I’ve spent quite a bit of time thinking about the kind of Jewish community that I want to help build and be a part of, not just as a Rabbi but as a member of the community. It’s important for me as a rabbinical student and future Rabbi to find ways to connect with as many Jews as possible. Not just the ones in our shuls, or other Jewish organizations but the ones that go unnoticed, we often call them the unaffiliated.
Episode 39: Oseh Shalom a Prayer for Peace
“Oseh shalom bimromav Hu ya’aseh shalom. May the One who makes peace from heaven above.”
Jerusalem 2015
On this episode of Jewish prayer. I'm focusing on prayers of peace. A universal truth in Christianity, Judaism and Islam is the idea of treating others the way we want to be treated. Or Love your neighbor as yourself. This is often referred to the Golden rule.
“I am human and I am free
Watch me fly above the trees
You can hear my cry and you can hear my roar
but you can’t take away my soul”
In 2015 I lived in Jerusalem as part of my training to become a rabbi, I was fortunate to go on a trip to East Jerusalem sponsored by Encounter. The purpose of the trip was to listen to Palestinians tell their stories about their realities of living in Jerusalem.
“We’ll fight and we’ll cry and we’ll even abide
We’ll say goodbye just to stay alive
And the day will come to have dignity again”
Below is the video of me singing this prayer for peace on my balcony in Jerusalem
Here is the audio if you just want to listen.
Mikeitz And The Last Torah Message For 2016
My last Torah message for 2016. This week we have been reading from the Torah portion Mikeitz, continuing the Joseph story. Joseph is the boy who dared to dream who turned into a man who was able to interpret dreams. As we move into 2017 my message is to never be afraid to dream. In our society we sometimes discourage those. who call themselves dreamers but to have the courage to dream for a better future, there is nothing wrong with that. On this last night of Hanukkah Chag Sameach Happy New Year and may you be blessed in 2017