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, May 5, 2020
Grant me the ability to be alone; may it be my custom to go outdoors each day among the trees and grass, among all growing things. There may I be alone and enter into prayer to talk with the One to whom I belong. May I express there everything in my heart, and may all the foliage of the field - all grasses, trees, and plants - awake at my coming, to send the powers of their life into the words of my prayer so that my prayer and speech are made whole through the life and spirit of all growing things, which are made as one by their transcendent Source. May I then pour out the words of my heart before Your Presence like water, God, and lift up my hands to You in worship, on my behalf, and that of my children. — Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, late 18th [...]
Daily Kavanah – Monday, May 4, 2020
What is it to be a human being — so vulnerable, so fragile, and at the same time only slightly less than gods, strong and powerful, crowned with splendor? (Psalm 8:5-6) As we stay safer at home, we are daily reminded of the frailties of our human bodies. And at the same time, we also witness the enormous capacity of human beings for great love, selflessness, and the power to create a better world. With another week at home ahead of us, how might we honor both our vulnerabilities and our vitalities as individuals, and how might we find strength in our connections to our community and to humanity as a whole? There is a great teaching from Rabbi Simcha Bunum, a 19th century Hasidic rabbi: you must carry two notes in our pockets at all times. In one pocket, a note that reminds us that--like Abraham said--I am just [...]
Daily Kavanah – Friday, May 1, 2020
What makes us “holy?” The commandment to guard and observe Shabbat is a central core value of Judaism. God made Shabbat holy and through it we sanctify ourselves and our lives. Celebrating Shabbat makes us closer to God by using the model of creation as the paradigm for our lives. “More than Israel has kept Shabbat, the Shabbat has kept Israel.” (Achad Ha-Am, circa 1910) ואהבת לרעך כמוך “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” Rabbi Akiba said “this is the great principle of the Torah.” (Second century of the common era) These prescriptions for living a holy life will bring us the wellness of a life blessed through sanctity. 22nd day of the counting of Omer. 27 days till the Festival of Shavuot. — Cantor Nathan Lam
Daily Kavanah – Thursday, April 30, 2020
This morning we offer prescriptions from Torah portion Kedoshim for a holy path in life. Don't withhold your worker's wages—if somebody works for you, pay them right away When a person gathers the wheat from their field, they should leave a corner for poor people This idea of leaving the corner of the fields for the widow, the orphan, the poor, and the indigent is a way to let people who are in need have some dignity in not needing to beg. Respecting human dignity makes us holy. 21st day of the counting of the Omer. 28 days till Shavuot. — Cantor Nathan Lam
Daily Kavanah – Wednesday, April 29, 2020
This morning, we offer prescriptions from Torah portion Kedoshim for a holy path in life. Stand up when somebody respectable comes into the room Give charity to the poor Respect the elderly All of these are a way to show love and honor to specific groups. By helping the poor, you become holy. By showing respect to the elderly, you are teaching your children and grandchildren that we did not get here on our own. Be grateful for those who came before you. This is good medicine for a healthy life. 20th day of the counting of Omer. 29 days till Shavuot. — Cantor Nathan Lam