Community at Temple Israel Rabbi’s Message – September 26, 2024 As you are aware, the situation in Springfield has been quite tenuous over the past few weeks. Several of you have spoken to me about threats and fears you’re facing. My heart is with you, the city of Springfield, and the Haitian community. All of […]
Standing Up For All People Read More »
Community at Temple Israel Rabbi’s Message – September 19, 2024 Continuing with Rabbi Phyllis Sommer’s #BlogElul2024 prompts, today’s theme (Elul 16) is “Pray.” Yesterday’s was “Plan” – and my tired brain conflated the two into “Play.” Since I am quite a fan of Rabbi Sarason’s liturgical principle (describing the formation of our prayerbook) of, “why
P(l/r)aying with the Shofar Read More »
Community at Temple Israel Rabbi’s Message – September 12, 2024 Those who sow in tears shall reap with songs of joy. (Psalm 126: 5) Our world was irrevocably changed on September 11, 2001. The moment the planes struck the Twin Towers, our collective heart broke. Pins of towers on our lapels felt like kriya ribbons,
May Their Memories Always Be For A Blessing Read More »
Community at Temple Israel Rabbi’s Message – September 5, 2024 Elul is here. Our preparatory month before the High Holidays. Normally I would share some of my favorite options for Elul – like Jewels of Elul – but this year feels different. I was reminded on social media recently of a project that a colleague,
