Category: Shabbat Shalom

Shabbat Shalom – Peace and Reflection

ShabbatCandlesThis Shabbat, rather than a musical selection, I want to offer a moment to reflect on the recent tragedies and  acts of horrible violence we have experienced.

 Tonight the words Shamor v’Zachor will dance in my mind as the light from the flickering flames of the Shabbat candles fill the room. It will not be a joyful beautiful dance this evening. Tonight I will somberly reflect on what it means to remember and preserve Shabbat. So much violence, so many lives needlessly taken by fear and violence. How will I react?

 I hope to rise above my own anger and frustration. Instead of hate, I want to resolve to be part of something better. I will look to my community and join with them as my community joins with others. I hope to become part of something greater that aligns with the message of hope instead of despair, of love instead of hate, of joy instead of pain.

 Join me in committing to something better. Find your caring community and become part of it. Embrace and share the values that will transform our communities, our nation, and our world the place it ought to be. On this Shabbat let us dedicate that we will be an active part of bringing peace and wholeness to the world. May it begin with this Shabbat.

Shabbat Shalom

 

Shabbat Shalom- concluding a difficult week

We have lived through another horribly difficult week where hatred and violence scarred us deeply. With Shabbat let us find comfort and the strength to rise above these things and work for a time when we can live in safety and love, security and peace.

Ufros Aleinu Sukkat Shlomekha, taken from the Hashkiveinu prayer, Spread over us Your Shelter of Peace.

ופרש עלינו סכת שלומך Ufros Aleinu Sukkat Shlomecha
Spread over us your canopy of peace

ותקננו בעצה טובה מלפניך Vetaknenu B’aytza Tovah Milfanecha
And repair us with good council before you

והושיענו Vehoshiaynu
And rescue us

Shabbat Shalom

 

Shabbat Shalom

This was another difficult week. Terror and hatred scarred Tel Aviv leaving four innocent people dead and many others injured and victims. Our hearts and prayers reach out to those that suffer. We also pray for the day when people learn to live together in peace.

The piece I share is Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach singing Al Eyle Ani Bochyah – For these things I cry. Even through the tears, we hope for a new and better day.

 

Shabbat Shalom