I am thrilled that Beth El Synagogue through the generosity of the Fellman Family has purchased the brand new Siddur Lev Shalem. The new Siddur, which I hope you will get your hands on soon, will be at the center of our synagogue prayer life for many years to come. The Siddur is our guidebook when it comes to prayer, it is also the thing we come in contact with the most when we are at the synagogue; it has to be accessible and the Lev Shalem meets that need. The Siddur is also a tool that … [Read more...]
The Value of Early Childhood Education
When I arrived in Omaha in the late Summer of 2011 I was envious of very few of my rabbinic colleagues. In Omaha I found a great job, a loving congregation, and a committed community; I felt blessed then and I feel the same way today. There was only one thing that when I arrived I looked at friends around the country and said, “I wish I had that.” What was it that I missed? In many communities across the country early childhood centers are housed at Synagogues in addition to Jewish Community … [Read more...]
the clothes we wear
Do you know why judges wear black robes? The custom comes from Colonial Judges in England who wore black and sometimes colorful robes as well white powered wigs. The custom made its way to the United States and became an integral part of our justice system. While the wigs have faded away, the traditional black robe is still worn by every state and federal judge when they walk into a court room. This week our country lost one of our brightest and most treasured legal minds with the death of … [Read more...]
I would like to think that when David Ben Gurion declared a Jewish State 1948 he did so knowing my kids would always have a place to call home. … [Read more...]
http://rabbistevenabraham.com/i-would-like-to-think-that-when-david-ben-gurion/
A Lesson in Gun Control from Israel
A Lesson in Gun Control from IsraelAnyone who has been to Israel typically makes two quick observations. First, everyone has a cell phone and second, it would appear, that everyone has a gun. Whether it be the young soldier with an m-16 on his back to the store owner with a sidearm, guns it would seen are part of society or so it would seem. The Slate article points out that:“gun advocates in the United States sometimes misleadingly cite the country as a positive example of a place with a … [Read more...]
Omaha City Council – A Lesson from Maimonides
Omaha City Council - A Lesson from Maimonidesrabbisteven: The Omaha City Council began a debate on Tuesday around the increased problem of “aggressive panhandling”. In rabbinical school I would often find myself walking the few blocks from my apartment to the seminary, behind one of my most beloved and well respected professors. I noticed that he always had change in his pockets and almost always would give to those individuals on the street who asked for money. What was peculiar was that those … [Read more...]
Omaha City Council – A Lesson from Maimonides
Omaha City Council - A Lesson from MaimonidesThe Omaha City Council began a debate on Tuesday around the increased problem of “aggressive panhandling”. In rabbinical school I would often find myself walking the few blocks from my apartment to the seminary, behind one of my most beloved and well respected professors. I noticed that he always had change in his pockets and almost always would give to those individuals on the street who asked for money. What was peculiar was that those … [Read more...]
Sukkot – Stop and Smell the Roses
Sukkot - Stop and Smell the RosesAfter being stuck inside for the past few weeks both preparing for and taking part in the High Holy Days, it is a welcome change to be forced to step outside into nature. This great article from The Atlantic points out the importance of taking some time everyday to step outside and enjoy the world God has created. … [Read more...]
Over the holiday of Sukkot we are supposed to invite ushpizin (guests in Aramaic) into our sukkah. From Abraham Isaac and Jacob to Sarah Rebecca Rachel and Leah. Which personality or figure from history would you most like to meet and invite into your sukkah? … [Read more...]
http://rabbistevenabraham.com/over-the-holiday-of-sukkot-we-are-supposed-to/
Hajj Stampede Near Mecca Leaves Over 700 Dead
Hajj Stampede Near Mecca Leaves Over 700 DeadWhen I first heard the news of this tragedy my mind went straight to a story told in the Talmud. Every morning, when the Temple stood, the ashes would need to be removed from the offerings made the previous day. I imagine this was seen as a relatively lowly task and so not much thought was put into deciding who would get the “honor” of removing the ashes. Then we hear a story (23a) where two men are racing up the ramp to get to altar when one … [Read more...]