Repairing the World We have endured a deeply troubling year. Beginning with the horrific incursion into Israel’s heart that struck at the fiber of Israel’s security, to the explosion of antisemitism on our campuses and in many places throughout the world, the very foundations of our existence have been shaken to the core. Add to this, the continuing concerns about climate, democracy, threats of violence, and a range of other issues. How do we turn to the New Year with hope and any semblance of optimism? Admittedly, the future presents us with extraordinary challenges. In the 16th century, the great mystic Rabbi Isaac Luria constructed a fable which may be familiar to some. He imagined that when God sought to create the world, the Holy Divine light filled all space allotted for creation. To make room for the world, God needed l’tzamtzem—to contract. God forced all of that light into massive [...]

Reaching Across the Divides It may not surprise you that we clergy spend a great deal of time reflecting on how we can heal the rifts that fragment the Jewish community and equally reflect the divisions that undermine both Israel and the United States. In our own interactions with each other, and the community we serve, we seek to model a style of engagement that spans the divides and offers a vision of healthy disagreement and fundamental unity. I came across two sources recently that I endeavor to keep at the front of my own thoughts in my personal practice. There’s a story in the Talmud (Bava Batra 106b) about two siblings who have the responsibility to divide their parents’ estate. As with most Talmudic parables, it enlightens on many levels. At first, the Talmud suggests the siblings draw lots. That is, let chance decide who gets which items [...]

It's (Not) All About the Bike!I’m an avid road biker. (My wife might use other terms...). I try to get out on the road at least once a week (and train indoors the other days to be ready for the road!). Sometimes I join with friends, as we wheel along the byways of Los Angeles, enjoying the protection of numbers against the cars that speed by us.  Other times, I head out on my own, following routes that avoid heavy traffic. When I bike alone, I use bone-conducting headphones that allow me to safely hear the sounds of traffic as well as an uplifting music track that inspires my feet to spin in the pedals and pound my way up the hills.As I returned to my bike after several weeks of the heatwave-induced break, I experienced a sense of exhilaration and centering that was much needed. Before the ride, I [...]