Rosh Hashanah 2019 This is the sermon I delivered on Rosh Hashanah at the Jewish Collaborative of Orange County. People asked to read it - so here it is: Rabbi Alan Lew, of blessed memory, writes that the High Holy Days season promises nothing less than total personal transformation - IF we do the work, and pay attention. Each of us should leave Continue Reading
Do The Cosmic Turn: Teshuvah
High Holy Day Soul Work, Part 4 The cosmic principle of the entire High Holy Day season is teshuvah - to turn. Unfortunately, it is often translated as “repentance” which sounds severe and judgmental. However, teshuvah actually means “to turn, return, restore.” My teacher, Rabbi Lawrence Kushner writes of teshuvah: “All God ever says is return (teshuvah) to Continue Reading
Our Only Real Choice
When we feel burdened by the injustice in the world or the trials in our own lives, it is important to remember: we always have a choice. We may not be in control of what happens, but we are in charge of how we respond. This is where our power lies. In each moment or outrage, upset or shock, we can take a breath and ask: how can I respond in a way that is Continue Reading
We Journey With Angels (from Journey of the Soul: Making the Omer Count a project of Rabbi Cindy Enger and Rabbi Jill Zimmerman)
Welcome to the fortieth day of the Journey of the Soul: Making the Omer Count. We continue with this week’s kavannah (intention), which is Becoming the Vision. We are intricately connected with what happens in the world. Jewish tradition gives us Shabbat each week as a moment to let go of the weekday world so that we can rest, renew and find peace. Yet, Continue Reading
