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, October 25, 2023
In the Jewish tradition, there’s a beautiful and deeply meaningful custom of studying Torah in honor or memory of an individual. At our weekly Shabbat morning Torah study, and many of our adult learning classes we invite students to dedicate their learning reflecting that practice. As the war in Gaza enters its third week, I dedicate the Torah that I’ll be sharing to the victims of the terrorist attack, in memory of those who were killed, in solidarity with those who were taken hostage, and in honor of those who are risking their lives to protect the citizens of Israel. For the entire Torah portion click here. No sooner do Abram and Sarai (in Gen 12, their names are not yet changed) enter the promised land then they depart for Egypt because of a famine in Canaan. Sound familiar? It should; that’s the very same reason that Jacob and his sons [...]
Daily Kavanah – Tuesday, October 24, 2023
In the Jewish tradition there’s a beautiful and deeply meaningful custom of studying Torah in honor or memory of an individual. At our weekly Shabbat morning Torah study, and many of our adult learning classes we invite students to dedicate their learning reflecting that practice. As the war in Gaza enters its third week, I dedicate the Torah that I’ll be sharing to the victims of the terrorist attack, in memory of those who were killed, in solidarity with those who were taken hostage, and in honor of those who are risking their lives to protect the citizens of Israel. For the entire Torah portion, click here. אֲנִ֕י הִנֵּ֥ה בְרִיתִ֖י אִתָּ֑ךְ וְהָיִ֕יתָ לְאַ֖ב הֲמ֥וֹן גּוֹיִֽם׃ Gen 17:2 “I will establish My covenant between Me and you, and I will make you exceedingly numerous.”… 17:4 “As for Me, this is My covenant with you: You shall be the father of a [...]
Daily Kavanah – Monday, October 23, 2023
In the Jewish tradition, there’s a beautiful and deeply meaningful custom of studying Torah in honor or memory of an individual. At our weekly Shabbat morning Torah study and many of our adult learning classes, we invite students to dedicate their learning reflecting that practice. As the war in Gaza enters its third week, I dedicate the Torah that I’ll be sharing to the victims of the terrorist attack, in memory of those who were killed, in solidarity with those who were taken hostage, and in honor of those who are risking their lives to protect the citizens of Israel. For the entire Torah portion click here. וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהֹוָה֙ אֶל־אַבְרָ֔ם לֶךְ־לְךָ֛ מֵאַרְצְךָ֥ וּמִמּֽוֹלַדְתְּךָ֖ וּמִבֵּ֣ית אָבִ֑יךָ אֶל־הָאָ֖רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר אַרְאֶֽךָּ׃ “יהוה said to Abram, “Go forth from your native land and from your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” (Gen 12:1) With this command, the thousands-year Jewish connection [...]
Daily Kavanah – Friday, October 20, 2023
This week, our daily kavanot will honor the memories of just some of the men, women, and children killed by Hamas in last week's horrific attacks. Zichronam livracha — May their memories be forever a blessing. This past week my friend Udi sent me the following message on WhatsApp: “Hi. Long day. Unfortunately, Racheli, the teacher in Beit Shmuel - her son Amir was killed in Gaza. I have been running around a lot sending packages to Kibbutz Kramim in the South. They have taken in people from Kibbutz Nachal Oz whose houses were burnt. I hear that soldiers do not have equipment all around, and it's terrible. Sending you the bank details for the Sayeret Tzanchanim, who are in dire need of equipment. There are more units, and I'm trying to find solutions for them as well. Thank you.” I got to know Udi when we made aliyah [...]
Daily Kavanah – Thursday, October 19, 2023
In addition to her family and her dogs, Danielle Waldman loved her boyfriend—and she loved to dance. Born in Palo Alto, Danielle moved back to Israel when she was 4 years old; her father, Eyal Waldman is a tech-founder known for attempting to foster peace between Israelis and Palestinians through his factories and hiring practices. She met Noam Shay six years ago in the army, and they have been inseparable ever since. With their dog, Noam and Danielle moved into their refurbished apartment just a few weeks ago. On Friday, October 6, Danielle and Noam drove south to attend the Supernova Festival, which was billed as a festival of “unity and love.” As her father said, “Danielle loved to dance. She danced in every opportunity that she could and Noam joined her.” And dance they did, throughout the night, until that fateful morning. Danielle and Noam were murdered; they [...]