April 05, 2007

The theology of freedom

When I defend Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people, I always point out that we were repeatedly ethnically cleansed from Israel and kept coming back. Among the perpetrators were the Babylonians, the Romans, and then a young rapacious Islam. Andrew Bostom has the gory details on the last, and how the State of Israel represents liberation from oppression by a dominant imperialist culture :

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Judith | 04/05/07 at 09:52 PM | 3 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

April 04, 2007

V'Hi She'amda

I was going through old emails in one of my sporadic attempts to practice good email hygiene, and found a slightly outdated but relevant one from frequent commenter Alex Bensky. Unfortunately, this sentiment is still apropos, and as Alex points out, probably always will be:

Continue reading "V'Hi She'amda"

Judith | 04/04/07 at 07:14 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

Pesach in Vienna 1947

A silent movie of Passover in a displaced persons camp in Vienna 1947.

I wish I could post this video, but you have to follow the link. My mother and my aunt by marriage are both from Vienna, although they left before the war and only returned as American tourists. But if they hadn't gotten their visas to England and the US, they might have been at that seder. If they survived till 1947.

Judith | 04/04/07 at 04:38 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

April 03, 2007

Celebrate Passover with the Barry Sisters

From the YouTube page:

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Judith | 04/03/07 at 05:56 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

Counting the Homer

The 2nd night of Pesach we begin the mystical, meditative discipline of counting the Omer, which re-enacts on a spiritual level each step in the journey from the liberation at the Red Sea to the revelation of Torah at Sinai.

The creative synthesis of American pop culture and ancient Jewish tradition has produced an innovation called Counting the Homer. The Homer website has a whole section on the Jews of Springfield, and links to the Simpsons Talmud and learned investigations of the Simpsons Sephardic crypto-Jewish ancestry. D'oh.

Judith | 04/03/07 at 05:39 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

April 02, 2007

Mitzrayim to Ge'ulah, speedily and in our days

Chag Sameach from Treppenwitz, who uses his Pesach greeting post to link to just about every Jewish blog there is. So bookmark it for after the holiday. He also publishes a prayer for captives:

May the One Who blessed our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, David and Solomon, bless the kidnapped and captive soldiers, including among them Gilad ben (the son of) Aviva Shalit; Ohed ben Malka Goldwasser; Eldad ben Tova Regev; Guy ben Rina Hever, Ron ben Batya Arad; Yekutiel Yehuda Nachman ben Sarah Katz; Tzvi ben Penina Feldman; and Zecharia Shlomo ben Miriam Baumel. May the Holy One, Blessed be He, watch them and save them from all trouble and oppression and from all evil and injury.

May He be filled with mercy for them, to cause them to recover and to heal them, to strengthen them and to invigorate them, and to bring them speedily to freedom, to return to the embrace of their families. May they merit long lives and years of much strength and peace. In the merit of our forefathers, may the descendants be saved and fulfill through them the verse, 'Release my soul from imprisonment to praise Your Name' (Psalms 142:8), swiftly and soon, and let us all say Amen.

Treppenwitz quotes from a Hebrew prayer for the redemption of captives, often sung to a stirring melody - mp3 and lyrics below.

Continue reading "Mitzrayim to Ge'ulah, speedily and in our days"

Judith | 04/02/07 at 05:49 PM | 0 Comments | 1 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

The Aviv Matzha Story

I was combing YouTube for Pesach-related videos, and I found this campy documercial about Aviv Matzah Co. in B'nei Brak. Coincidentally, I had just bought a box at Fairway that afternoon, and it was the first time I had ever heard of that brand. Since Pesach hasn't started yet, I haven't tried them.

Incidentally I am not going to do an elaborate series of Pesach posts as I did in years past, but you can find those under Chagim in the category list halfway down the left sidebar; scroll down to 2004 and 2005. The holiday posts from fall 2006 burnt me out; I made one each from Rosh Chodesh Ellul through Simchat Torah, each one with a music file and visual art and theology and customs of the season. You can view them in the Yamim Noraim category and then the Sukkot posts in the Chagim category. But you have to go back to the category list each time because if you click sequentially from the top of the post you just get to the next post from that week.

Also I might be going back to the Middle East between Pesach and Shavuot (more info later) and it's harder to post regularly when I'm traveling. Well, not that it's harder but it's not what I want to spend my time doing.

Judith | 04/02/07 at 01:08 PM | 2 Comments | 1 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

April 01, 2007

Jewlia Eisenberg and Frank London

Every year there's a star-studded high-ticket pre-Passover seder in Manhattan. This performance from last year features Jewlia Eisenberg of Charming Hostess, and Frank London & the Klezmer All-Stars.

More on Charming Hostess, one of my favorite bands, and Exhibit A in my refusal to Stalinize my art appreciation:

Continue reading "Jewlia Eisenberg and Frank London"

Judith | 04/01/07 at 05:42 PM | 0 Comments | 1 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

March 31, 2007

If the Passover Story Were Reported by The NY Times

I got the following via email a few years ago. Although a few of the names have changed, unfortunately it hasn't aged much. And the ending hasn't aged at all.

The cycle of violence between the Jews and the Egyptians continues with no end in sight in Egypt. After eight previous plagues that have destroyed the Egyptian infrastructure and disrupted the lives of ordinary Egyptian citizens, the Jews launched a new offensive this week in the form of the plague of darkness.

Western journalists were particularly enraged by this plague. "It is simply impossible to report when you can't see an inch in front of you," complained a frustrated Andrea Koppel of CNN. "I have heard from my reliable Egyptian contacts that in the midst of the blanket of blackness, the Jews were annihilating thousands of Egyptians. Their word is solid enough evidence for me."

Continue reading "If the Passover Story Were Reported by The NY Times"

Judith | 03/31/07 at 10:16 PM | 0 Comments | 2 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

March 24, 2007

Cleaning for Passover

Via Carl in Jerusalem:

Daled Amos has some sensible advice.

Judith | 03/24/07 at 11:45 PM | 0 Comments | 1 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

December 16, 2006

Hanukkah 2: Una Candelika

Ocho kandelas para me!

Judith | 12/16/06 at 07:39 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

October 15, 2006

Simchat Torah: after much relationship counseling, a wedding

[ UPDATE: Check out this story about one of the oldest existing Torah scrolls. Scribed in Spain around 1100 CE (the era of Miamonides), it was taken to Rhodes by the Sephardic Jews escaping the Inquisition in 1492. Lots of interesting detail about the differences in lettering. One of the commenters links to the Aleppo Codex, which dates from 10th c. Tiberias. ]

All Yamim Noraim posts here, including one post a day from Rosh Chodesh Ellul 5766 through Yom Kippur 5767. All chagim posts here, including one post a day from the first day of Sukkot through Simchat Torah 5767. (Each of these include a mp3 of Jewish music from a wide variety of sources and genres.)

Thank God no more holidays for two months. Whew! But you are supposed to carry a bit of the festive spirit to the next day so you don't get a sudden let-down. I think a good night's sleep ought to do it.

A sprightly song from the Iraqi repertoire, Ma Navu Alay
about all the Jews returning from exile to Jerusalem and being reunited with God as are a bride and groom.

Simchat Torah is a wedding ceremony.

Continue reading "Simchat Torah: after much relationship counseling, a wedding"

Judith | 10/15/06 at 11:27 PM | 0 Comments | 2 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

October 13, 2006

Shemini Atzeret: Hevel

All Yamim Noraim posts here, including one post a day from Rosh Chodesh Ellul 5766 through Yom Kippur 5767. All chagim posts here, including one post a day from the first day of Sukkot through Simchat Torah 5767. (Each of these include a mp3 of Jewish music from a wide variety of sources and genres.)

The Book of Ecclesiasties, known in Hebrew as Kohelet, is read on the intermediate Shabbat of Sukkot, which this year is the same day as Shemini Atzeret. We sing Hallel, read Kohelet, and the hazan chants Geshem all on the same day. Long service but very musical.

Pharoah's Daughter sings lines from Kohelet
to an original tune, from the CD Out of the Reeds.

This downbeat megillah's relation to the the season of joy which precedes it seems paradoxical. How one reads it turns in part on how one translates the key word "hevel," which has no English equivalent. It is usually rendered as "vanity" or "futility", but it is primarily a word connotating transience, or impermanence without the judgemental frustration that "vanity" or "futility" imply. ("Hevel" - usually pronounced as "Abel" in English translations - is also the name of Adam and Chava's son, which has inspired a certain amount of midrash.)

Continue reading "Shemini Atzeret: Hevel"

Judith | 10/13/06 at 05:49 PM | 4 Comments | 1 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

Shemini Atzeret: Mashiv haruach u'morid hagashem

All Yamim Noraim posts here, including one post a day from Rosh Chodesh Ellul 5766 through Yom Kippur 5767. All chagim posts here, including one post a day from the first day of Sukkot through Simchat Torah 5767. (Each of these include a mp3 of Jewish music from a wide variety of sources and genres.)

Kehilat Hadar sings lines from Psalm 93
("More than the roars of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, are You Hashem on high.")

Although Sukkot is the culmination of an entire week of mandated joy, releasing the tension of 40 days of introspection, it is also a week of praying for rain. But we don't want rain in the sukkah because when we are drenched we are not happy, so the accumulation of requests spills over (as it were) on the extra day of Shemini Atzeret, when the hazan sings a liturgical poem invoking the Patriarchs in asking for rain.

Uh oh. . . .

Continue reading "Shemini Atzeret: Mashiv haruach u'morid hagashem"

Judith | 10/13/06 at 05:35 PM | 0 Comments | 2 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

Sukkot 7: Judgement for water

All Yamim Noraim posts here, including one post a day from Rosh Chodesh Ellul 5766 through Yom Kippur 5767. All chagim posts here, including one post a day from the first day of Sukkot through Simchat Torah 5767. (Each of these include a mp3 of Jewish music from a wide variety of sources and genres.)

The Klezmatics with Chava Alberstein perform "Di Krenitse" ("The Well") at the New Synagogue in Berlin. Partial translation at the end of this post. ***

How are your lulav and etrog holding up?

If your moral self-examination continued past Yom Kippur, the last slips of petition and remorse can be slid through the closed, locked gate today, Hoshana Rabbah. Beat them willow branches really hard.

The Diaspora Band sings "Lulei He'emanti"
from Psalm 27, which we recite every day from the first of Ellul through today.
("If I had not believed to look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!--
Wait on the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord.")

Continue reading "Sukkot 7: Judgement for water"

Judith | 10/13/06 at 12:12 PM | 0 Comments | 1 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

October 12, 2006

Sukkot 6: Signs and wonders

All Yamim Noraim posts here, including one post a day from Rosh Chodesh Ellul 5766 through Yom Kippur 5767. All chagim posts here, including one post a day from the first day of Sukkot through Simchat Torah 5767. (Each of . . . more »

Judith | 10/12/06 at 11:12 PM | 0 Comments | 2 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

October 11, 2006

Sukkot 5: Ushpizin and Ushpizot

All Yamim Noraim posts here, including one post a day from Rosh Chodesh Ellul 5766 through Yom Kippur 5767. All chagim posts here, including one post a day from the first day of Sukkot through Simchat Torah 5767. (Each of . . . more »

Judith | 10/11/06 at 11:41 PM | 0 Comments | 1 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

October 10, 2006

Sukkot 4: I've heard there was a secret chord that David played to please the Lord

All Yamim Noraim posts here, including one post a day from Rosh Chodesh Ellul 5766 through Yom Kippur 5767. All chagim posts here, including one post a day from the first day of Sukkot through Simchat Torah 5767. (Each of . . . more »

Judith | 10/10/06 at 11:59 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

October 09, 2006

Sukkot 3: the peace of uncertain shelter

All Yamim Noraim posts here, including one post a day from Rosh Chodesh Ellul 5766 through Yom Kippur 5767. All chagim posts here, including one post a day from the first day of Sukkot through Simchat Torah 5767. (Each of . . . more »

Judith | 10/09/06 at 09:42 PM | 1 Comments | 2 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

October 07, 2006

Sukkot 2: Arba minim

All Yamim Noraim posts here, including one post a day from Rosh Chodesh Ellul 5766 through Yom Kippur 5767. All chagim posts here, including one post a day from the first day of Sukkot through Simchat Torah 5767. (Each of . . . more »

Judith | 10/07/06 at 07:29 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

October 06, 2006

Sukkot 1: Ashrei Shabbat

All Yamim Noraim posts here, including one post a day from Rosh Chodesh Ellul 5766 through Yom Kippur 5767. All chagim posts here, including one post a day from the first day of Sukkot through Simchat Torah 5767. (Each of . . . more »

Judith | 10/06/06 at 06:07 PM | 0 Comments | 2 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

Sukkot 1: Pri Eytz Hadar

All Yamim Noraim posts here, including one post a day from Rosh Chodesh Ellul 5766 through Yom Kippur 5767. All chagim posts here, including one post a day from the first day of Sukkot through Simchat Torah 5767. (Each of . . . more »

Judith | 10/06/06 at 05:37 PM | 1 Comments | 7 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

June 01, 2006

Standing at Sinai

Tonight night begins the Festival of Shavuot, which celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai.After we have accomplished all we can through our own initiative, then we are worthy to receive a gift (matan) from Above which we . . . more »

Judith | 06/01/06 at 03:36 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

May 31, 2006

Day 49 of counting the Omer

The countdown from Pesach to Shavuot is almost over, the journey from Egypt to Sinai is almost complete: Shavuot begins tomorrow night. Are you ready to accept the Torah? I have been remiss in not sharing with you other omer . . . more »

Judith | 05/31/06 at 11:07 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

May 30, 2006

Day 48 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Yesod of Malchut: Bonding in Nobility. Examine the bonding aspect of your sovereignty. Healthy independence should not prevent you from bonding with another person. . . . more »

Judith | 05/30/06 at 11:46 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

May 29, 2006

Day 47 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Hod of Malchut: Humility in Nobility. Sovereignty is G-d's gift to each individual. Hod of Malchut is the humble appreciation of this exceptional gift. . . . more »

Judith | 05/29/06 at 11:03 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

May 28, 2006

Day 46 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Netzach of Malchut: Endurance in Nobility. A person's dignity and a leader's success are tested by his endurance level. Will and determination reflect the . . . more »

Judith | 05/28/06 at 11:00 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

May 27, 2006

Day 45 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Tiferet of Malchut: Compassion in Nobility. A good leader is a compassionate one. Is my compassion compromised because of my authority? Do I realize . . . more »

Judith | 05/27/06 at 10:56 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

May 26, 2006

Day 44 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Gevurah of Malchut: Discipline in Nobility. Although sovereignty is loving, it needs to be balanced with discipline. Effective leadership is built on authority and . . . more »

Judith | 05/26/06 at 10:50 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

May 25, 2006

Day 43 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) We have left the week of Yesod and entered the final week of Malchut, leading to the receiving of the Torah on Shavuot. Chesed . . . more »

Judith | 05/25/06 at 10:48 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

May 24, 2006

Day 42 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Malchut of Yesod: Nobility in Bonding. Bonding must enhance a person's sovereignty. It should nurture and strengthen your own dignity and the dignity of . . . more »

Judith | 05/24/06 at 11:25 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

May 23, 2006

Day 41 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Yesod of Yesod: Bonding in Bonding. Every person needs and has the capacity to bond with other people, with significant undertakings and with meaningful . . . more »

Judith | 05/23/06 at 11:23 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

May 22, 2006

Day 40 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Hod of Yesod: Humility of Bonding. Humility is crucial in healthy bonding. Arrogance divides people. Preoccupation with your own desires and needs separates you . . . more »

Judith | 05/22/06 at 11:50 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

May 21, 2006

Day 39 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Netzach of Yesod: Endurance in Bonding. An essential component of bonding is its endurance; its ability to withstand challenges and setbacks. Without endurance there . . . more »

Judith | 05/21/06 at 11:48 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

May 20, 2006

Day 38 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Tiferet of Yesod: Compassion in Bonding. Bonding needs to be not only loving but also compassionate, feeling your friend's pain and empathizing with him. . . . more »

Judith | 05/20/06 at 11:17 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

May 19, 2006

Day 37 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Gevurah of Yesod: Discipline of Bonding. Bonding must be done with discretion and careful consideration with whom and with what you bond. Even the . . . more »

Judith | 05/19/06 at 11:15 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

May 18, 2006

Day 36 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) We have left the week of Hod and entered the week of Yesod. Chesed of Yesod: Lovingkindness of Bonding. Love is the heart of . . . more »

Judith | 05/18/06 at 11:47 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

May 17, 2006

Day 35 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Malchut of Hod: Nobility in Humility. Walking humbly is walking tall. Dignity is the essence of humility and modesty. The splendor of humility is . . . more »

Judith | 05/17/06 at 11:45 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

May 16, 2006

Day 34 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) - Yesod of Hod: Bonding in Humility. Humility should not be a lonely experience. It ought to result in deep bonding and commitment. There . . . more »

Judith | 05/16/06 at 11:42 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

May 15, 2006

Day 33 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Hod of Hod: Humility in Humility. Everyone has humility and modesty in their hearts, the question is the measure and manner in which one . . . more »

Judith | 05/15/06 at 11:38 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

May 14, 2006

Day 32 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Netzach of Hod: Endurance in Humility. Examine the strength and endurance of your humility. Does my humility withstand challenges? Am I firm in my . . . more »

Judith | 05/14/06 at 11:54 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

May 13, 2006

Day 31 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Tiferet of Hod: Compassion in Humility. Examine if your humility is compassionate. Does my humility cause me to be self-contained and anti-social or does . . . more »

Judith | 05/13/06 at 11:50 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

May 12, 2006

Day 30 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Gevurah of Hod: Discipline in Humility. Humility must be disciplined and focused. When should my humility cause me to compromise and when not? In . . . more »

Judith | 05/12/06 at 08:48 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

May 11, 2006

Day 29 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) We have left the week of Netzach and entered the week of Hod. Chesed of Hod: Lovingkindness in Humility. Examine the love in your . . . more »

Judith | 05/11/06 at 11:50 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

May 10, 2006

Day 28 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Malchus of Netzach: Nobility in Endurance. Sovereignty is the cornerstone of endurance. Endurance that encompasses the previous six qualities is indeed a tribute and . . . more »

Judith | 05/10/06 at 11:48 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

May 09, 2006

Day 27 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Yesod of Netzach: Bonding in Endurance. Bonding is an essential quality of endurance. It expresses your unwavering commitment to the person or experience you . . . more »

Judith | 05/09/06 at 11:46 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

May 08, 2006

Day 26 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Hod of Netzach: Humility in Endurance. Yielding - which is a result of humility - is an essential element of enduring. Standing fast can . . . more »

Judith | 05/08/06 at 11:45 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

May 07, 2006

Day 25 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Netzach of Netzach: Endurance in Endurance. Everyone has willpower and determination. We have the capacity to endure much more than we can imagine, and . . . more »

Judith | 05/07/06 at 11:43 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

May 06, 2006

Day 24 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Tiferet of Netzach: Compassion in Endurance. Healthy endurance, directed to develop good qualities and modifying bad ones, will always be compassionate. The compassion of . . . more »

Judith | 05/06/06 at 11:42 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

May 05, 2006

Day 23 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Gevurah of Netzach: Discipline in Endurance. Examine the discipline of your endurance. Endurance must be directed toward productive goals and expressed in a constructive . . . more »

Judith | 05/05/06 at 11:52 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

May 04, 2006

Day 22 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) We have left the week of Gevurah and entered the week of Netzach. Chesed of Netzach: Lovingkindness in Endurance. For anything to endure it . . . more »

Judith | 05/04/06 at 11:40 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

May 03, 2006

Day 21 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Malchut of Tiferet: Nobility in Compassion. Examine the dignity of your compassion. For compassion to be complete (and enhance the other six aspects of . . . more »

Judith | 05/03/06 at 11:55 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

May 02, 2006

Day 20 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Day 20 - Yesod of Tiferet: Bonding in Compassion. For compassion to be fully realized, it needs bonding. It requires creating a channel between . . . more »

Judith | 05/02/06 at 11:53 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

May 01, 2006

Day 19 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Day 19 - Hod of Tiferet: Humility in Compassion. If compassion is not to be condescending, it must include humility. Hod is recognizing that . . . more »

Judith | 05/01/06 at 11:51 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

April 30, 2006

Day 18 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Netzach of Tiferet: Endurance in Compassion. Is my compassion enduring and consistent? Is it reliable or whimsical? Does it prevail among other forces in . . . more »

Judith | 04/30/06 at 11:50 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

April 29, 2006

Day 17 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Tiferet of Tiferet: Compassion in Compassion. True compassion is limitless. It is not an extension of your needs and defined by your limited perspective. . . . more »

Judith | 04/29/06 at 11:57 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

April 28, 2006

Day 16 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Gevurah of Tiferet: Discipline in Compassion. For compassion to be effective and healthy it needs to be disciplined and focused. It requires discretion both . . . more »

Judith | 04/28/06 at 11:56 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

April 27, 2006

Day 15 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) We have left the week of Gevurah and entered the week of Tiferet. Chesed of Tiferet: Lovingkindness in Compassion. Examine the love aspect of . . . more »

Judith | 04/27/06 at 11:32 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

Day 14 of counting the Omer

Yes, I'm running late. Counting the Omer correctly takes a lot of focus, unless you are davening maariv every evening. Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Malchut of Gevurah: Nobility . . . more »

Judith | 04/27/06 at 11:31 AM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

April 25, 2006

Day 13 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Yesod of Gevurah: Bonding in Discipline. For discipline to be effective it must be coupled with commitment and bonding. Both in disciplining yourself and . . . more »

Judith | 04/25/06 at 11:30 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

April 24, 2006

Day 12 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Hod of Gevurah: Humility in Discipline. The results of discipline and might without humility are obvious. The greatest catastrophes have occurred as a result . . . more »

Judith | 04/24/06 at 11:28 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

Day 11 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Netzach of Gevurah: Endurance in Discipline. Effective discipline must be enduring and tenacious. Is my discipline consistent or only when forced? Do I follow . . . more »

Judith | 04/24/06 at 01:26 AM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

April 22, 2006

Day 10 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Tiferet of Gevurah: Compassion in Discipline. Underlying and driving discipline must not only be love, but also compassion. Compassion is unconditional love. It is . . . more »

Judith | 04/22/06 at 11:24 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

April 21, 2006

Day 9 of counting the Omer

Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Gevurah of Gevurah: Discipline in Discipline. Examine the discipline factor of discipline: Is my discipline reasonably restrained or is it excessive? Do I have . . . more »

Judith | 04/21/06 at 06:13 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

April 20, 2006

Shavuot countdown: Day 8 of counting the Omer

Pesach is over, but the omer counting continues for another 6 weeks. We have left the week of Chesed and now enter the week of Gevurah. (More on counting the omer here.) Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of . . . more »

Judith | 04/20/06 at 10:40 PM | 2 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

April 19, 2006

Pesach Day 8, Shavuot countdown: Day 7 of counting the Omer

All Pesach entries here. More on counting the omer here. Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: Malchut of Chesed: Nobility in Lovingkindness. Mature love comes with - and brings - personal dignity. An intimate feeling of . . . more »

Judith | 04/19/06 at 11:39 PM | 2 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

Let my people go!

All Pesach entries here. I was amiss in not mentioning before the Velveteen Rabbi's wonderful haggadah, in the fine tradition of activist haggadahs, marbled with contemporary poetry, which emphasize the theme of political liberation. Save a copy for next year. . . . more »

Judith | 04/19/06 at 10:18 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

April 18, 2006

Pesach Day 7, Shavuot countdown: Day 6 of counting the Omer

All Pesach entries here. More on counting the omer here. Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer:Yesod of Chesed: Bonding in Lovingkindness. For love to be eternal it requires bonding. A sense of togetherness which actualizes the . . . more »

Judith | 04/18/06 at 11:36 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

April 17, 2006

Pesach Day 6, Shavuot countdown: Day 5 of counting the Omer

All Pesach entries here. More on counting the omer here. Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: Hod of Chesed: Humility in Lovingkindness. You can often get locked in love and be unable to forgive your beloved . . . more »

Judith | 04/17/06 at 09:28 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

April 16, 2006

Pesach Day 5, Shavuot countdown: Day 4 of counting the Omer

All Pesach entries here. More on counting the omer here. Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer:Netzach of Chesed: Endurance in Lovingkindness. Is my love enduring? Does it withstand challenges and setbacks? Do I give and withhold . . . more »

Judith | 04/16/06 at 11:39 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

April 15, 2006

To Eat or Not to Eat Kitniot on Passover?

All Pesach entries are here. Dovi Harel, an Ashkenazi man married to a Sephardi woman, motivated by the difficulty of eating at his in-laws on Passover (because of conflicting Passover traditions), proposes a people's revolution to get rid of the . . .