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 – Monday, February 10, 2025
Morocco—First Impressions I am writing this on the plane returning from our Stephen Wise Temple trip to Morocco. The experiences encountered during our Jewish journey through this amazing and even enlightening Muslim country remain fresh in our memory. Each stage of our exploration upended our expectations, deepened our knowledge, and left lasting impressions. Sitting on the literal border between the Muslim world, Africa, and the European continent, Morocco is a mélange of cultures, languages, and food, which defies easy explanation and is more often than not defined by its contrasts than its uniformity. Ostensibly a democracy with an elected legislature, the country is ultimately ruled by a dynastic monarchy that traces its lineage back to Mohammed. Though a self-declared Islamic nation, Morocco embraces and celebrates its Berber, French, and most importantly for us, Jewish identities. Walking through the streets of the Medinas (the old cities) it is easy for [...]
Daily Kavanah – Friday, February 7, 2025
This week’s Torah portion, parashat B’shalach, celebrates the extraordinary event during our exodus from Egypt wherein we cross through the parted waters of the sea of reeds—a pivotal moment in our journey of liberation. As I reflect upon this part of our people’s story, I cannot help but think of our brave sisters and brothers who, after over a year of captivity, have gone from darkness to light in the past few weeks. We rejoice in their freedom just as we rejoice in that of the Israelites in this week’s parasha, We will continue to pray and advocate for every last one of the hostages’ safe return. Before it chronicles the parting of the sea, parashat B’shalach presents us with a surprising and theologically perplexing detail in its opening verse: “Now when Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although it was nearer; [...]
Daily Kavanah – Thursday, February 6, 2025
This Shabbat is known as Shabbat Shirah, as the Torah portion, B’Shalach, features Shirat HaYam, the Song of the Sea. However, Psalms Midrash Rabbah observes that the Song of the Sea is the first sung to God in the Torah. Neither the first humans, nor Noah, nor the patriarchs or matriarchs offer songs in return for Divine favor. Only after crossing the sea does music appear, as Moses and the Israelites offer words of song to God. But there is more than one song offered at the banks of the Sea of Reeds. Immediately after Moses and Israel sing, Miriam picks up her drum and leads all the women of Israel in dance and in song, chanting: “Sing to Adonai, for God is exalted above the highest heights. Horse and driver God has hurled into the sea.” The song duplicates the opening line of the Song of the Sea, [...]
Daily Kavanah – Wednesday, February 5, 2025
This Shabbat is known as Shabbat Shirah, as the Torah portion, B’Shalach, features Shirat HaYam, the Song of the Sea. The Song, comprising eighteen verses, features a unique layout within the Torah scroll. The lines alternate between one type that begins and ends with one word with a phrase centered in between, while the other type features phrases at the beginning and end of each line. Each blank space marks the end of a single breath of music. According to the Talmud, the format resembles bricks, although others have likened it to waves. This format is reserved only for select, ancient pieces of poetry. It reappears within the Song of Deborah, found in the Book of Judges, as well as David’s Song in the Second Book of Samuel. By now, it’s almost impossible to think about the song without its iconic layout, which predates the Talmud. Nevertheless, the first surviving manuscript to [...]
Daily Kavanah – Tuesday, February 4, 2025
This Shabbat is known as Shabbat Shirah, as the Torah portion, B’Shalach, features Shirat HaYam, the Song of the Sea.The song takes delight in the demise of Egypt, who is depicted as an arrogant foe planning to overtake and subdue Israel. The song remarks that the Egyptians “sank like lead in the great waters.” Like a victory cheer, the song emphasizes God’s prowess, even referring to God as a “Master of War.”For such a famous song, Jewish tradition appears somewhat conflicted about its content. One midrash famously criticizes the angels for celebrating the Egyptians’ demise, stating, “My people are perishing, and you sing praises?” Meanwhile, the Book of Proverbs remarks, “If your enemy falls, do not exult; if he trips, let your heart not rejoice.”However, the song remains a central element of Jewish tradition, chanted daily as part of the traditional morning liturgy and sung annually on Shabbat Shirah. Though our tradition teaches [...]