The Shabbat After Thanksgiving: A Time for Double Gratitude As the glow of Thanksgiving fades and the dishes are put away, another kind of light begins to shine: the candles of Shabbat. The Shabbat after Thanksgiving offers a unique opportunity to blend two traditions of gratitude, each steeped in reflection, family, and connection. Thanksgiving, with its feast and fellowship, reminds…
A Time to Celebrate and Remember Thanksgiving is a holiday of gratitude, a day dedicated to appreciating the blessings in our lives—our families, friends, and the simple joys that make life meaningful. As we gather around the table, laden with golden-brown turkeys, fluffy mashed potatoes, and the sweetness of pumpkin pie, it’s also a time when many of us feel…
Need to follow my own advise! We’ve all been there: slicing vegetables or handling paper when—ouch!—a sharp edge catches your skin. A cut on the finger is more than a minor inconvenience; it’s a reminder of the incredible capabilities of the human body. Though the pain might make us wince, what happens next is nothing short of miraculous: the body…
Generations of Gratitude: A Thanksgiving Legacy Growing up, Thanksgiving was the cornerstone of my family’s traditions. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a season of preparation, joy, and connection. The warmth of those days still lingers in my heart, as vibrant and comforting as the aromas of turkey and pumpkin pie that filled our home. As a child, the…
Found this meme on one of the social media platforms…and it struck a note – a deep note. This short message means so much to me…because it ‘is me’. So many times I’ve wanted to (and sometimes actually did) throw up that proverbial white towel and say “I SURRENDER”, which really, to me meant I’d given up. I wanted out….
Abraham’s Struggles and Their Relevance to Life’s Challenges Today The life of Abraham, considered the father of faith in many religious traditions, is a profound narrative of struggle, obedience, and divine testing. His journey, marked by both victories and deep struggles, offers timeless insights into the nature of faith and the human condition. The tests Abraham endured were not just…
Walking in Justice, Freedom, and Integrity As we stand on the precipice of a new political era, ushered in by the incoming president-elect’s promise to “drain the swamp,” meet out justice, and walk in freedom, there is a profound opportunity to align these political goals with a deeper, spiritual agenda. The challenges we face as a nation—ranging from corruption in…
Going Forward with the New Administration: A Vision for 2024 As the United States enters a new era with the 2024 administration, the road ahead presents both challenges and opportunities for the nation. With a fresh leadership team in place, the country faces critical decisions on issues ranging from economic recovery and climate change to social justice and global diplomacy….
“The Journey That Defines Us” IntroductionLife is a series of journeys—some we choose, others are thrust upon us. This week’s Torah portion, Lech-Lecha (Genesis 12:1–17:27), offers one of the most profound stories of a journey that transformed history. It begins with a simple yet monumental command: “Go forth from your land, from your birthplace, and from your father’s house, to…