OCHO KANDELIKAS, pt. II

HANUKKAH 2011/5772, second night
HODU L'ADONAI KI TOV - "Praise Adonai, for God is good, God's steadfast love is eternal." (Ps. 118: 1).

Today has been the first day of Hanukkah. It is customary to recite the full hallel (Psalms 113-118) on each morning of the festival - explicitly giving thanks to God "for the miracles, for the redemption, for the mighty deeds and saving acts" done for our ancestors (Al Ha-nisim, based on rendering in Mishkan T'filah, p. 556). Through the generations, many beautiful, uplifting musical settings have been written for the rich and inspiring words of these poems of praise.

As we approach the second night of the holiday - I ask you to consider: what are the songs, poems, and music that arouse and express your gratitude for the good stuff of life?

At this very moment - Joe Black's Pitchu Li, Shefa Gold's Ozi v'Zimrat Yah, and Bonia Shur's Hodu L'Adonai come to mind, as they radiate from my iPod. These are a few of my faves...what are yours?

Ocho Kandelikas: a little thought for each night of Hanukkah

HANUKKAH 2011/5772, first night

This week marks the 25th yahrzeit since the passing of my grandmother, Mary Siroka. Hard to believe how much time has gone. I was a sophomore in college (at American University, Harvard on the Potomac :) and was on winter break. Mom, Dad, Eliot and I were vactioning in Hawaii when we got the call, the morning of the day before the first eve of the holiday. People plan, God laughs. Dad quickly re-arranged our travel plans so we could get to New York for the funeral, and be with our extended family. Change of pace indeed. We flew through LAX (where Dad insisted on purchasing me a t-shirt with Fred and Barney doing the hula) and arrived at JFK on a blustery cold morning (the warmest item of clothing I had with me was an AU sweatshirt, needless to say no appropriate outfit for the service). Getting settled, Dad and I hustled out to Alexander's to get me a jacket and tie, etc.

The funeral itself has an indelible place in my mind: it may have been the last time that all 15 of grandma's grandchildren were together in the same place. I'll never forget spending those first few eves of that Hanukkah centered at my uncle Harold and aunt Shirley's house - Dad and his siblings and cousins recounting stories, the aunts and uncles bragging about us kids, and even seeing the Japanese flag Harold had captured in the Pacific during the war. Tears, laughter, camaraderie, love....a touching festival of light.

This year, as we celebrate the onset of Hanukkah - be mindful of those in your life (living and long gone) who fill you with light.

CHAG URIM SAMEYACH - wishing you a happy, healthy, love-filled Hanukkah.

What does Reform mean to you?

Okay - at this point, I can actually say I've been involved with the Reform Movement in Judaism for well more than 40 yrs (born into it, and having played some active role as a Reform Jew the entire time since). Reform - the preeminent progressive presence in Judaism - remains the most vital, relevant and ever-expanding Jewish response to modern times (to somewhat quote a beloved teacher, Michael Meyer of HUC-JIR). A great deal has been said and written lately about this being a very significant time of change and transformation for Reform, and especially its leading institutional body - the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ). And yet - as a dynamically evolving element of Jewish tradition, Reform is ALWAYS at a time of transition; perhaps this is its defining notion (some of you will remember the ol' booklet Reform is a Verb).
In about two weeks, literally thousands of Reform Jews will join together from around North America and the world for the URJ's Biennial Convention, the largest gathering of Jewish professional and lay leaders (for more on Biennial, go to http://urjbiennial.zerista.com/). Highlight of this convention will be the Education Summit focusing on the Campaign for Youth Engagement. I'm extra proud that Debra has a significant role in all this...
Each Biennial I've attended has become a favorite experience of mine - and I am very much looking forward to this edition of the "family gathering" of our denomination. As I get ready to attend (and yes, think about the programs, the people, and even what to wear) - I ask myself - what does Reform mean to me? As a contemporary American I have the privilege of considering this question; as a progressive Jew, I also have the obligation to continue seeking a meaningful response.

JamesBrownthehardestworkingmaninrock'n'roll (and Jewish life)

OKAY - so the month following the fall Holy Days (mostly coinciding with the Hebrew month of Cheshvan - called by the sages mar cheshvan - "poor cheshvan" because of the lack of holidays) has been entirely too busy. Thank goodness it's mainly been with wonderful, positive, uplifting stuff: we had the opportunity (along with the local Muslim community) to sponsor the re-broadcast of Robert Satloff's Among the Righteous on WNIT, followed by an in-studio town hall discussion among leaders of our local religious community (for more, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugrngWdmQ1M).
Then, we had our wonderful scholar-in-residence weekend with culinary author and teacher Tina Wasserman - proving once again that entree into Judaism is often through the stomach. Find Tina's work at www.cookingandmore.com.
We then hosted author, historian and filmmaker Satloff as our annual Kristallnacht commemoration speaker...after which I had the honor to serve as a guest artist for a URJ program on adult learning through the arts. Conducting tefilah and sharing materials on using music in the Jewish educational setting was both challenging and uplifting...though tired after these 36 hours, it's totally worth it. http://urj.org/learning/teacheducate/workshop
And this isn't even to mention the upcoming United Religious Community pre-Thanksgiving event next weekend! Busy is blessed...

It was a fall evening, long time ago...staying up way past bedtime...I remember watching Carlton Fisk's epic homer in the '75 series - Reds/Red Sox (perhaps the best ever)...I can picture the layout of our family room, exactly where the TV was, and all that...

Yes, I recall the '86 series - sitting by myself in the lounge on the 6th floor of Letts Hall at AU - watching the debacle - the implosion of the Sox who were going to actually win the title in my lifetime....

And of course, being in our kitchen in Flemington, NJ as caveman Johnny Damon heroically knocked the curse Yankees out for good...and as the Sox actually did fulfill their hoped-for promise...

And tonight, as the Rangers and Cards are tied in game 6 of the 2011 fall classic, I can't help but be caught up in the angst, anxiety, excitement and love of being a fan.

Whoever wins - it's been a great season - because it's baseball. And for whoever loses - just wait 'til next year.

Play ball....

For what are you thankful?

On this Sukkot - time of our rejoicing - for what are you thankful?

Me - the various opportunities to teach in the community, and to build community with so many wonderful people from different backgrounds...

(photo above from recent guest teaching appearance and St. Mary's, Notre Dame IN.)

A thought for Shabbat, just prior to the 9-11 10th anniversary

May this Shabbat of sacred commemoration also be one of celebration. As we look back with tenderness on the tragic events of 9-11 (and following), and still deal with the pain and challenge that has ensued - I hope we also find the strength of our highest values inspiring us to work together to build bridges of understanding across all lines. Wishing you a weekend of PEACE, compassion, good times, and especially much love...SHABBAT SHALOM!!!