JEWS BEGAN YOM Kippur recently with the haunting chant of Kol Nidre (“all vows”). In this prayer, promises made in the past year are declared… Continue reading
NEVER FORGET. HAVE these words about the Holocaust become a cliche? There seems to be a weariness about the subject. “Yes, it was terrible, but… Continue reading
IN JEWISH TRADITION when celebrating a special occasion or showing gratitude for a new and unusual experience, we recite a blessing from the Talmud called… Continue reading
A RECENT TORAH portion tells the story of Moses sending scouts from each of the 12 tribes into the Promised Land, as God had instructed.… Continue reading
IN THE 2015 Disney movie “Cinderella,” Ella’s mother tells her, “Remember to always be kind and have courage.” I admit I am a sucker for… Continue reading
DURING THE RECENT Jewish holiday of Passover, we celebrated spring’s new birth and a journey from slavery to freedom. We were told to personally “experience”… Continue reading
THERE IS OFTEN a perception that Judaism is focused on following laws rather than being concerned with love, compassion and mercy. Anyone who spends time… Continue reading
“When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not wrong him. The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as… Continue reading
A BASIC PRINCIPLE in Judaism and Kabbalistic tradition is the profound regard for all life and that every soul is a fragment of the divine… Continue reading
I have personally witnessed how verbal abuse and hateful words can cause deep, unseen wounds that leave lifelong scars.
“In the end what matters most is how well did you love, how well did you live, how well did you learn to let go.” (Dalai Lama)
How can we find those who would best navigate us through difficult times with integrity and a firm moral compass? I suggest we choose our leaders as we would our friends.
