Daily Kavanot
Writings of reflection by the Stephen Wise Temple clergy.
Each weekday morning, members of our mailing list receive the “Daily Kavanah,” which includes messages of thought, inspiration, and contemplation from our clergy, along with a schedule of events. Every Thursday, the “Daily Kavanah” turns into “Eyes on Wise,” our weekly newsletter featuring the latest news, photos, videos, stories, and tikkun olam opportunities from our community. Sign up and don’t miss out!
Daily Kavanah – Thursday, June 1, 2023
We are in the season of graduations. This week Rabbi Woznica shares some messages to graduates. The Problem of Good Intentions Dear Graduate, Author and businessman Stephen Covey wrote, "We judge ourselves by our intentions and others by their behavior." As a result, when we do something that ends up being harmful, we rationalize by thinking "we meant well." And yet, the adage is true; the road to hell is paved with good intentions. If intentions can lead to "hell," what should be the path to goodness? The key is to gain wisdom. I've heard it said: Wisdom is asking, “What does good?” not, “What is well-intentioned?” In other words, wisdom presses us to ask, "What will result from a given personal action or policy?" One can have good intentions; indeed, one can be a nice, decent, civilized person and do great harm. As a graduate, you undoubtedly have more [...]
Daily Kavanah – Wednesday, May 31, 2023
We are in the season of graduations. This week Rabbi Woznica shares some messages to graduates. Don't Leave Your Character at Home Dear Graduate, If you are entering the workforce, don't forget your ideals. It is gratifying to have professional success, but if you have done so while compromising your values, will your success be a source of pride? For example, are you willing to act unethically to win a case as an attorney? If you are in sales, will you mislead someone so they purchase what you are selling? If succeeding in your work means inappropriately "throwing someone under the bus," will you be willing to do so? Many good people leave their ideals at home when they enter the workforce. But, should you do so, will you be pleased with the person you have become? It's a question to consider as you begin your professional journey. Rabbi [...]
Daily Kavanah – Tuesday, May 30, 2023
We are in the season of graduations. This week Rabbi Woznica shares some messages to graduates. Dear Graduate, In the 1980s, the state of California created a task force to promote self-esteem. Earned, healthy self-esteem may indeed be helpful in navigating life's challenges. Yet, more important than self-esteem is self-control. I learned this from the Torah, which reminds us not to follow our heart and eyes, which can lead us astray. (Numbers 15:39) To be a good person often requires internal struggle. Sometimes, our heart and our desires lead us in one direction, while goodness and kindness may lie down a different path. The secular world suggests the most significant challenges we face are between us and society. That is why so much effort is directed toward changing society. I believe Judaism holds that the most significant challenge we face is internal: overcoming our desires. We are [...]
Daily Kavanah – Monday, May 29, 2023
Memorial Day To Honor Their Memory On Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, we honor the men and women who died while serving in the United States military. Volunteers often place small American flags on graves at national cemeteries. The Los Angeles National Cemetery is open to the public and worthy of a visit—including for age-appropriate children. On ReformJudaism.org, the website of the Reform Movement, Rabbi Dr. Laurence Milder writes in A Prayer for Memorial Day, "Out of the many nations of the world, our country has been blessed with a singular opportunity—to demonstrate how peoples of many faiths and heritages can live side by side, and enrich one another's lives through friendship and the sharing of our unique traditions. We are united this day in a solemn act of gratitude …" Every Friday night, our Shabbat service includes a prayer for our country which includes, [...]
Daily Kavanah – Shabbat Message From Rabbi Yoshi – Friday, May 26, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHanuJ1k1FM Twenty-five years ago, on May 17, 1998, I was ordained a rabbi. Six years of intense study at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion had prepared me for the moment. I had learned my Biblical grammar, Talmudic Aramaic, medieval Jewish history, contemporary Israeli poetry, and modern Jewish thought. Along the way I earned two master's degrees, one in Hebrew letters and one in Jewish education. I'd completed my rabbinic thesis, all 388 pages of it. I was ready to serve the Jewish community as a Rav B'Yisrael, a "master" of Torah and Jewish tradition. I learned a great deal preparing for that moment, but I've learned so much more since then. I've been fortunate enough to be able to continue my studies through a fellowship with the Hartman Institute and another with the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, chavruta (on-on-one) study with beloved colleagues, and three amazing years living in Jerusalem [...]