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 10, 2023
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil …" —Psalm 23 Just as Lag B'Omer, celebrated yesterday, provides Jews with an opportunity for joy and relief amidst the suffering of Jews in antiquity commemorated throughout the 49 days of the Omer, so, too, do we possess myriad opportunities to provide joy and relief amidst the suffering of others. Most of us know how powerful a kind word or gesture can be to someone who is ill or sad, as we routinely encourage one another at each prayer service to remember those who are ill or sad and to reach out to them in their moment of need. However, such kindnesses may extend beyond our lifetimes. I recently had the privilege of grieving alongside a family as they prepared to bury their mother, a humble and insightful woman who always put [...]
Daily Kavanah – Tuesday, May 9, 2023
“The heart was created to be a dwelling place for the Holy One of Blessing … who may only reside in a broken heart. Thus, a heart is only whole once it has been broken.” —Rabbi Moshe Chaim Ephraim of Sudilikov Today is Lag B’Omer, the 33rd day of the Omer, selected to commemorate a suspension of the suffering that too often afflicted our people during the Roman period. Some claim the day honors the cessation of a plague that allegedly affected the students of Rabbi Akiba, others a victorious battle in the failed Jewish rebellion against the Romans, and still others, a temporary pause in Jewish persecution by the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Whatever its historical origins, Lag B’Omer introduces a day of joy into the traditionally somber Omer, providing a day for haircuts, dancing, and celebrations that are traditionally not observed during the days of the Omer. So [...]
Daily Kavanah – Monday, May 8, 2023
“It must never happen again—never again.” —Erwin Leiser On May 8, 1945, celebrations erupted throughout the world to mark VE Day—the end of World War II in Europe—as Germany submitted its second signed document confirming its unconditional surrender. Having claimed more than 20 million lives, including the lives of six million Jewish non-combatants, as well as creating more than 60 million refugees, Europe’s second world war remains the deadliest, most destructive conflict ever waged upon the earth. For Jews, the legacy of the war endures. The lasting horror of a modern government with a flourishing and vibrant Jewish community turning upon its own Jewish civilians and those of neighboring countries, even as it waged a war of conquest, can never be forgotten. It inspired Jews worldwide to redouble their efforts to found a Jewish state, and it kindled a generations-long struggle against hyper-nationalism, bigotry, and xenophobia. As war rages [...]
Daily Kavanah – Shabbat Message From Rabbi Ron Stern – Friday, May 5, 2023
If you join us tonight, you’ll witness young people at two stages along their Jewish journey. Our Wise School sixth graders will be attending their last Friday Shabbat before their graduation. In addition to their graduation, the children are also gazing forward to their upcoming B’nai Mitzvah. Farther along in their own journey, our high school seniors will also be joining us for their confirmation service. They’ll reflect on their path to young adulthood within the Wise community as they prepare for college life and the independence it offers. Celebrating elementary school graduation with our sixth-grade families is filled with joy and tears, as parents watch their children end one stage and begin another. This is a moment filled with the awareness that the little children—once fully reliant upon their parents for every life step and bound to them with thick rope—are now moving towards the fine gossamer threads [...]
Daily Kavanah – Thursday, May 4, 2023
We celebrated our first grandson’s Brit Milah in the beginning of April this year. He is the first grandchild on both sides of our family so, needless to say, our cups were overflowing with joy. It was deeply moving as we witnessed our son, Noah, and our beloved daughter-in-law, Melody, begin their journey as Jewish parents. Watching them embrace the moment of their own son’s Brit Milah and share their son’s chosen name filled us with tremendous pride. Maman Guita and Grandma Becky lit the candles and embraced as their grandson was carried into the ceremony by our daughter (now aunt) Ellie, and (uncle) Mel’s brother Matt. The new aunt and uncle. As Baba Mehran held little Milo Asher upon the enormous white, ornately decorated throne (see picture) that is the customary Chair of Elijah used at Persian ceremonies, our hearts were bursting. Stephen Wise Temple Rabbi Ron [...]