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 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 [...]
Daily Kavanah – Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Today is the 29th Day of the Omer.Today is Pesach Sheni, the Second Passover, celebrated one month following the initial Passover celebration. In the Book of Numbers, the Israelites discover, as they prepare to celebrate their first Passover following the Exodus from Egypt, that several people could not partake in the Passover offering, due to ritual impurity stemming from contact with corpses. They approach Moses and Aaron, who introduce Pesach Sheni—a second opportunity to partake in the Passover offering—for anyone who is ritually impure or on a distant journey.The creation of Pesach Sheni illustrates the malleability of tradition to fit the needs of those who observe it. Even before the first Passover celebration, the laws of Passover had to be amended to fit the realities of our forebears’ lives! This dynamic example begs us to consider: When must we amend existing rituals to ensure we do not exclude those who [...]