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 – Thursday, October 1, 2020
We read Psalm 27 daily for fifty days straight, from the beginning of the month of Elul through the end of Sukkot. By extending this inspirational practice from the Days of Awe through Sukkot, we are reminded that the spiritual work of the holy days continues, although certainly in a less intense, more light and festive mood. Fittingly, the opening line of Psalm 27 always reminds me of being inside the sukkah: לְדָוִ֨ד ׀ יְהוָ֤ה ׀ אוֹרִ֣י A psalm of David; Adonai is my light! When we build a sukkah, we are taught to make the roof with openings big enough so that the light of the sun and the stars might shine through, and according to Jewish law, one may only eat in the part of the sukkah that is directly underneath the light of sky. We can’t touch God or see God, but we can feel and experience God’s [...]
Daily Kavanah – Wednesday, September 30, 2020
As we lead up to the holiday of Sukkot, one where we normally enjoy large gatherings for eight days in a row, we know that our celebration will be different this year. While we will not be able to physically congregate in the large groups that we are accustomed to, our tradition already understands the beauty and value of opening our homes symbolically. The kabbalists of 16th century Safed designated an invitation to one revered ancestor for each night of the Sukkot festival (traditionally to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, and David; and more recently, adding Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, Leah, Miriam, Abigail, and Esther). These ushpizin, or metaphorical guests, represent the commandment to be hospitable and generous of spirit, perhaps especially when it is not possible for guests to physically join us in the sukkah. There are uniquely Sephardi customs of setting aside a chair in the sukkah stacked with books for learning [...]
Daily Kavanah – Tuesday, September 29, 2020
During this time of year from Elul through Sukkot, it is customary to read or sing the words of Psalm 27. Why, of all the 150 Psalms, did the rabbis of the Talmudic era choose this one for this unique time on the Jewish calendar? The obvious High Holy Days connection might be the reference to the sound of t’ruah, (the eight consecutive staccato shofar blasts) and the reference to the sukkah. Or perhaps the references to “evil doers” or “enemies” are supposed to reference the inner adversaries we try to reconcile with and make teshuvah for on the Days of Awe. While there is no definitive answer, what struck me—especially during this year in particular—is verse 4, which says: “One thing have I sought from Adonai, how I long for it—that I may live in the House of Adonai all the days of my life.” This bit of text stands in contrast to [...]
Daily Kavanah – Friday, September 25, 2020
When there was a cholera epidemic in 1848, Rabbi Israel Salanter posted announcements on all the houses of prayer of Vilna on the eve of Yom Kippur, urging people not to fast on that holy and awesome day, to cut short the recitation of the liturgical poems of the day, and to go walking in the fresh air. After the morning prayer on Yom Kippur, he took a piece of bread in his hand and ate it before the eyes of the entire congregation so that people might see him and follow his example, for much is permitted when there is mortal danger, and the life of a single person was dearer in his eyes than all the wealth in the world. (Ir Vilna) During this time of pandemic, let us remember always that the highest value is pikuach nefesh, preserving life above all else. As we observe these holidays, let [...]
Daily Kavanah – Thursday, September 24, 2020
Rabbi Eleazar taught: it is often the case that when a person insults another in public and after a time wishes to be reconciled, he approaches the other person privately to apologize. The one who was wronged might rightly say: “You insulted me in front of others! Gather together all the people before whom you spoke against me, and I will be reconciled with you.” But this is not the way with the Holy One of Blessing. A person can stand and blaspheme and revile God in the marketplace and then the Holy One says to him: “Do teshuvah when you are alone and I will accept it.” (Pesikta d’Rav Kahana) The first part of the story reminds us that our repentance must be measured and just. If we have damaged someone’s reputation, it is not enough for us to apologize directly to that person. We must also endeavor to [...]