Jewish Relationships Initiative

Blog

  • Shabbat Shalom

    We welcome Shabbat, Kabbalat Shabbat with a series of Psalms beginning with Psalm 95.  Rabbi Rayzel Raphael takes the words, L’khu n’ran’nah, and shares, Rock to the Rockin Joy.

    Enjoy and Shabbat Shalom.

  • Shabbat Shalom

    Nefesh Mountain sings I lift my eyes to the mountain, Esa Enai.  It seems like a good musical introduction to the Shabbat before Shavuot.

    Wishing everyone Shabbat Shalom and Chag Shavuot Sameach as we are about to celebrate the gift of Torah.

  • Sharing the story of Poland and Ukraine

    Sharing the story of Poland and Ukraine

    I am deeply grateful to bear witness to the important stories coming from my mission to the JCC of Krakow in support of Poland and Ukraine and to bear witness.

    Thank you to Rabbi Jeremy Weisblatt of Temple Ohav Shalom in Allison Park outside Pittsburgh and to Rabbi David Ackerman of Beth Am Israel of Penn Valley, PA outside Philadelphia for graciously opening your shuls to me.

     

    Help us help them.  Please invite me to share this very Jewish and very human story with your community.

  • Yitgadal v’yitkadash shmei rabba

    Yitgadal v’yitkadash shmei rabba

    We need to take action to make this madness stop

  • Shabbat Shalom

    Teach your Children is a song that has always moved me with its special message.  The V’ahavta echoes inside my head as I hear the music play and the words reach out, sharing the message: we are in this together, to share our wisdom and make meaning of our life journey.

    This is the Playing for Change Band onstage in Tel Aviv with the timeless song of Crosby Stills and Nash.

    Shabbat Shalom

     

  • Shabbat Shalom

    Helping the Ukrainian refugees

    We are compelled to help.

    Kippah

  • Shabbat Shalom

     

    Playin for Change shares this version of Gimme Shelter.

    God’s miracle is not in the thunder and lightning but in people protecting others from the storm.  ~ The Radmal

    Shabbat Shalom

     

  • Help us Help them

    https://theradmal.com/kippah/

  • Shabbat Shalom

    Paul McCartney wrote Blackbird as a tribute to the civil rights struggle in the United States.  It is a song that needs to be sung now for all seeking freedom.   The incomparable Jon Batiste performs this rendition.

    Shabbat Shalom

  • Why do these Kippot Cost so much?

    Why do these kippot cost so much?

    https://theradmal.com/kippah/

    It is because we are trying to raise as much money as we can to help the victims of war.  We are not in the business of selling Kippot.

    These kippot are unique and designed to represent the Sunflower, the national flower of Ukraine and a symbol of hope, in the Ukrainian national colors.  The Kippot are made in a fair trade arrangement with a Guatemalan Women’s cooperative; we want them compensated adequately.  Our goal is to get money to one of the influential NGOs in Poland, the JCC Krakow.

    The JCC is dedicated to helping refugees in need, whether Jewish or not.  It is an extraordinary opportunity for the Jewish community of Poland to lead in a time of crisis.  It is likewise an extraordinary opportunity for the Jewish community of the United States to support the work.

    Please help us with a generous donation and proudly wear a symbol of our humanity.  #standwithUkraine

    Kippah