Blogs

Using Ritual to Help Us Cope

Where you are today?

Not geographically, but spiritually.

What words do you have to describe your spiritual state?

Take a moment and put in the chatbox how you are feeling. 

One word.  Read more...

One of the things I love about the Jewish approach to life is that everything is nuanced.  Forgiveness is no different.  According to Rabbi Dina Rosenberg quoting Rabbi David Blumenthal, not all forgiveness is the same:

The most basic kind of forgiveness is "forgoing the other's indebtedness" (mechilá). If the offender has done teshuva, as described above, and is sincere in his or her repentance, the offended person should...Read more...

During the month of Elul and the high holidays there are three relationships we attempt to work on.  The goal is not to fix ourselves and our souls but to improve them if possible.  These three relationships that we seek to repair are Bein adam l chavero- between one person and another, Bein adam l’makom- between ourselves and God, and bein adam l’atzmo- Between a person and themselves.

This week I want to provide some...Read more...

Teshuvah is the act of repentance.  It is possibly one of the most powerful and difficult acts a human can undergo. It requires introspection, bravery and vulnerability.  The word Teshuvah literally means “returning”.  It is our attempt to return to a pain we caused and discomfort we feel. Through this act we attempt to make that which hurts not hurt anymore.  Teshuva is to reconcile and make peace not only with others...Read more...

It takes a village to raise a person. It also takes a village to sustain an institution. Temple Beth David not only survives, but thrives because of our village. This past week our village has been very busy in working towards opening our doors fully in the coming months. This week the fundraising, reopening, and ritual committees all met on different days. It is this dedication and passion of our village that truly has me excited for the...Read more...