Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Wake up, it's Elul!

Every morning during the month of Elul, we blow the shofar, waking us up to the spiritual possibilities of the month.  Reminding ourselves that Rosh Hashanah is coming, we are committing ourselves to heshbon hanefesh, an accounting of our deeds.  We reflect on what has been and imagine what life could be.

For some, coffee, has the same awakening effect!  In Israel, there is an advertising campaign capitalizing on the time of year, the month of Elul, and arguing that their coffee provides the same oomph!

Whether it is from coffee or the shofar, let us spend the next month in contemplation that leads to action. Let our studies inspire us to improve our surroundings.  May we not be discouraged by what has been, but be hopeful for what can be!  It's Elul, WAKE UP!

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Hazak Hazak Vnithazek

When we finish reading a book of the Torah, as we did a couple weeks ago, we call out "Be strong, be strong, and may we be strengthened."  In the last few weeks, that strength has really been needed. The Iran Deal has raised as many concerns as it hopes to ameliorate.  Jewish and Muslim terrorism in Israel and its neighborhood have created tensions within the fabric of Israeli society.

What is our source of strength when times are challenging.  For me, the combination of prayer and action are the solution to most ills.  Looking at our tradition, we can find strength, and models of those who were also struggling.  Psalm 121 provides one such example.

Here Neshama Carlebach sings her version of her father's beautiful Esa Einai. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r34Kddcybg4&index=4&list=PLUW8AINhm3A_nJ7J4azRHemghr9u0fquS



ESA EINAI
I WILL LIFT UP MY EYES
Esa einai el heharim,
me'ayin me'ayin yavo ezri
Esa einai el heharim,
me'ayin me'ayin yavo ezri

Ezri me'im Hashem,
Oseh shamayim va'aretz
Ezri me'im Hashem,
Oseh shamayim va'aretz 
I will lift up my eyes to the mountains.
From where does my help come?
I will lift up my eyes to the mountains.
From where does my help come?

My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
Lyrics from http://www.hebrewsongs.com/song-esaeinai.htm


From the action side, we must be cognizant of our choices. Are we working towards solutions?  Are we making the world better?  As we look to Israel and pray that it demonstrates Jewish values of love and peace, let us consider where we donate.  Do we send money to supporters of peace or those who cry for violence?  Do we support religious institutions that match our values?  Below are three that do.

Think about it:
http://www.irac.org/
http://www.conservativeyeshiva.org/
https://masorti.org/