Jewish Relationships Initiative

Blog

  • Response to the vandalism at Temple Beth Hillel Beth EL

    The synagogue offered the following public statement in response to the swastika graffitied on the property:

    We do not know who did this. We do know that they wanted us to be afraid. A swastika is not a commentary on the policies of the State of Israel, nor is it a sign of solidarity with Palestinians. It is a symbol of hatred and division. We, the leadership of the synagogue, want everyone to know that we will not give in to either fear or division. We are blessed to live in a society in which hate speech is not tolerated by the police, who are working with us to keep us safe. We are blessed to live in a society where our neighbors of other faiths have already reached out to offer support.

  • What does Commandedness look like today?

  • Shabbat Shalom

    Mattisyahu shares with soldiers from the Golani Brigade.

    One Day…

    Wishing Shabbat Shalom to all.

     

     

  • Shabbat Shalom

    The incomparable Neshama Carlebach shares her beautiful rendition of Yehi Shalom.

    Wishing everyone Shabbat Shalom, and may peace come soon to all.

  • Philadelphias lead role in helping people in the Death Space

    Philly Magazine has an interesting article sharing how we are doing a better job discussing death.

    I am honored to be included in the conversation through my work at the Death Cafe of Greater Philadelphia.

    Thanks to Ben Seal for this important piece.

    Check out the link below.

    https://www.phillymag.com/news/2024/02/17/death-care-workers/?fbclid=IwAR3N4PLlrRNMYaEsut-71eTqtqTwQ72BlSA9cyaAoVmuhJWPtL7z2fl-HKk

  • Ana BeKoach

    Ana b’Koach is an enigmatic prayer said to conceal a mystical formula for spiritual renewal within its plea for divine aid.*

     

    *https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/ana-bkoach-a-portal-to-creation/

  • Listening is critical but hard

  • Shabbat Shalom

    Playing for Change has used music to share our humanity and the transcending power of music across cultures and nations.

    Redemption Song is one of Bob Marley’s great gifts.

    Freedom and Peace is our hope.

    Bring them Home!

    Shabbat Shalom

  • Bring Them Home Now

    Bring Them Home

    This is the mantra we need to keep repeating in every conversation.  Our people must be brought home as the basis for any negotiation.

    Many hostages have perished, all have endured unspeakable suffering, and we presume those still alive continue to be abused.  This is the moral basis for the continued war on Hamas.

    Although Hamas does not care about the killing and destruction inflicted on the Palestinian people and crudely, cynically positions the hostages and the Palestinians as bargaining chips in political maneuvering, we care about them and will continue to fight against the forces of barbarism until our people come home.

    I pray for peace, and I pray for the end to the pain and suffering.  Bring them home, and then we can take steps toward ending hostilities.

  • Shabbat Shalom

    We welcome Shabbat as we experience the heartbreak of war.

    May we find some peace this Shabbat.

    Shabbat Shalom