Jewish Relationships Initiative

Blog

  • Shabbat Shalom

    Praying for Peace this Shabbat for Ukraine and v’akol yoshvei Tevel.

    Shabbat Shalom

     

  • Shabbat Shalom шабат шалом

    шабат шалом

  • Shabbat Shalom- a prayer for peace

    Sting brings back an old and sadly timely tune, a prayer for peace,

    May the Russians love their children too

    Shabbat Shalom

  • Do not stand idly by


    Do not stand idly by while your neighbor’s blood is being shed- Lev 19:16

    There is something we can do; Contribute to the organizations on the ground aiding the victims of war.  Choose from among many humanitarian groups trying to ease the suffering.  Consider a donation to Doctors without Borders; HIAS, JDC, World Central Kitchen.  Everything helps, no amount is too small.  Thank you.

     

  • Shabbat Shalom- praying for peace

    Oseh Shalom Bimromav, Hu YaAseh Shalom Aleinu

    v’ akol Yisrael, V’akol yoshvei tevel

    V’imru Amen

    Shabbat Shalom

  • Shabbat Shalom

    At this difficult time, we pray for peace.   And as we pray, give generously to alleviate some of the suffering- reach out to the JDC, Doctors without Borders, World Union for Progressive Judaism, or whichever group you know is trying to reach those in need.

    Shabbat Shalom

    I hope that this Adon Olam, composed by Cantor Pinchas Minkowsky (1859-1924) of the Brodsky Synagogue in Odessa inspires your prayers and actions for peace in Ukraine. Praying for the safety of the Ukrainian people and wishing you a Shabbat Shalom

  • Shabbat Shalom

    In our evening service, we pray that God takes us in a loving embrace to keep and protect us through the night.  We pray for peace.

    Cantor Azi Schwartz offers this beautiful melody.

    Shabbat Shalom

  • Shabbat Shalom

    Or Zarua LaTzaddik

    These lines from Psalm 97 are part of Kabbalat Shabbat and sung here by Nava Tehila.

    Light is sown for the righteous- The poet of the psalm suggests that God’s creation anticipates a world of righteousness.  The seed is already implanted, ready to sprout and grow.

    Shabbat Shalom!

  • Shabbat Shalom

    As we welcome Shabbat, the need for love, unity, and hope is greater than ever.

    The USA Africa song We Are The World is the clarion call that still resonates.

    Shabbat Shalom

  • We’re making Whoopi

    I found Whoopi Goldberg’s recent comments about the Holocaust both ignorant and offensive, and in that, I am certainly not alone. However, that says a lot about both of us and our different perspectives. So maybe there is something to be learned on both sides.

    I believe Goldberg honestly shared what she thought. It was her opinion. After substantial pushback and some time to absorb the response, she offered a sincere apology. It seems that she learned from that experience. Unfortunately, for those of us seeking to cancel her or supporting ABC’s gratuitous “time out” as with ill-mannered children, we squander an opportunity to learn from her about her perspective. Her view does not pose a threat, and it was not a voice of hatred. But it is rightly rejected. However, I would be interested in hearing more. Her comment on the Stephen Colbert show,  “I thought it was a salient discussion because as a Black person, I think of race as being something that I can see,” offers an interesting perspective on a deeply personal subject to the Jewish community. I doubt I would agree, but I am sure I would learn something from her.

    I am looking forward to her conversation with Jonathan Greenblatt from the ADL.

    Let’s get Whoopi Goldberg back on the air and walk forward together.