Vayakhel: A Study in Patience
Everyone is a bit impatient nowadays. How long do we have to work to see a better world? Longer than you think, but it’s all good.
Being Jewish at Christmas
We can share this Chirstmas Day with Shabbat, look the Sabbath candles glowing before us as a reminder of the light we wish to bring into the world, and look at the Christmas lights in our neighborhood and see them as a sign of those around us who, too, are looking to bring more light into a darkened world.
The Hazzon of the Hazzan
In order to talk of the role of the Hazzan or Cantor, one must speak about the role of public prayer.
On being blind
Sometimes we act blind to the acts of others in order to give them the benefit of the doubt when they act basely. Other times we wear a veil that shields our eyes from actions which we know need to be taken, but have trouble reconciling with our moral compass.
Why Do We Sing?
Our ability to express ourselves freely is important for two reasons: One, because in our vulnerability, when we emote, we become lucid communicators, letting others know our authentic selves; Two because when we experience others’ vulnerability and expressiveness, we become emboldened and empowered to express ourselves.
Ki Teitzei—Don’t Hide Your Eyes
Tell me if this sounds familiar: You hear from a friend, whether by mail, e-mail, or facebook, about some cause for which she is fundraising. Perhaps it’s a cause particularly close to her heart. But you know she’s reached out to hundreds of her friends. You know she...