passing of an era, sort of

Today we went to view the Learning Sphere projects at Vered's school. Learning Sphere is an opportunity for the elementary students to do research on (almost) any topic of interest, and create a display showing off their study, theories, and results. We've seen projects ranging from lemon-powered batteries and space travel to rocks & minerals and the effectiveness of different hair-styling products. This year, true to one of her passions, V presented about endangered species, including their habitats, challenges to survival, and what we can do to help protect such vulnerable creatures.
This was Vered's final year to participate. Between our two kids, we've now been involved in some 5 or 6 different Learning Sphere experiences (some families we know have had many, many more!). Though a sense of relief in bringing that last display board home, there's also a sense of bittersweet nostalgia as well (I did look through a bunch of photos of the kids at younger stages earlier today; feel free to cue the music to "Sunrise, Sunset" at any time). Many new opportunities and exciting episodes will open up for her (and us) as she continues toward middle school and beyond; yet I can't help thinking that now too we are witnessing, and undergoing, the end of yet another precious chapter in life, one that will never be repeated...
chazak chazak v'nitchazek.

Two awesome weeks in January

The new year is certainly off to a magnificent start: beginning with our trip to L'taken - the social justice advocacy and lobbying program for teens conducted by the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. I was once again fortunate to take our Confirmation class (6 10th graders) to DC for this amazing experience - learning about the issues of the day, how to address them as Jews, and the chance to lobby our concerns with the offices of our U.S. senators and representatives. One highlight was to share some introductory thoughts with our students - about the importance of Jewish involvement in the public sphere, the long-standing tradition of the Reform movement's efforts to push the agenda of social justice in American politics and society, and the historic celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the RAC - while situated at JFK's grave in Arlington National Cemetery. We visited the MLK Memorial and the Holocaust Museum, held Havdalah at the Jefferson Memorial, and spent time at the Smithsonian museums...and most importantly joined together with 250+ peers from all over the country.

And yes, then there was the celebration of Bar Mitzvah for my son Benjamin. It was a great, no, fabulous occasion. Ben ("Little Jazz") participated beautifully in our Shabbat services - and read like a pro from the Torah...truly, he OWNED the bimah and the entire experience. Family and friends came from all over, and our congregation shined in showing off how a sacred community really comes together to enrich the lives of its members - especially the young ones - at such times. From the music Ben chose to the gathering of so many loved ones to the food and dancing to having our family together at our home - it was everything we wanted, and more than we expected.
Several months ago, my colleague Jonathan Stein stated that "Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) is still the coin of the realm for Reform Judaism." I agree wholeheartedly. If so, opportunities like L'taken and joyous B'nei Mitzvah are the mint that creates the currency. So thankful to be involved in such important work.

Resolutions 2012

A few thoughts about "resolutions" for 2012:

• Learn to use my new iPad more efficiently, productively;
• Help keep the house a little cleaner (from all my junk);
• Play more guitar - practice more too!;
• Enjoy quiet moments;
• Let go of frustrations (ha!);
• Listen more (what?), chat less;
• Live, love, laugh more fully!!!

How 'bout YOU?
Whatever comes your way - I hope that 2012 is filled with health, happiness, peace and much love!!!! Best wishes, always....

OCHO KANDELIKAS, pt. VIII: adding light, one day at a time

HANUKKAH 2011/5772, eighth night: final thoughts on the last eve of the Festival
Hanukkah Radio has resonated through the house the entire Festival...my musical friends and heroes providing the soundtrack for Hanukkah...
And today is our 19th anniversary...guess there's no better way to spend time than the combination of Hanukkah, the kids, our anniversary, music, and (ever more) abundant food to round out the holiday...
Little Jazz and Sister Soul both shared that volunteering on Christmas at the Center for the Homeless was a highlight of Hanukkah - can't beat that as a gift from your children.
What's been YOUR favorite Hanukkah moment this year? I'd love to know...
As we approach the conclusion of this Festival, may the warm glow of the lights continue to burn brightly into the new year just ahead, inspiring us to bring blessings of compassion, kindness, justice and peace into our world....
CHAG URIM SAMEYACH...wishing you much love always....

OCHO KANDELIKAS, pt. VII: whatever suits you

HANUKKAH 2011/5772, seventh night
(okay - with all these subsequent successive entries, I kinda feel like George Lucas!)
Listening to Radio Hanukkah on Sirius/XM all day...now making maftoul and shnitzel for dinner...
Less than three weeks from now we'll celebrate the milestone of Bar Mitzvah for Ben....it's more than kinda weird - as I don't think it's struck me yet...Little Jazz has been an exemplary "Bar Mitzvah candidate" - and I'm not just braggin'...he's enjoying the preparation, and has always exhibited a great love of expressing Jewish identity...I've had the honor of working with literally hundreds of B'nei Mitzvah kids and families, and I've NEVER seen anyone get *giddy* while chanting Torah or reading from the prayer book as Ben does....it's overwhelming, additionally being somewhat of a ratification of my entire life...
Today - DJS and I took Little Jazz out to fit for a suit for the big day (months ago, he had wanted just to wear a nice pair of pants, with a bright colorful shirt as I often do for Shabbat; eventually, he told his mother "I think I want a suit." "Why?" Deb responded, "to look like so-and-so?"...."No mom - for the ladies"...ugh, we're so done)....
Well, I guess this is also a milestone - our little Ben-man, getting suited up for the occasion accepting his responsibilities as a young adult in the community. I'm proud of him beyond belief, and grateful that he too has exceeded his parents' modest ability to shape him into the terrific man he will become...

OCHO KANDELIKAS, pt. VI: ner shel tzedakah

HANUKKAH 2011/5772, sixth night

For several years, there has been an effort to recognize one night of Hanukkah as ner shel tzedakah (the light of righteousness), reminding us during our celebration that our real job as members of the human family is to strive for justice for all. For example, some families choose one eve on which, rather than exchanging gifts, to make a joint contribution to a worthy cause.
Today, our family had the wonderful opportunity to volunteer at the Center for the Homeless, along with our dear friends Mark, Susan, Ethan and Mayah Sandock. We helped clean in the kitchen, stock food in the storage pantry, and eventually to serve meals to guests, helping make sure their holiday was sweet and enjoyable.
While there, a reporter from one of the local stations came to do a story about volunteering on Christmas. As exciting as it was for a few of our kids to be included in the interviewing - it was fully more meaningful to hear them share thoughts about why they were there: "it makes me happy to be able to help others celebrate their holiday;" "I recognize how fortunate I am, and I can give back by helping others who might not have what I do;" "I'm very luck to have the life I have, and I can share with the less fortunate." As a parent, as a rabbi, overhearing these comments is a great gift for this sixth night of the Festival.
(And be sure - the requisite Chinese food was partaken afterward :)
Thanks to the Sandocks for sharing such a lovely day with us!

OCHO KANDELIKAS, pt. V: relaxin' on Saturday eve

HANUKKAH 2011/5772, fifth night
Relaxing on a Saturday evening
We had lovely spirited services for both erev shabbat and Shabbat morning - from lighting candles at Temple to reading from miketz and discussing the power of dreams in Jewish tradition [va-yikatz, "to be shaken (not stirred) awake", applies to the dream stories of Jacob's ladder, Pharaoh's seven cows/seven ears of corn, as well as King Solomon recognizing the role wisdom plays in his ability to rule] - it's been a lovely Shabbat Hanukkah.
Now - taking it easy on the first full day of the kids' winter break - we're getting ready to cook up a storm: Jazzdaddy's sweet'n'sour ribs have been slow cooking all afternoon; appetizers galore are ready to be made; and we'll figure a good movie to enjoy...with truly nothing much to worry about for the rest of the weekend...another Hanukkah gift.
This fifth night of the Festival of Lights coincides with the eve of Christmas: as we fire up our chanukiot - continuing to bring light into darkness - our wish for our Christian loved ones, friends and neighbors is that it is a meaningful, fulfilling holiday for those who celebrate.
SHAVUA TOV - may it be a good week for us all...