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 – Wednesday, May 29, 2024
I recently watched two different Israeli television series set in contemporary Israel, though all set well before October 7. In classic Israeli television fashion, both series star Doron Ben-David of Fauda, but that is besides the point. One, entitled The Lesson, is based on a true story and won the best series award at the Cannes International Series Festival in 2021. Called Zero Hour in the original Hebrew and set in a high school in the city of Kfar Saba, the series begins with a confrontation between an outspoken student and her civics teacher about whether or not local Arabs should be allowed at the municipal pool. With this explosive beginning, the series shies away from almost no conversation of Israeli society: racism, politics, the IDF, morality, fatphobia, Arab-Israeli tensions, and social media are all brought into the conversation—often with typical Israeli bluntness. The second series was one called Asylum City, based on a novel [...]
Daily Kavanah – Tuesday, May 28, 2024
One of my own reactions to October 7 and its aftermath has been an almost obsessive need to connect with Israeli culture and language. I have watched almost exclusively Israeli television, listened to Israeli music, and, I signed myself up for Ulpan, a twice-weekly conversational Hebrew course. Those hours of just hearing the sounds of Hebrew have comforted me, given me strength, and connected me to Israel from so far away.Having spent most of my academic time with Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic, diving deep into modern Hebrew is a delight. I love the connections—the way that ancient Hebrew expands to fit today’s needs, the way that English becomes Hebraicized when no other word will do, and the way that Arabic is so easily adopted into everyday conversation. More than other languages I have studied, Hebrew feels so vibrant and alive, and so very encapsulating of all that I love—and that [...]
Daily Kavanah – Monday, May 27, 2024
In stark contrast to the somber music and scrolling names which overtakes the Israeli airwaves (TV and radio) over the 24 hours of Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day), my email inbox—and probably yours—is full of sales. It is time, I am told, to buy a car, a grill, a mattress, a summer wardrobe, and more. With vacations on the horizon and a long weekend ahead, Memorial Day’s focus has, unfortunately, shifted from a solemn day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States of America to a carefree kickoff to summer. At least, that is true for those of us far enough removed from the day—and from military service—to not experience the day as one of personal loss. But, Memorial Day was not meant to be personal, it was always meant to be communal. On May 5, 1868, General John Logan—then national commander of the Grand Army of [...]
Daily Kavanah – Friday, May 24, 2024
This past Monday I had the honor of attending a reception at the White House in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), which is a celebration of our people’s enormous contributions to the United States. JAHM was first proclaimed by President George W. Bush in 2006 at the initiation of Senator Arlen Specter.Standing in the Rose Garden, President Biden spoke about the ways our community has shaped this country: “Jewish artists and poets have helped define the American vision of liberty for millions of people who come to our shores. Jewish suffragettes and advocates have fought for women’s rights, and voting rights – every right we have. My whole career, every fight to increase civil rights and civil liberties has been led by Jewish community… Jewish scientists and engineers and doctors have led breakthroughs in innovation, technology, and medicine. Across government, Jewish Americans have proudly served our nation in [...]
Daily Kavanah – Thursday, May 23, 2024
Today is the 30th Day of the Omer. The omer represents a period of anticipation, including our physical anticipation of the coming harvest and the first fruits, as well as our spiritual anticipation of revelation, both celebrated on Shavuot. However, the omer also represents a period of mourning. According to the Talmud, we mourn for the death of Rabbi Akiba’s 24,000 students, who suffered from a plague for failing to treat one another with respect. Historians suggest that the period of mourning may be associated with those who died during the unsuccessful Bar Kochba revolt. However, tradition holds that on the 33rd day of the omer, Lag B’Omer, the Jews enjoyed a respite from their distress. As such, the days of mourning are suspended, and many Ashkenazi Jews engage in celebrations, including parties, weddings, picnics, bonfires, and more. Sephardic Jews wait for the 34th day to celebrate. The most well-known custom is the lighting of [...]