Last night I heard the great novelist, Daniel Silva, give a book talk at the MJCCA. He’s a very interesting writer and speaker and I enjoyed hearing him reflect not only on his new book, but on writing and the
A Joyful Noise at #CCAR17
The Central Conference of American Rabbis just wrapped up a truly inspiring convention here in Atlanta. With deep themes of social justice, the power and importance of the rabbinate, the need to build coalitions across and beyond faith lines, and
Baruch Adonai
There’s a common adage that goes (and I’m paraphrasing here), “Whatever we’re looking for is what we will see.” Psalm 68:20, the basis for the song “Baruch Adonai” asks us to see God’s sustaining power in every day and every
Love Your Neighbor
It’s simple: Love your neighbor as yourself. The rest is commentary. Love your neighbor even after they’ve moved and are no longer your neighbor. Love your neighbor even before they’re your neighbor. Love your neighbor even when their guests park
Sweetness and Light
For several thousands of years the Jewish People considered themselves to be God’s “Chosen People.” Our ancestors felt that God has chosen the Jewish People to help realize God’s vision for humanity and all creation. Sometimes the idea of
Praying with our Feet
As I’m writing this post our Davis Academy 5th graders are visiting the 16th Street Baptist Church and Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. It was that very field trip in 2015 that inspired the words and music of the 7th
Love Wins
Love Wins. It may not always feel that way. It may not always be obvious. It may not mean that there isn’t a great struggle to get there or that real pain and suffering aren’t inflicted along the way. But
Laasok B’divrei Torah
The 3rd track on Menschology is a new interpretation of Judaism’s blessing for the study of Torah. The words, Laasok b’divrei Torah are part of that blessing and have the interesting meaning of “to busy oneself with words of Torah.” Many
Oseh Shalom
Oseh Shalom is probably Judaism’s most well-known prayer for peace. “May the One who makes peace up above make peace among us, among Israel, and among all humanity.” One reading of the prayer might suggest that Oseh Shalom is
Adonai S’fatai Tiftach
Psalm 51:15 reads, “Adonai, s’fatai tiftach, u’fi yagid t’hilatecha.” God, open my lips, and my mouth will speak your praise. Many Jews know these words because they are recited at the beginning of the Amidah, one of the centerpieces