Blog
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An Ode to Joy-Shabbat Shalom
Tonight, Christmas Eve coincides with Shabbat. Beethoven’s Ode To Joy summons us to remember the extraordinary things that can unite us. This flashmob in Nurenberg is a fitting reminder “Behold, How good it is to dwell as brothers.”
Shabbat Shalom (and Merry Christmas)!
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Grandpa’s Magic Marshmallows
When we went to grandma and grandpa’s house to visit, some things stood out. Among them was a giant breakfront that contained the unique items they had collected over the years. I remember the porcelain figurines on display, delicate and colorful, gracing the shelves just behind the beautiful curved glass. But there was something even more extraordinary; it was a secret that only my grandpa knew. He would call us over and open the top right drawer and withdraw a box of campfire marshmallows. The box had eight marshmallows, so my brother Jeff and I always enjoyed the special treat and even got seconds.
As I got older, I got a bit bolder, and the allure of those marshmallows was too great. So, I decided to sneak over to that drawer and get a marshmallow for myself. I waited for the appropriate time and stealthily made my move to the treasure chest. I opened the drawer, but the marshmallows were not there. I was crestfallen. I was sure grandpa put the box back in the drawer. But like magic, they disappeared. What was amazing to me was that the same thing happened the next time. Grandpa produced the box of marshmallows and put the remaining ones away, but they disappeared when I went back to look. It was truly magic.
I never did ask my grandfather about the magic disappearing marshmallow trick. But now that I am about as old as he was when he performed that trick, I think I figured out how he did it. I hope that someday I will be given the gift of performing that same magic trick for my grandchild. For, the breakfront now sits in my study. I have replaced the porcelains with special books and mementos, including a picture of my grandparents on their 50th wedding anniversary. It is magical.
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Shabbat Shalom
Lecha Dodi, at the heart of Kabbalat Shabbat, is shared by the Maccabeats.
Beautiful harmonies a capella to welcome Shabbat.
Shabbat Shalom
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This Hanukah, Shabbat Shalom
It is the Shabbat within Hanukah (as it is an eight-day holiday, there is always one)
Six13 brings us this great medley mash-up of Hanukah meets West Side Story.
Enjoy, with candles and sufganiyot!
Chag Urim Sameach and Shabbat Shalom
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Chag Sameach
In the mystical realm, there exists
Wishing you Chag Urim Sameach, Freilechen Chanukah, and Endless Donuts!!!
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It’s about more than the Benjamins
The extraordinary philanthropic work depends on the generous giving of those supporting the vision. Without money, these efforts cannot exist, and people who rely on their good works will go without them.So, on this #GivingTuesday, we need to make sure that we support the causes we believe in. So please give.
My mailbox is overwhelmed by people asking for dollars, and it is easy to become insensitive to the ask. Those who only contact you when it is time to solicit funds might not resonate with you, but we still need to support the causes that touch our hearts. So, reach out today and support your cause with what you can give. They need your help. And the act of giving feels good, which is something we can all use.
I wish everyone blessings of the Holiday season and a happy, healthy new year.
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Happy Thanksgiving
A Thanksgiving thought~It is easy to focus on how far we’ve yet to go and forget how far we’ve come. I am reminded of the classic family vacation/car trip. No sooner are we in the car before someone cries from the back seat, “Are we there yet?” which is drowned out by “I need the potty!” The finish line never seemed so far away.
But for those familiar with the experience, the fact that we got everything packed into the car and started the trip (without leaving any children behind) is quite an accomplishment.
So, by way of silly segue and flawed metaphor, let us find grace and thanks on this Thanksgiving. Our journey is far from over, and the aspirations for a free and just society are far from realized. But we have many blessings for which to be profoundly grateful. So, find the space in your heart to embrace these and share them with others. They become the wellspring from which to draw strength in all of the work we have yet to do. For no my sweet child, we are not there yet, but we are on the way!
Happy Thanksgiving!
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Shabbat Shalom
L’cha Dodi has helped us welcome Shabbat from almost the time Shlomo HaLevi Alkabetz wrote it. Hazzan Harold Messinger and Caroline Freewald sing this delightful version.
Shabbat Shalom!
