https://youtu.be/bUTiKtCS23c
Hashkiveinu
In this prayer that follows the Shema in our evening service we acknowledge we are vulnerable and seek the loving embrace of the Divine to shelter us and care for us as we sleep. May we all find loving arms to hold us as we hold others. Shabbat Shalom.
As the sun begins to descend, it casts an orange color across the landscape signaling the approach of Shabbat.
May this be a Shabbat Minuchah- a time of rest and restoration and peace to all.
Shabbat Shalom
Evoking the beauty of the Shabbat bride entering the room, my mind recalls those wondrous moments watching brides come down the aisle to the chuppah. Please take a few moments to enjoy this beautiful rendition of Lecha Dodi. Wishing everyone a Shabbat Shalom.
A beautiful rendition of Lecha Dodi to the tune of Leonard Cohen’s Halleluyah sung by the incomparable Maccabeats.
Shabbat Shalom
In loving memory of my dear old friend Richie Julis z”l a Shabbat Message from Jewish Impact Films.
Shabbat Shalom!
We wish each other Shabbat Shalom, with the image of Aylan Kurdi’s lifeless body seared into our minds. This horrific image profoundly disturbs the peace we are supposed to welcome and embrace. The suffering of countless victims of war in places like Syria and Africa is unimaginable. The willingness to risk life itself to escape gives us some measure of the conditions that exist in the places from which they flee.
Europe cannot turn its back on these people and we here in the United States must also be ready to offer help to those that flee. Moreover, the world must be willing to address the circumstances that have created these desperate situations. The time to act is long overdue.
Shalom-
This Shabbat I urge us to commit ourselves to civility and decorum. The debate on Iran is extremely important to us, as Americans and as Jews, and discussion should be be robust. But we are standing at a crossroads. This conversation can quickly deteriorate. We cannot allow ourselves to be ripped apart by internecine hatreds. We remain Klal Yisrael only when we choose to be so. Let us argue ideas passionately, but let us not argue against each other. Even when we come from a place of strong conviction about the Iran deal, there remains room for multiple ideas without the need to vilify those who hold other views.
There is too much at stake here, Shalom for the world and Shalom Bayit, peace within the House of Israel.
Shabbat Shalom
Wishing everyone a Shabbat Shalom of peace and contentment.
Or as my Grandma used to say: Shabbat Shalom y’all!
I just flew in from Israel and boy are my arms tired! (so are my eyes, my feet and my entire body)*
I was honored to join rabbis from the Jewish Federations of Metro West and Greater Philadelphia for a whirlwind week exploring issues in Israel including a spiritual renaissance and seeking to reconnect to Zionism living according to the aspirations of Jewish values in a Jewish state and the struggle that entails.
I will use Shabbat to reflect and gather thoughts that I hope to share with you soon.
Wishing everyone Shabbat Shalom, A Shabbat of peace and comfort.
*apologies and attributions to Henny Youngman
Wishing you a peaceful Shabbat
