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 – Friday, November 11, 2022
The past two weeks saw elections both in Israel and the United States. Whether pleased or distressed by the outcomes, we should celebrate the incredible privilege we enjoy of being able to participate fully in our democracy. We know as Jews that this has generally not been the case throughout our history. Despite our quite justified concerns about growing antisemitism in our nation, we musn’t forget how extraordinarily blessed we continue to be here in America and how fortunate we are to live in a time when a strong, vibrant State of Israel exists. Still, in the wake of such civic moments, with so many candidates and voter propositions in play, there are invariably disappointments as well as victories. Some of the candidates we care about lost. Some of the outcomes of these elections may potentially threaten values that matter deeply to us. Not surprisingly, this week's Torah portion provides [...]
Daily Kavanah – Thursday, November 10, 2022
This week's Daily Kavanot will be written by two members of our musical team: Cantorial Intern Andrew Paskil and Educational and Cantorial Intern Lauren Roth, who each contributed to the beautiful sound of our High Holy Day services. Andrew was named our Cantorial Intern in July and has been part of our musical team for over a year. Lauren is finishing her master's in Jewish Education and Leadership this spring, and will then return to New York to complete her cantorial studies. Now that Halloween is over, it’s officially Christmas season here in the United States, which means that most trips to the grocery store or Target involve an endless loop of Christmas music. While I am sure many of you find it alienating, the truth is that a lot of the Christmas music we hear on the radio and in the aisles is … extremely Jewish. Like some of you, I [...]
Daily Kavanah – Wednesday, November 9, 2022
This week's Daily Kavanot will be written by two members of our musical team: Cantorial Intern Andrew Paskil and Educational and Cantorial Intern Lauren Roth, who each contributed to the beautiful sound of our High Holy Day services. Andrew was named our Cantorial Intern in July and has been part of our musical team for over a year. Lauren is finishing her master's in Jewish Education and Leadership this spring, and will then return to New York to complete her cantorial studies. Before beginning cantorial school, I spent seven years living in New York City, first as a student at a musical theater conservatory, and then as an actor. While I wouldn’t trade those years for anything, it became increasingly clear to me over those last few years that my days in New York were numbered. I realized that I could not see myself living the daily grind of auditions, hustling [...]
Daily Kavanah – Tuesday, November 8, 2022
This week's Daily Kavanot will be written by two members of our musical team: Cantorial Intern Andrew Paskil and Educational and Cantorial Intern Lauren Roth, who each contributed to the beautiful sound of our High Holy Day services. Andrew was named our Cantorial Intern in July and has been part of our musical team for over a year. Lauren is finishing her master's in Jewish Education and Leadership this spring, and will then return to New York to complete her cantorial studies. I’ve voted … now what? This year was the first time in a while that I did not receive my "I voted" sticker. I cannot proudly display it while I strut around town, hopefully inspiring others to also vote. Instead, my vote travels alone in a sealed envelope, making its long journey back to New York. Sticker or not, I have indeed voted. So, now what? I have [...]
Daily Kavanah – Monday, November 7, 2022
This week's Daily Kavanot will be written by two members of our musical team: Cantorial Intern Andrew Paskil and Educational and Cantorial Intern Lauren Roth, who each contributed to the beautiful sound of our High Holy Day services. Andrew was named our Cantorial Intern in July and has been part of our musical team for over a year. Lauren is finishing her master's in Jewish Education and Leadership this spring, and will then return to New York to complete her cantorial studies. Fall Back, Spring Forward This morning I was woken up by the sun creeping through the window. Fearful that I had overslept, I had forgotten that daylight savings ended the night before. I have gotten so used to waking before the sun that, for a moment, I thought that I was late to start my day. Fall back, spring forward I have to remind myself, now knowing that [...]