Just a thought for this difficult Monday of Tday week

This is a time of great concern, anxiety and worry for our brothers and sisters - Jew and non-Jew alike - in the land of Israel. As we hope for a peaceful resolution to the current crisis coming out of Gaza, so too do we voice our support for Israel's sovereign right to defend itself, protect all its citizens, and eliminate any such terror threat it faces.

As Americans, we are enjoying this season of Thanksgiving, acknowledging the many blessings we know in our lives. One of these blessings is of course our obligation to be among those good, caring, compassionate people who work together to make the world a better place. Now approaching our Festival of Light - may we dedicate ourselves anew to the causes of justice, peace and love.

"about whatever inspires me"

Obviously, very little has been inspiring me.
Since the flurry of blog-tivity during Sukkot, not a single post in more than a month.
Halloween, voting, elections, Movember....a big fat NADA.

Guess I need to find some renewed inspiration. Maybe you can help.

Hachnasat Orchim #8 - Sukkot/Simchat Torah 5773

WHAT A MONTH!!! Full, fulfilling, crazed, creative, uplifting, exhausting....the beginning of 5773 has been a wonderful time - our community has outdone itself with a very meaningful set of observances: from S'lichot the week before Rosh Hashanah through the yamim nora'im along with Sukkot and today's festive conclusion of Simchat Torah - this has really been a z'man simchateynu, a time of rejoicing.

And now (hallelujah!) it's OVER. DONE FINIS. I'm wiped just thinking about the energy and activity I've spent over the last 5 weeks. As well as deeply satisfied.

I know the weeks ahead will be just as busy, if not more so. 

Bring it.

Hachnasat Orchim #7 - Sukkot 5773

I got nothing (and sometimes that just simply enough).

"The commandment to dwell in the sukkah is intended to teach us that a man must not put his trust in the size or strength or salutary conveniences of his house, even though it be filled with the best of everything; nor should he rely upon the help of any man, even though he be the lord of the land. But let him put his trust in the One whose word called the universe into being, for God alone is mighty and faithful, and does not retract what is promised."

(Menorat ha-Maor 3.6.1)

Hachnasat Orchim #6 - Sukkot 5773

Now we've reached shabbat chol ha-mo'ed sukkot, the intermediary Shabbat during the festival of Sukkot. This remains a time of reflection, thanksgiving and celebration. Of course, in Jewish tradition, the best way to give thanks for the many blessings we know in our lives is to "give back" by supporting worthy causes, and efforts that will have positive effect in our world.

It is also the first Shabbat of October. Anywhere you look, on any given day, you can surely find that some outfit has declared it to be "national such-and-such day" or "national fill-in-the-blank week"....and yet, there are at least three such named opportunities for us to consider now that it is October: it is National Anti-bullying Month; National Mental Health Awareness Month; and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Nicely - none of these are frivolous or goofy causes. Bullying is a serious issue in our society today; and let us not think that it is limited to the playground or school-yard - our children ONLY pick up their cues in how to behave toward their peers from their parents and other adults. Mental health is an area that affects us all. Thankfully, we continue to become more aware of how varying levels of mental health issues have an impact not only on those who face them directly, but also ALL those who are connected with people who suffer. And of course, one of the great challenges to our society today is the scourge of cancer - particularly the invasive types including breast cancer - which not only attacks the health of the victim, but also wreaks havoc on a whole variety of additional psychological issues for those affected.

And I must say - we are better because of our growing willingness to address and discuss these topics, rather than shy away from the difficulties they pose. Many of us have had too much personal experience with these and other serious issues. Even as we work hard to overcome, conquer the challenges presented by these and more, may this Shabbat of thanksgiving be a time when we can reflect on the many blessings we do know, even when it's hard for us to see....

Hachnasat Orchim #5 - Sukkot 5773

I sit here listening to Little Jazz practicing Eleanor Rigby and Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds on his trumpet, and I think further of the opportunities for hachnasat orchim - "welcoming of guests" - provided during Sukkot, and year-round.

So today I had the sacred chance to consider how "welcoming" is related to our value of bikkur cholim - visiting the sick...I went to the hospital to visit a member of our congregation (a friend and neighbor too!) who just had a pacemaker implanted yesterday, following a few months of treatment following an M.I. He's doing great, and we actually had a wonderful time discussing some passions we share: Abraham Lincoln, historiography, evolution, psychology of groups, and even the eternal question "Is it good for the Jews."

Though this friend is in great shape, even following a serious episode of helth concern, I am reminded of our ongoing, precious responsibility to take care of ourselves and others. Whether it's now, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, or any day of any year - we need to be conscious about our efforts to live healthy, fulfilling, intentional lives. 

Just a thought for the fifth eve of Sukkot.

 

Hachnasat Orchim #4 - Sukkot 5773

What a day! Here we are in the middle of Sukkot, it's been drizzling and cold much of the day - and yet my thoughts are of hot sun, great friends, and the best way to build Jewish identity, as registration opened today for OSRUI 2013. We've already made sure our kids are signed up, which is kinda strange as Little Jazz will be attending two full sessions, i.e. the WHOLE summer, and Sister Soul is now old enough to be in Tiferet for 4 weeks. So happy for them. Find out more at www.osrui.org

As well, it was our first day of mid-week Religious School for our 4th-6th graders (maybe it's time to admit fall is here?)...

And, tonight is the first of the presidential candidate debates ("going to the candidates' debate"...Mrs. Robinson, anyone?). Speaking of where have you gone Joe DiMaggio (or Yaz, George Brett, and Cal Ripken for that matter)....

If you know me at all, you know where my loyalties lie for this debate and the upcoming election...hope the prez get's his badass on...should be interesting to observe, throughout....

What are YOU thankful for, now given the chance to reflect? Me? It's all about good partners (see pic above)...