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 – Wednesday, May 17, 2023
One of our customs at Friday night services these past few years has been to share some of the national days of celebration. Today—this Wednesday, May 17—happens to be World Stationery Day (lovely), National Pinot Grigio Day (fun!), National Cherry Cobbler Day (delicious), and most noticeably to me, National Work From Home Day. I am frequently reminded of the challenges of the time when we were in lockdown, isolated from our families, friends, and sacred community, with no choice but to make our homes into our workspaces, our schools, our houses of worship, our everything. And still, I think our shared traumas also created space for us to build more flexibility into our schedules, to re-evaluate our priorities, and to create more time to be at home. Today, whether you're able to work from home or not, might you take some time to reflect on other learnings from our [...]
Daily Kavanah – Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Today is the 40th day of the counting of the Omer, which means we are only nine days away from the end of this counting calendar and our celebration of Shavuot! But 40 feels somehow more significant than some of the other days we have counted thus far, since it is such a meaningful number in our biblical tradition. When God brought the flood upon Noah’s generation, it rained for 40 days and 40 nights. When Moses went up the mountain to connect with God and receive Torah, he stayed there and fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. The spies of the Book of Numbers scouted the territory for 40 days, as well. And of course, the Israelites wandered the desert for 40 years (to which my daughter Ruby proclaims, “WOOOW! Forty years? That’s SO many!”). However we might now understand 40 as significant is open to interpretation, [...]
Daily Kavanah – Monday, May 15, 2023
Every week, we have an opportunity to begin again. Sometimes, at the start of the week, the tasks and activities and duties appear in a daunting pile before us. Yet, our tradition offers us comfort in routine. It reminds us that there is a rhythm to the week: Shabbat is inevitable, we will always have a chance to rest, and—even when the week ahead seems overwhelming—we can try to figure out small ways to bring a sweet slice of Shabbat’s peace, calm, and thankfulness into every day of the week. When I am feeling worn down, I do everything I can to shift my outlook to a place of gratitude (not always easy, almost always helpful). A 2021 study by Harvard Medical School found that a feeling of gratitude was strongly and consistently associated with a healthier and happier life. Gratitude won't eliminate our stresses, but giving thanks for [...]
Daily Kavanah – Shabbat Message From Rabbi Josh Knobel – Friday, May 12, 2023
"Joshua ben Perahiah used to say, 'Appoint for yourself a teacher, and acquire for yourself a friend.'" —Pirkei Avot 1:6 This past Sunday, our Center for Youth Engagement concluded its classes with a teacher appreciation luncheon, meant to honor the faculty and staff who devote their precious time toward sharing the gifts of our tradition with students throughout the congregation. Today, our Wise School students and faculty will celebrate Yom HaMoreh, Teacher's Day, with a special service honoring our teachers, who lovingly guide our Wise School students in their pursuit of wisdom. Our tradition uniformly venerates the profession of teaching, with many classical texts and even a daily prayer dedicated to honoring the art of teaching. Each day, we traditionally recite kaddish d'rabbanan, which asks for the blessings of peace, compassion, abundance, and health upon our teachers and their students. At Wise, we recite this prayer following our weekly Spirit of Shabbat Torah study on Saturday mornings. [...]
Daily Kavanah – Thursday, May 11, 2023
This coming Tuesday, May 16, the White House will host a reception in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM). An oft-overlooked entry in the coterie of American history months, JAHM was first celebrated in 2006. President Barack Obama was the first to host a White House reception to honor the month in 2010, but the program was cut in 2013 due to a budget sequester and was never renewed. In many ways, JAHM's lack of renown illustrates an American Jewish community somewhat mystified by its own legacy. Bereft of significant support from American Jewry, JAHM has mostly floundered on the sidelines of the American historical calendar since its inception. With the vast resources made available by the American Jewish community for Holocaust memorials, museums, and education, as well as Israel education and advocacy, one begins to wonder why American Jews appear in less of a rush to publicize [...]