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
This Shabbat is different. The feelings of vulnerability evoked by Sukkot underscore October Rain. Shulem Lemmer shares his rendition here.
In these times, when we’re focused on not drowning in the hurricane of hatred and antisemitism, our personal feelings often take a backseat. Since that dreadful day in October, our hearts and minds have been solely focused on our land and people. From the moment I heard this song, I felt compelled to cover it, as it conveyed so much of what we’ve struggled to express in recent months. (continued below).
Shabbat Shalom
The original “October Rain” was deemed “too political” for the world stage, leading to the release of a more neutral version, “Hurricane.” I am sharing “October Rain” in its raw, authentic form to voice our nation’s true sentiments. May the floods dry up with the warm sunshine of Moshiach’s arrival!
Lyrics: Writers of the history Stand with me Look into my eyes and see People go away but never say goodbye Someone stole the moon tonight Took my light Everything is black and white Who’s the fool who told you boys don’t cry? Hours and hours and flowers Life is no game for the cowards Why does the time go wild Every day I’m losing my mind Holding on in this mysterious ride Dancing in the storm We got nothing to hide Take me home And leave the world behind And I promise you that never again I’m still wet from this October rain October rain Living in a fantasy Ecstasy Everything is meant to be We shall pass but love will never die Hours and hours and flowers Life is no game for the cowards Why does the time go wild Every day I’m losing my mind Holding on in this mysterious ride Dancing in the storm We got nothing to hide Take me home And leave the world behind And I promise you that never again I’m still wet from this October rain October rain October rain
לא צריך מילים גדולות רק תפילות אפילו כשקשה לראות תמיד אתה משאיר לי אור אחד קטן
Shabbat Shuva, the Shabbat of Return, is the Shabbat between Rosh HaShannah and Yom Kippur.
Nesshama Carelbach’s beautiful rendition of her father’s song is a wonderful way to welcome us to this special time.
Close your eyes and become a part of this meditative experience.
G’mar chatima tova, May you have a good seal- May it be a year of health and blessing.
In response to the 1973 Yom Kippur War and inspired by the Beatles, Let It Be, Naomi Shemer created Lu Yehi, Let it be.
This Shabbat, we continue to pray for the hostages to come home, and for the bloodshed to stop.
Shabbat Shalom
As we prepare to enter Shabbat, I pray for the Peace of Jerusalem,
A place and time where we can live together, honoring the humanity in all of us.
Thank you Cantor Rachel Brook for this moving rendition of our prayer.
Shabbat Shalom
Bring them Home
We ache for the day when our people are returned home when all can be held in the arms of loving family. Let us work for this day, let us pray for this day. Peace cannot come soon enough.
Josh Groban shares his gift with us, sending our prayers heavenward.
Shabbat Shalom
#BringThemHome
Another week of anxious anticipation. In Israel, it is peaceful but tense as the Iranian reprisal waits for its moment.
Israelis traditionally use the phrase ‘Laila Tov’ to wish each other a peaceful and restful night.
Many have started using the phrase ‘Laila Shaket,’ wishing for a quiet night.
May this Shabbat be quiet and good and of Peace.
Shabbat Shalom
This Shabbat we continue to pray for peace.
My friend and colleague, Cantor Jennifer Duretz Peled, shared this prayer, Ein Milim- There are no words, hoping that the hostages will come home so they would enjoy the peace we envision every Shabbat.
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
