This Thanksgiving week's Torah portion, Tol’dot, begins with the birth of Jacob and Esau (though not in that order), continues with the tale of jealousy between the brothers, and ends with the deception of Isaac by Jacob. It contains the destructive themes of competition and jealousy between siblings, favoritism by parents, and deception among family … Continue reading Endless Blessings – Toldot and Thanksgiving
Beginnings and Endings – Simchat Torah
Everything has a beginning and an end. Including Simchat Torah, although not in that order. The festival of Simchat Torah (Rejoicing in the Torah), which falls this year on October 21st [October 22nd for traditional Jews outside Israel], marks the end of the annual cycle of Torah readings. It also marks the beginning of the annual cycle of Torah … Continue reading Beginnings and Endings – Simchat Torah
The Month of Elul
This Shabbat is the start of Elul, the month leading up to the High Holy Days. It is a month of reflection and repentance, when we perform a cheshbon hanefesh (accounting of the soul) and examine our deeds over the past year.During the month of Elul, it is traditional to blow the shofar daily (except on Shabbat). … Continue reading The Month of Elul
A genetic mutation, Yizkor Service, the Sound of Music, and more!
You may be wondering why you haven’t heard from me in awhile. Well, I have been immersed in an extraordinary time of renewal... Health! It started in January, when I learned that I carry a common genetic mutation called MTHFR and began taking L-methylfolate, the simple cure. About a month after I started taking it, … Continue reading A genetic mutation, Yizkor Service, the Sound of Music, and more!
How Nadav & Avihu teach us restraint
Parashat Acharei Mot begins by recalling the tragic deaths of Aaron's two sons, Nadav and Avihu: “The Eternal One spoke to Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron who died when they drew too close to the presence of the Eternal.” [Lev 16:1] Nadav and Avihu were apparently so overcome by the … Continue reading How Nadav & Avihu teach us restraint
Shabbat Live or Later WITH YIZKOR this Friday (4/26/19)
Grab a nosh and a bottle of wine [you know, for kiddush], curl up in your pajamas, and join us this Friday evening 4/26 for Ahava's next livestream Shabbat service - Shabbat Live or Later! This service will include Yizkor (a memorial service), traditionally chanted 4 times each year including on Yom Kippur and at the … Continue reading Shabbat Live or Later WITH YIZKOR this Friday (4/26/19)
A Zisn Pesach! A Sweet Passover to you and yours…
“Remember this day, on which you went free from Egypt, the house of bondage, how Adonai freed you from it with a mighty hand.” Exodus 13:3 Thoughts on freedom as Pesach (Passover) approaches: "The message of Passover remains as powerful as ever. Freedom is won not on the battlefield but in the classroom and the home. Teach your … Continue reading A Zisn Pesach! A Sweet Passover to you and yours…
Tamei Is A Good Thing! Yes, You Read That Right…
This week’s Torah portion, Tazria, deals with the topics of bodily emissions and skin diseases. Terrific...
A Personal Accounting
The portions leading up to this week’s Torah portion described the building of the Tabernacle in the desert in great detail...
Look Closer… See Me
In this week’s Torah portion, Parashat Tetzaveh, the Israelites are given instructions in how to make the sacred garments that will be worn by the High Priest...
Ahava: A Spiritual Experience in the Jewish Tradition 