish for peace, rest and the restorative nature of Shabbat when we know that the new week will likely contain another ghastly act of violence, which might have been prevented if our society took thoughtful deliberate action to stem the tide. It is in our hands. Only we can create a climate where inaction is unacceptable and we demand better laws and enforcement to protect ourselves.
I listened with great sadness the interviews of members of Congress who carefully parsed words lauding the 1930s ban on automatic weapons, but claiming restrictions on semi-automatic assault weapons would take away the right to own handguns and shotguns. Our illustrious Senate opposed the elimination of gun law loopholes that permit people on a Terrorist Watch list to buy guns ostensibly because the watch list itself may not be carefully enough defined. They tell us that exemptions and loopholes in the laws to buy weapons and ammunition remain in force because any more control becomes a defacto revocation of the Second Amendment. These arguments say that routine carnage is the price we need to be willing to pay to live in the United States. That is unacceptable. We must require change including:
-Action to create a comprehensive approach to reducing gun violence through
– Enforcing existing laws
– Educating gun buyers how to use firearms
-Adding new regulations to keep guns from those identified as unstable or a threat
-Closing loopholes in laws to prevent criminals from purchasing guns and ammunition
-Fully funding the enforcement programs and more robust mental health programs
We cannot sit idly by when the blood of our neighbor is spilled (Lev 19:16). For those who do not believe we are responsible for each other, think about the random nature of this violence (in centers for the developmentally disabled, schools, the streets, movie theaters, etc.) and pause to consider that the next bullet could well be aimed at you. This Shabbat, let us emerge into the new week committed to doing our part to eliminate gun violence.
Shabbat Shalom
