This evening, I had the pleasure of reading a bedtime story to my kids. Naama chose "Pavel And The Tree Army" by Heidi Smith Hyde (Author), Elisa Vavouri (Illustrator) which was sent to PJ Library Families in January 2019. The story follows the life of Pavel and his friend Anatoly, immigrants who came to America seeking a better life. These two men left their homes to take part in one of FDR's greatest achievements, the Civilian Conservation Corp. While the Corp planted trees as well as built … [Read more...]
Never Turn Down a Conversation
I was on a flight today to San Diego for a family Simcha (brit). In rabbinical school, a professor once explained that if the person sitting next to you on the plane, train or bus asks what you do and you are not in the mood to chat, look down at your shoes and say you are an actuary. I will admit that I have never tried this trick, too nervous that the person asking will turn out to be an actuary and want to chat, which brings me to Monday night. On my flight returning to Omaha, the … [Read more...]
Parshat Beha’alotcha
This Shabbat we read Parshat Beha'alotcha. At the heart of the Torah, reading is the explanation of Pesach Sheni (or Second Passover). You may be asking yourselves, wait - we have to do that a second time? When the Temple stood, there were many reasons that people may not have been able to make it to Jerusalem to offer the Passover sacrifice. Regardless of the reason, Judaism created a make-up date, 14 Iyyar (one full month after Passover 14 Nissan) or Pesach Sheni, a second chance to bring the … [Read more...]
Yahrzeit Aliyah
Over a decade ago Rabbi Paul Drazen z"l was looking for ways to attract more members to come to synagogue and more specifically be willing to take an aliyah (honor of being called to the Torah) on Shabbat morning. Rabbi Drazen along with the ritual committee instituted a policy of having the 5th Aliyah being specifically for those celebrating a Simcha (happy occasion) a birthday, anniversary, going or returning from a long trip, etc. Following the aliyah, the clergy would say a misheberach … [Read more...]
Judaism – Open Space vs. Brick & Mortar
On Friday night I had the honor of speaking at B'nai Israel Synagogue in Council Bluffs, IA. The synagogue is beautiful, and I am incredibly thankful for the invitation from their leadership to teach. B'nai Israel is the only remaining synagogue in Council Bluffs; you can learn more about B'nai Israel at Facebook Events or Wikipedia Article The topic for the evening was "Judaism - Open Space vs. Brick and Mortar." For quick definitions, I understand "open space" as programming or experiences … [Read more...]
As You Leave for Camp
For the past eight years, I have encouraged many families to send their children to Jewish summer camp. In those conversations I tried my best to explain the incredible benefits of spending a summer away from mom and dad, a summer spent making friends that will last a lifetime, a summer where Judaism seeps into your pores through osmosis. This has been the story I have told "other" people, as my kids were too young to attend sleep-away camp, that all changes on Sunday. No longer am I just the … [Read more...]
Praying With Our Feet
A few folks have asked me about the potential conflict of the synagogue taking part in the Heartland Pride Parade on Saturday, June 29 and the observance of Shabbat. I wanted to take the opportunity to share my thoughts on the topic. A few years back, a few congregants asked if the synagogue would publicize a walk, taking place on Shabbat to support cancer research. My initial thought was while I had no issue with folks participating in the walk, the question in front of me was whether … [Read more...]
The Cost of Doing Business
I was having a fascinating conversation with a close friend about the ongoing struggle of many Jewish communities to decide where to put their financial resources. Do you spend $$$ to increase the engagement and activity of Jews who have made an effort to be involved in the Jewish community (i.e. joined the JCC, send their kid to the Jewish early childhood center, perhaps even joined a synagogue) OR do you try and reach out to those who defined as unaffiliated. For this post "unaffiliated" will … [Read more...]
Leveraging Technology
In July 2018 the Beth El Board of Trustees unanimously approved the usage of Live Streaming during Shabbat and Festivals. When the conversation of live streaming began at Beth El I could not have imagined the positive feedback and first-hand stories as to its benefits. At first, we had a few community events that through the use of live streaming we were able to include members of our community not able to make it to Beth El. Then there were a number of private events, a baby naming as well as a … [Read more...]
Just One More Day
Texts from Shabbat discussing Shemini Atzeret Leviticus 23:36 seven days you shall bring offerings by fire to the LORD. On the eighth day you shall observe a sacred occasion and bring an offering by fire to the LORD; it is a solemn gathering: you shall not work at your occupations. Rashi on Leviticus 23:36 a solemn gathering [i.e., God says to Israel,] “I have detained you [to remain] with Me.” This is analogous to a king who invited his sons to feast with him for … [Read more...]
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