Parshat Lech-Lecha 5785
We make assumptions about others based on what we see: what they wear, what they drive, their work, past-times… And we project upon the other who passes our superficial entrance exam what we want them to be — i.e., more like us!
Breath (Yizkor KN5785)
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Can You Hear Me (KN 5785)
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Yom Kippur Singing
My recent posts...Over the decades, I have composed melodies for some of the texts we use in our prayer services. (I've written English interpretations of the texts for a few of them.) Some of them are posted here so we can sing them together at Shirat Hayam and, even...
Sanctity of the Camp
This week’s Torah portion, Naso, includes an injunction to send those who are ritually impure “out of the contamination range” (Etz Hayim) of the mishkan, the portable sanctuary at the center of the Israelite’s encampment.
The impure are to be moved beyond the bounds of the Israelite camp, however that was determined. How far was far enough to keep impurity pollution from driving Adonai from the mishkan, Adonai’s dwelling place among the Israelites: The other side of the outermost row of tents? The back edge of the grazing area? That rock over there?
Are there limits to that which can contaminate the civic sanctuary at the center of the American camp? Contaminants such as unyielding ideologies, willful blindness, or wishful thinking, are not limited to only one political party; they are everywhere!
Better that we seek to cast light rather than sling mud; that we pursue truth rather than power; that we foster compassion within the community that America could be, should be.
For those efforts, there are no limits.
Shabbat shalom ! שבת שלום