Shabbat-O-Gram for March 15 - Beyond Articulation

Shabbat-O-Gram

Pre-order from Amazon, and... 

...join us for a wine-and-cheese launching on March 28 at 7:30!

And make plans to join us also to attend our TBE Immigration Forum on March 31 as well as our Women's Community Seder on April 2 and the Family Shabbat Chocolate Seder on April 5.

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The Shabbat-O-Gram sponsored by 

Beth and Jeff Goodman in honor of their son, 

Matthew, becoming a Bar Mitzvah

Shabbat Shalom!

Shabbat shalom!

Mazal tov to Matt Goodman and family as he becomes bar mitzvah this Shabbat morning.  Join us then, and tonight for Kabbalat Shabbat at 7:30.  Tomorrow we also have another Shabbabimbam for young children. Last week's Bar Mitzvah speech by Zachary Price can be found here.  The Times of Israel featured my commentary found in last week's O-Gram.  You can read "Dual Loyalty - Dual Love" here.

Beyond Articulation - and Some Hope

This week we read the first portion of Leviticus, which includes descriptions of the ancient sacrificial cult.  In Leviticus 1:9 we encounter a term for the first time, one that seems inocuous here 

ט וְהִקְטִיר הַכֹּהֵן אֶת-הַכֹּל הַמִּזְבֵּחָה, עֹלָה אִשֵּׁה רֵיחַ-נִיחוֹחַ לַיהוָה.  {ס}

1:9 and the priest shall make the whole smoke on the altar, for a burnt-offering, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

The offering made by fire was entirely consumed on the altar.  The devastation was complete.  Nothing remained for the priests to eat. The word for "consumed by flame" - Isheh - is a derivative of the word esh which means fire.  A later derivative of this root word is Shoah - so it is from this utter devastation at the altar that we first glimpse the word that would come to be associated with the Holocaust.  In fact, some translations, especially those written before World War Two, call this sacrifice, in English, the Holocaust offering.

Looking at an etymological dictionary, you find several shadings of meaning for this root word, including "lays waste," and "ruins."  But additionally you find words like "wonder, "astonished" and "amazed," 

The Hebrew word "Mishta'eah," another derivation of Shoah, is especially apropos today.  It means "to be rendered empty of thought."  The Holocaust remains, even 75 years later, not merely beyond explanation, but beyond thought, beyond articulation.  Words can't come close to expressing the horror.

That's how we feel today after the murderous rampage at mosques in New Zealand.  Reading the first reports of the hate-filled ideology of the perpetrators, I am reminded that this is Shabbat Zachor, the Sabbath of Remembrance, when we read the instruction to remember the evil perpetrated by Amalek in the Wilderness.  There's a lot of evil to recall at this time of year, and it's a reminder that today is far from the first time Muslims have been murdered in their place of prayer.  29 were killed in Hebron by Baruch Goldstein in 1994.  Goldstein was driven to his hateful deed after misreading the book of Esther on Purim, failing to understand that the mitzvah to destroy Amalek is not calling on us to kill people, but to kill off hatred itself, the Amalek within.  

We have a long way to go.

But meanwhile, this horrible tragedy leaves us all "beyond articulation."

Now for a hopeful sign:

With today's news it becomes even more important for us to stand up against hate no matter where it is found.  This week, the Stamford Board of Reps provided a refreshing bipartisan break from the typical political rancor, by joining in an overwhelming censure of one of their members who had spread vile messages against Muslims and others in social media postings.  I attended the meeting and was moved at the presentations made.  Very little grandstanding, even though cameras were present.  Some of the speeches were very very personal, detailing heartbreaking experiences of prejudice.  As I sat next to my Muslim imam friend, I reflected that this us just another example of why Stamford is a fabulous place to live.  See the coverage of the meeting on WABC.   

PURIM!!!

Purim falls this coming Wednesday evening.  Join us at 5:30 for the Family Megilla Reading followed by the always-great carnival, and Purim for Adults, with a full Megilla reading at 8:00. 

Here is some Purim info from MyJewishLearning.com

- What is the Book of Esther?

- Nine Things You Didn't Know About Purim

- Must-Know Purim Words and Phrases

Beyond Articulation #2

Last weekend, I sent out one of the saddest e-mails I've ever had to deliver, the news of the tragic death of Mike Sverdlove, beloved grandson of TBE's Andrew Sverdlove.  You can read some of the coverage in the Israeli press.  Andrew spoke so proudly of Mike's love of Israel at services.  Mike's father posted on Facebook a moving account of what transpired. "Moving" doesn't quite describe it.  This is what "Beyond Articulation" would look like if it could be articulated.  It's a glimpse right into the thundering Isheh offering - and to the core of an aching father's soul.  Our deepest sympathies to Andrew and family.  

Recalling Hanna Senesh's immortal words:

 

Blessed is the match, consumed in kindling flame.

Blessed is the flame that burns in the heart's secret places.

Blessed is the heart that knows, for honors sake, to stop its beating.

Blessed is the match, consumed in kindling flame.

Shabbat Shalom

Rabbi Joshua Hammerman

Hate has no home here

Below is WABC NY Channel 7's coverage of the Stamford Board of Rep's censure of a member for hate-filled social media postings:

Dual loyalty — or dual love?

FEATURED POST

Dual loyalty — or dual love?https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/dual-loyalty-or-dual-love/

America is our home, where we live our lives; and Israel is our canvas, where our lives will have mattered a millennium from now

MAR 8, 2019, 10:03 PM

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People wave Israeli flags while watching the Salute to Israel Parade in New York, May 31, 2009. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Why do American Jews feel such an attachment to Israel (though sadly, not as much as before)? Contrary to analogies I’ve been reading, it is not comparable to Irish Americans longing for Ireland or Italian Americans caring about Italy. For us, the commitment is not merely ethnic or ancestral, it is also spiritual and existential. It is not a matter of dual loyalty, in fact, but dual love. It’s a relationship that should not cause inner conflict or embarrassment, but great pride. Israel is, without doubt, the Jewish people’s most impactful contribution to civilization since the Talmud was completed 15 centuries ago.

It seems to me that when people are looking back at the Jewish contribution to this historical epoch a thousand years from now, they will speak of Einstein, Freud, and Marx — and their impact on the world at large. But our descendants will point toward Israel as our generation’s most original, revolutionary creation.

Israel is our Book of Psalms and our Job, our magnum opus.

That is why Israel matters to Jews, no matter where we live. That is why things like elections matter, and religious freedom and planting trees and ensuring equal rights for women, LGBTQ and minorities in Israel. That’s why free speech matters, and that people who disagree with a government policy shouldn’t be detained at the airport. These things matter to Diaspora Jews. And if they don’t, they should. And it should matter to Israelis that it matters to Diaspora Jews.

For American Jews, America is our home. But Israel is our canvas. The former is where we live our lives. The latter is where our lives will have mattered a millennium from now. Whether or not American Jews actually vote in Israel’s elections (and I believe we should have that right), American Jews should participate in shaping Israel’s destiny.

That is why Israel’s security also matters to us, and why it needs to maintain a qualitative military edge over its neighbors.

Yes, America is a grand experiment too, one that American Jews cherish and also view as a great work of art. The past few years have reminded us that we can never be complacent in sustaining American democracy. As an American Jew, I love all that America stands for, even when she struggles to find her way, in the same way that my love for Israel remains unconditional, even when she disappoints and struggles. It’s possible to love both grand experiments, America and Israel — AND chew gum — at the same time.

In America, I am one of 325 million “tempest-tost,” who have come from everywhere to bathe in the glow of a lady with a lamp, to become a beacon of hope to the world. And with Israel, I am one of a mere 13 million Jews gathered from everywhere, part of a people who have walked this earth for over 3,000 years — and survivors of the greatest evil the world has known — determined to kindle a “light unto the nations” in an old-new land where ideals of the biblical prophets spring to life.

It’s not a matter of dual loyalty, then, but dual love.

TBE Bar/Bat Mitzvah Commentary: Zachary Price on Pekuday

Shabbat Shalom.

Thank you for coming here to celebrate with me and my family today.

My portion of Pekuday concludes a LONG and detailed description of the construction of the mishkan in the wilderness.  This description actually began several portions ago and it takes up half of the book of Exodus.

Then, at the end of the portion, it doesn’t just say “Moses assembled all the parts and constructed the Mishkan.” Instead, it even goes into great detail on how Moses put it together.

So the question we have to ask is, why so much detail?

I think it’s because the Torah is teaching us that God is in the details.  God’s in the big picture too, but where you really appreciate God – and life – is when you are close up, in the weeds, getting your hands dirty.

Here are some examples from one of my favorite things to do: basketball. 

Of course, homework is my favorite thing to do.  But basketball is my second favorite.  Well, actually, cleaning up my room is my second favorite thing to do.  Then comes basketball!

So here are three ways that help me to understand – from basketball – how God is in the details.

First, the game is so strategic.  Lots of things happen that go unnoticed to the standard viewer.

While I was growing up, my dad often told me the phrase, “Stockton before Malone,” talking about the great guard and forward combination from the Utah Jazz.  It was Stockton’s passing ability that allowed Malone to be such a great scorer.   The pass that leads to the score.  Or the pick that gets you open for a layup.  Or the rebound that can start a fast break.  The beauty of the game is in those details.

Another way that God is in the details is in the amazing ability of the human body to heal. I’ve come to learn a lot about it, because I’ve gotten injured … a lot!

Just a few weeks ago, when I met with the rabbi to begin working on this speech, he commented that he’s often seen me with a cast on or braces on my hand.  Or the time I jumped off my sister’s bunk bed and fractured my leg.

Anyway, he suggested that I not play basketball for a few weeks.  Funny enough, that weekend, I was playing and someone’s chin came down on my head and it cracked open.  The good news is that is closed up pretty quickly and the better news is that Jews wear yarmulkes so no one knew.

Fortunately, while I’ve gotten injured a lot, every injury has healed.  It’s amazing how quickly my body recovers.  It must run in my genes – right Ruthie?

One more way that God is in the details – has to do with my peculiar fashion interest.  I didn’t need to get a party dress for tonight, so instead I got a special pair of sneakers for the party.  I have many pairs of sneakers and they are all different colors.

Just like the ancient cohanim, whose garments were crimson, purple and many other colors, my sneakers are blue, black, red, white, green, pink, and other colors.  So since I’m imitating the high priests, mom and dad, can I wear my sneakers to services now?

There’s one more aspect of today that reminds us that God is in the details.  Today is the second day of the second month of Adar.  That’s right, the Jewish calendar does an entire month over again.  It’s complicated, but basically, leap years fall 7 times in 19 years - we add a month each leap year so that Passover won’t eventually fall in July.  Makes perfect sense!

For my mitzvah project, I’m donating to Sandy Hook Promise, an organization that reaches out to communities, schools and students and educates and raises awareness to help prevent gun violence. They also are using funds to develop and deliver mental health and wellness programs. Additionally, Sandy Hook Promise works towards passing sensible mental health and gun safety laws. Over 2,000 children each year are killed from gun violence.

I’m the same age as the 20 kids who were killed in Sandy Hook – and in fact I know one of the kids whose lives was saved.  This would have been the year when they all would have attended bar mitzvahs or become b’nai mitzvah themselves. I’m dedicating my mitzvah project to them.

Shabbat-O-Gram: Dual Loyalty - or Dual Love?

Shabbat-O-Gram

The Shabbat Announcements are sponsored by 

Randi and Craig Price in honor of their son, Zachary, becoming a Bar Mitzvah

Nearly 30 have reserved already for our March 2020 Cuba trip. 

Get your reservation in before March 31 and get $100 off! 

Check out the early endorsements for ... 

 

...and pre-order your copy on Amazon!

Shabbat Shalom!

Shabbat shalom!

Mazal tov to Zachary Price and family as he becomes bar mitzvah this Shabbat morning. Zachary’s family has a long history here at TBE and he has much to be proud of - and he is much for us to be proud of.

Someone returning to the community from a few months in warmer climes commented to me this week at how vibrant TBE is these days. Truthfully, when you are caught up in the day-to-day grunt work of serving a community I don’t get many chances to step back and smell the roses. Especially when those roses are covered in new March snow. Yesterday I gave a tour of our sanctuary to someone who is shul-shopping and he was awestruck at a view that many of us take for granted. The gleaming snow outside our sanctuary windows did look spectacular.

But what’s even more spectacular is what’s going on inside. Over the next three weeks, we’ll be participating in a number of significant events in the life of our congregation. Read about them in our weekly e-nouncements email.

And our rise coincides with the renaissance of Stamford, particularly downtown. We have approximately 45 new membership units over the past year, a distinct rise from prior years. There are many reasons for that, both internal and external, but what’s undeniable is that TBE - and Jewish Stamford in general - have become a “destination” on the Jewish map of this area.  

Maybe it has to do with our message of love and inclusiveness.

As we swing into March and our prime spring programming season, it’s a nice thing - we should feel very good about who we are and what we stand for!

Diversity, Civility and Loyalty

 

A rabbi, imam, minister and Hindu pujari walked into a bar

Well actually, the four of us walked into Greenwich high school last week, and with hundreds of students present for a Diversity Week keynote program, we talked about the importance of civility and mutual respect.

That topic has come up a lot this week, both in Washington and locally. There has been great concern about anti-Semitic and hate-driven tweets and Facebook postings both by Rep. Ilhan Omar in Washington and Marion McGarry of the Stamford Board of Reps. I am very pleased that the House of Representatives has overwhelmingly passed a resolutioncondemning anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and other forms of bigotry. If you take a moment to read this resolution you will see that it is an excellent teaching device as to the extent and scope of anti-Semitism in our country and abroad.  It focuses on the false canard of dual loyalty. The resolution is really well done and turns Omar’s lemons into the best possible lemonade. It remains to be seen as to whether her lemon tree keeps yielding its bitter fruit.

Meanwhile, I implore you again to do something that all too few of us do these days: Read the resolution and be a full participant in American democracy.

While those events are happening in D.C., here in Stamford, McGarry, who ran as a Democrat, has been producing and sharing hateful materials on her Facebook page, particularly attacking immigrants, Muslims and, yes, Democrats - which makes one wonder about her future in the Democratic party.   You can see some examples here and read the article in today’s Advocate. I can tell you that I’ve seen other examples even more vile than what’s been collected here, including the vulgar use of Holocaust imagery in a hate-driven meme.

I am one of the signatories to this Interfaith Council letter:

As leaders of the various faith communities in Stamford, we strongly support the action of members of the Stamford Board of Representatives in calling for a special meeting to censure Rep. Marion McGarry for conduct detrimental to the public’s trust and confidence in the Stamford Board of Representatives.

The racially charged comments that Rep. McGarry has made toward Muslims and Hispanics on social media has no place in the public square, not to mention from a public official and leader in Stamford.

As the Board of Representatives rightly note, “Stamford is a diverse community where neighbors, no matter their political beliefs, treat each other with decency and respect. An elected member of our board endorsing racist comments outside of our meetings is a violation of those values and arguably deserves censure.”

To this civic response, we add the response of the religious communities that all life is sacred, and we are called, within each of our traditions, to respect the sacrality of all life. Rep. McGarry’s comments are anathema to this vision.

We thank the Board of Representatives for responding to Rep. McGarry’s comments, and we redouble our efforts as members of faith communities and proud citizens of Stamford to continue to create an environment where the diversity of Stamford is seen as part of the strength of our community and encourage all to honor the sacred in each individual.

We join hands and hope with those who also stand by the values of tolerance, acceptance, dialogue, and respect for the dignity of every human being, regardless of faith, race, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, and social status.

On a related note, I am also proud to say that our congregation is being considered for a local pilot for the international program called “Sharing Sacred Spaces.” Since September 11, 2001, Sacred Space International has convened, connected, and accompanied religious communities in sharing the sacredness of space, tradition and hospitality to foster understanding, trust, and friendship in a diverse world. Read more about it here. It’s really exciting and you’ll be hearing more about it as we head into the upcoming year.

Dual Loyalty - or Dual Love?

In an article I wrote a couple of years ago, I examined why American Jews feel so attached to Israel (though sadly, less so these days). It’s not analogous to Irish Americans longing for Ireland or Italian Americans caring more about Italy. For us the commitment is not merely ethnic or ancestral, it’s also spiritual and existential.  It’s not a matter of dual loyalty, in fact, but dual love.  It’s a relationship that should not cause inner conflict or embarrassment, but great pride. Israel is, without doubt, the Jewish people’s most impactful contribution to civilization since the Talmud was completed fifteen centuries ago. 

It seems to me that when people are looking back at the Jewish contribution to this historical epoch a thousand years from now, they will speak of Einstein, Freud and Marx and their impact on the world at large.  But our descendants will point toward Israel as our generation’s most original, revolutionary creation. 

Israel is our book of Psalms and our Job, our magnum opus.

That’s why Israel matters to Jews, no matter where we live.  That’s why things like elections matter, and religious freedom and planting trees and ensuring equal rights for women, LGBTQ and minorities in Israel. That’s why free speech matters, and that people who disagree with a government policy shouldn’t be detained at the airport. These things matter to Diaspora Jews.  And if they don’t, they should.  And it should matter to Israelis that it matters to Diaspora Jews.

For American Jews, America is our home. But Israel is our canvas.  The former is where we live our lives.  The latter is where our lives will have mattered a millennium from now.  Whether or not American Jews actually vote in Israel’s elections (and I believe we should have that right), we should participate in shaping Israel‘s destiny.

That’s why Israel’s security also matters to us, and why it needs to maintain a qualitative military edge over its neighbors.

Yes, America is a grand experiment too, one that American Jews cherish and also view as a great work of art.  The past few years have reminded us that we can never be complacent in sustaining American democracy.  As an American Jew, I love all that America stands for, even when she struggles to find her way, in the same way that my love for Israel remains unconditional, even when she disappoints and struggles.  It’s possible to love both grand experiments, America and Israel - AND chew gum - at the same time.

In America, I am one of 325 million “tempest-tost” who have come from everywhere to bathe in the glow of a lady with a lamp, to become a beacon of hope to the world.  And with Israel, I am one of a mere thirteen million Jews gathered from everywhere, part of a people who have walked this earth for over 3,000 years - and survivors of the greatest evil the world has known - determined to kindle a “light unto the nations” in an old-new land where ideals of the biblical prophets spring to life.

It’s not a matter of dual loyalty, then, but dual love.

Shabbat Shalom - and don't forget to move your clocks forward this weekend!

Rabbi Joshua Hammerman

Shabbat-O-Gram for March 1: Properly Redacted Jewish Jokes (and Mrs. Maisel faves); Israeli Election Update, A Contemplation for Non-Believers,

Shabbat-O-Gram

 

Tonight, in honor of Adar - it's "Jewish Joke Night" (see below)

 

26 have reserved already for our 2020 Cuba trip.  Only 14 spots left! 

Get your reservation in before March 31 and get $100 off! 

Check out the early endorsements for ... 

 

...and pre-order your copy on Amazon!

Shabbat Shalom!

March is coming in like a lion here at TBE. Tonight is Shabbat Across America for hundreds of communities across the US and Canada, and we are proud to be one of them. For the past few years we've done this event with the whole Stamford Jewish community; this year we are back to doing it on our own and I'm looking forward to sharing this opportunity for coming together, at the dinner, the family service before and the main service after. Something for everyone! Then, on Shabbat morning, we have Men's Club Shabbat with a special speaker, along with our new service for 4-8 year olds. Also, Mazal Tov to Paul Springer and Amy Levinger on their Ufruf - and thank you to Fred and Eileen Springer for joining with the Men's Club to sponsor our Kiddush lunch.  The Men's Club Shabbat will take place, snow or shine!

An Earthquake in Israeli Politics

 

Over the past week some earthshaking events have upended the Israeli political scene and the relationship between Israel and American Jews as well. In last week's Shabbat-O-Gram I spoke about the grave concerns posed by the inclusion of a party consisting of racist followers of Meir Kahane into the potential Netanyahu led right wing coalition, at the Prime Minister's behest. I am pleased that this unprecedented move was met by an unprecedented response - a rebuke by American Jewish organizations across the board, including the AJC, whose comments were echoed by AIPAC leadership.

Yesterday, the Prime Minister was indicted (pending a hearing), which was not a huge surprise, but an enormous shock to the system. It's not often that a Prime Minister gets indicted - and during an election campaign, yet. The next several weeks will be riveting, as Netanyahu fights for his political life. Here's an analysis of the current situation by the Times of Israel's David Horovitz. Below you'll find a chart explaining the accusations, from Ha'aretz.

Two Adars - Twice the Joy!

The month of Adar is considered by the rabbis our most joyous month: "When the month of Adar begins, one increases rejoicing. (Babylonian Talmud Ta'anit 29a).

So what happens when we have two Adars, as we do in a Jewish leap year, which this year happens to be? (For you math whizzes out there, see how the Jewish calendar and leap years work) Do we get twice the joy?

Good things happen in Adar; there's a positive energy. The Talmud says "Someone who wants a fortune should plant in Adar." Do you hear that, investors? Also, if a Jew needs to go to court, the rabbis state, go in Adar. Tradition has it that Moses was born and died in Adar, and of course, the Jewish people hit the jackpot with their victory of the arch enemy Haman on Purim, which is in Adar.  

So...

 

Given that we should be doubly joyous this week, and given that we need a little Purim, right this very minute, I thought I would revive an old TBE custom on Friday night and declare it...

"...Jewish Joke Night."

So bring in your favorite Jewish joke. It has to be clean and non-misogynistic, anti-Semitic, racist or homophobic... in other words, bring in your SECOND favorite Jewish joke.

Below is are examples of classic Jewish jokes, properly redacted to be in step with the times:

Here's one, Henny Youngman style:

My wife divorced me for religious reasons. 

S/he worshiped money and I didn't have any!

And here's an old classic, properly redacted...

A rabbi, priest and a minister step into a bar.

WwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwW

wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

                                                                   

..." said the rabbi!

How about this all-timer!

Two Jews are walking through a neighborhood one evening when they notice they are being followed by a pair of hoodlums OF NO PARTICULAR RACIAL OR ETHNIC BACKGROUND.
"David," say his friend, "we better get out of here. There are two of them, and we're alone!"

And another, this one redaction-free:

Schwartz, an elderly (LOOKING) man, is resting peacefully on the porch of his small hotel outside Boca (NOT THAT THERE'S ANYTHING WRONG WITH BOCA) when he sees a cloud of dust up the road. He walks out to see who could be approaching: It is a Southern farmer with a wagon (CALLED "SOUTHERN" BECAUSE HE LIVES IN THE SOUTH).

"Good afternoon," says Schwartz.
"Afternoon," says the farmer.
"Where you headed?" asks Schwartz.
"Town."
"What do you have in the wagon?"
"Manure."
"Manure, eh? What do you do with it?"
"I spread it over the fruit."

"Well," says Bernstein, "you should come over here for lunch someday. We use sour cream."

MY APOLOGIES TO THE MANURE ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE FOR THAT ONE!

I'll try to come up with some better ones for tonight. Meanwhile, bring your own faves!

To tide us over, here are some of my favorite Jewish jokes from "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisels."

 

Midge: Me, personally, I was never great at gift-giving. Maybe it's because I never got to celebrate Christmas. I got Hanukkah. Doesn't exactly prepare you the same way. For Christmas, a gentile would get a bike as a reminder that their parents love them. For Hanukkah, we would get socks as a reminder that we were persecuted.

 

Moishe: Your mother-in-law called and said the whole family is so ill that break fast is canceled. So ill, the holiest of holy days cannot happen.

Joel: If it's so holy, why do you keep the factory open?

Moishe: You want a smack in the face?

Joel: I'm just saying-

Moishe: The people get paid by the piece. You want to take a day's work away from them? God wants them to go hungry if I shut my doors?

Joel: Fine

Moishe [gestures to work floor]: Half those people out there are gentiles. You go explain Yom Kippur to gentiles. We're happy, but we're starving. It's New Years, but we're guilty.

Joel: Sounding like a nonbeliever, Pop.

 

Astrid: Here. This is for you.

Rose: Honestly, Astrid, you don't have to bring us gifts every time you go to Israel.

Midge: What was this - your sixth, seventh trip?

Astrid: 11^th!

Midge: Oh.

Astrid: Can't get enough of the holy land.

[Rose opens bag and pauses]

Rose: What a beautiful mezuzah.

Astrid: I've never seen one that big before. [laughs]

Midge: It looks like it ate all the other mezuzahs.

A Contemplation for Non-Believers

At last week's Shabbat-in-the-Round, I read a passage that resonated with a number of people, so i'm sharing it here:  "A Contemplation for Non-Believers," from Siddur Shaar Zahav.  Feel free to incorporate it into your own prayers (or non-prayers!).  We at TBE encourage all kinds of questioning.

 

 

Finally, for our college students and other young adults:

American Jewish World Service Summer Internship in Advocacy and Jewish Engagement
Do you want to make an impact on Jewish advocacy and human rights education? The American Jewish World Service Summer Internship in Advocacy and Jewish Engagement is a rich opportunity to contribute to an innovative Jewish and human rights curriculum, advance policy in D.C., and learn more about the complex operations of a large non-profit. The ideal candidate has a commitment to global human rights, a background in education, government or public policy, and problem-solving and collaboration skills. This position is available in either New York or Washington, D.C. For more information and instructions to apply, go to www.ajws.org/JewishEngagementIntern. For specific questions, please reach out to Hannah Weilbacher hweilbacher@ajws.org.

Shabbat Shalom and Happy Adar 2!!!

Rabbi Joshua Hammerman