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 – Tuesday, July 21, 2020
Beginning on Rosh Hodesh Av, which we observe today, many Jews commence rituals of mourning leading up to Tisha B’Av (the ninth of Av). By refraining from wine, meat, and haircuts, Jews lament the destruction of Jerusalem, first by the Babylonians in 586 BCE and again by the Romans in 70 C.E. Regarding the second destruction of Jerusalem, the Talmud suggests that Jerusalem was destroyed on account of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza, two feuding aristocrats whose enmity drew Rome into Judea. Though clearly fictitious, the tale underscores the very real dangers posed to Judea by its contentious political and religious sectarianism, which left the Jews in no position to either forge a better relationship with Rome or to mount any meaningful resistance to the Roman invasion that destroyed Jerusalem. As we count down the days toward Tisha B’Av, the story of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza seems increasingly poignant, as our [...]
Daily Kavanah – Monday, July 20, 2020
In the Army, they called it “a case of the Mondays.” Some soldiers would always struggle on the first day back from the weekend until they readjusted to the grind of the work week. Jewish life can inoculate one, to a certain extent, from developing “the Mondays.” After all, we greet the return of the week on Saturday night with havdalah, making Monday just a transition to work. But, in the world of COVID, that transition has, especially for parents, become abrupt and jarring—even for those who carefully observe Shabbat. After all, supervising schoolwork, settling arguments, changing diapers, and preparing meaningful (but safe) physical fitness and leisure activities is not exactly an ideal work environment. Unfortunately, our tradition does not provide answers for parenting during the pandemic—but thankfully, it offers some sense of perspective. The daily blessings that begin each shacharit, our morning prayers, ask us to acknowledge and give thanks for [...]
Daily Kavanah – Friday, July 17, 2020
As we approach Shabbat we are aware of the blessing we have received this week—even during challenging times, we are grateful. Our blessings include the love of family, friends, and our community; the feelings of goodwill that we have shown to all whom we have encountered and their awareness of our good intentions. We are thankful for good health, for the caregivers, doctors, nurses, first responders, and all those who help to make our lives easier and safer. We acknowledge that the gift of Shabbat allows us to refresh our souls. It helps us understand the important values that give our lives meaning in a world of strife and discord. May this Shabbat help us to make our lives more meaningful, loving, peaceful, and full of joy for what we have. May it bring us to a place of partnership with God to create a better world. Shabbat Shalom. — Cantor Nathan [...]
Daily Kavanah – Thursday, July 16, 2020
Our tradition teaches us to be grateful everyday for the most obvious and yet essential blessings of the day. We ask God for protection from the vicissitudes of life so that our day will be blessed: May it be Your will, God and God of my ancestors, to protect this day and every day from insolence in others and in arrogance in myself. Save me from vicious people, from evil neighbors, and from corrupt companions. Preserve me from misfortune and from powers of destruction. Save me from harsh judgements; spare me from ruthless opponents. Give me the strength to overcome adversity, hate, bigotry, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is as much as a prescription for us to strive for as it is a prayer. May these words guide us to a blessed, safe, and fruitful day. — Cantor Nathan Lam
Daily Kavanah – Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Our tradition teaches us to be grateful everyday for the most obvious and yet essential blessings of the day. If we acknowledge these gifts on a daily basis, we will be less apt to take for granted life’s blessings and simple pleasures. The Gift of our Souls: The soul which You, my God has given me is pure. You created it, You formed it, You breathed it into me; You keep body and soul together. One day You will take my soul from me, to restore it to me in life eternal. So long as this soul is within me I acknowledge You, O God and God of my ancestors. Master of all creation, sovereign of all souls. Praised are You, God the soul to the lifeless, exhausted body. This acknowledgement that we are in the hands of God gives us hope and strength that we are part of something [...]