What does the Jewish New Year mean – for us at OrH, for our families, for our extended networks of kin and friends from diverse backgrounds? At its best and highest expression, the New Year can mean growth through introspection, celebration through renewal and Recommitment to core values. When we celebrate the last Shabbat of […]
Purim and Passover. Mardi Gras and Easter. Feasting and Fasting. Over-doing it and then planning on limits. Days on a mountain = 40; years in a desert = 40. Days of special preparation = 40. Special rituals. Sacred texts. Revered figures. Wild celebration followed by solemnity followed by celebration. Confusing? Naw. The deep meanings of […]
Master of the Universe, grant me the ability to be alone; May it be my custom to go outdoors each day Among the trees and grass – among all growing things So begins a beautiful text attributed to Reb Nahman of Breslav, and although it’s hard to imagine encountering trees and grass outdoors at this […]
What time is it – what Jewish time, that is? Why ask? Is it because once the big holidays are over, we wonder what we can meaningfully do in Jewish time? The rhythm of the year has shifted to its slow, cool groove, so – it’s time to revisit the basics: take a breath, say […]
Happy Rest-of-the-Year! The Tishrey/fall holy day cycle has come to a close, and now our first Jewish year together continues. It was a great and welcome beginning. I look forward to re-meeting many of you throughout the year – please be in touch anytime with thoughts, questions, ideas for learning, leading and growing Or Haneshamah. […]
A message from Rabbi Liz: This last full day of the season of teshuvah offers an opportunity to look back, look at ourselves, and look to the future, intently and intensely. It is also a time of celebration of community and continuity, and of tradition coupled with innovation. We allow ourselves to be open to […]
Ashrey ha’am yod’ey tru’ah – happy are the people who know the tru’ah sound – says the verse in Psalm 89. The tru’ah sound of the shofar, the ram’s horn heard on Rosh Hashanah and at the end of Yom Kippur, is the staccato group of nine quick blasts. After the long, held tekiya, the […]
The time is fast approaching – this year’s fall holidays, a new school year, a new stage in this congregation’s life, and in my family’s. It’s the middle of July, which means I am now formally the rabbi of Or Haneshamah – what a thrill and an honour. It is also the new month of […]
