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, December 9, 2024
Aristotle, Maimonides, and Jewish Ethics It may surprise you to learn that one of the most influential figures in Jewish thought was not Jewish. He lived, taught, and wrote during what is believed to be a particularly fraught and important time in Jewish history—though it is one that is shrouded in the haze of time and a dearth of documentation. When Alexander (356-323 BCE) conquered the Holy Land in about 333 BCE, he brought many of the cultural and intellectual elements of Greek society. He introduced Jewish society to the Greek wisdom and philosophy of Alexander’s teacher, Aristotle (384-322 BCE). And so, with the developing Jewish taste for all things Greek, an appetite for the teachings of Aristotle also blossomed in souls of educated Jews. It's no exaggeration to say that Judaism, as we know it, owes much to this encounter. Centuries later, Maimonides (1138–1204 CE), one of Judaism's [...]
Daily Kavanah – Friday, December 6, 2024
Despite claims to the contrary, the simple fact is that our connection to the land of Israel spans thousands of years. We are far from settler colonialists. In fact, Israel is our land of indigeneity. This truth is evident not only in the archaeological record but also in our poetry, songs, and liturgy. And, of course, it is woven throughout our ancient book of wisdom, which is central not only to our sacred story but also that of Christians. In this week’s Torah portion, we read about Jacob’s journey from Be’er Sheva in Israel to Haran, which is located in modern-day southeast Turkey. Jacob leaves for two compelling reasons: 1) His brother Esau wants to kill him because of the purloined blessing, so, for his own safety, he must distance himself from Esau and 2) it is time for him to find a spouse. His parents want him to [...]
Daily Kavanah – Thursday, December 5, 2024
This week’s Torah portion, Vayeitzei, shifts the narrative of the Book of Genesis by portraying the dreadful consequences of deceit. The Book of Genesis routinely uses treachery to depict wit and sophistication. Abraham deceives the Pharaoh to survive and enrich his household. Isaac does the same when he resides with Abimelech. Jacob wrests both blessing and birthright from his more powerful brother, Esau, through trickery and deception. In each instance, dishonesty yields rewards from a more powerful foe without consequence. However, in Parashat Vayeitzei, Jacob and his family discover the dreadful costs of living lives filled with deceit and treachery. Jacob, who must flee to Haran due to his treachery, is quickly betrayed by his kinsman Laban. After promising his daughter, Rachel, to Jacob in exchange for seven years of labor, Laban swaps Rachel with Leah at the altar, and Jacob must work an additional seven years for Rachel. Then, after agreeing to [...]
Daily Kavanah – Wednesday, December 4, 2024
This week’s Torah portion, Vayeitzei, begins with Jacob fleeing the wrath of his brother, Esau. Along his way, he stops for the night and dreams of a ladder reaching the heavens, with Divine messengers ascending and descending the ladder. According to the sages, these messengers are angels. Some accompany Jacob throughout the land of Canaan, but, as he prepares to depart, they exchange places with a new set of angels who will accompany him throughout his sojourn in Haran. God then informs Jacob, “I am with you. I will protect you wherever you go and will return you to this land.” When Jacob returns to Canaan at the end of the parashah, he again encounters Divine messengers, ostensibly exchanging roles once again. Like Ezekiel’s vision of God departing into exile with the Judeans on a Divine chariot following the destruction of the Holy Temple, Jacob’s encounters with Divine messengers illustrate that [...]
Daily Kavanah – Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Today is the second day in the Hebrew month of Kislev, a month which is acknowledged by the rabbis as the second season for rain. During Sukkot, our daily prayers for dew are swapped with those for rain, as we pray for the life-giving waters that will ensure a prosperous farming season. Though modern technology has enabled us to survive years of drought, we Angelinos know all too well the devastating effects of compounding drought. Praying for rain, however, is no simple matter in antiquity. The Talmud discourages Jews from practicing the ancient rite of fasting for rain until Rosh Chodesh Kislev. Only afterwards would the first rain of the season be considered late. In addition, the Talmud warns, we must count seven consecutive days of rain as two separate rainfalls for the purpose of our pleas, and we may only open the fields to gleaning by all once [...]