Unpacking Audacious Hospitality by Ginny Rosenberg, President
It has been my privilege to receive congregants’ feedback about Temple life during my term. While most people are full of praise for our services, activities and communication (for which I take very little credit), some have concerns or are yearning for something different. To understand congregants’ feedback, it helps to identify the underlying expectations […]
At URJ Biennial, We Are Reminded That We Are Not Alone by Rachel Campbell
It would be an understatement to say that it has been a challenging time in our country these last several years. I don’t need to go through the laundry list why. And while Temple Beth El has served as a beacon to many of us during these hard times, it can often feel like we are […]
From My Seat at URJ’s Biennial Convention by Cantor Mary Rebecca Thomas
For five days every two years, thousands of Jewish professionals serving reform congregations and organizations, lay leaders, and congregants come together to learn, to pray, and to connect. We come together to learn about best practices and principles. We come together to hear how other synagogues struggle and succeed, that we may bear witness to […]
Chanukah, Hope, and Hosting: The Youth Are Our Present by Rabbi Dusty Klass
Chanukah celebrates the proverbial light in the darkness, the hope that comes from flickering flames in the midst of a cold winter night, the story of the nascent Jewish people’s triumph over seemingly overwhelming forces. On Chanukah, miracles happen; the impossible is made possible. Chanukah bolsters our ability to hope. The power of hope is […]
A Prayer for Thanksgiving by Temple Beth El Clergy
The Torah describes the harvest festival of Sukkot as a time to give thanks to God for the bounty and beauty of the world. Our Jewish holiday inspired the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony in 1623 to shape new rituals to express their timeless gratitude. As Jews, as Americans, as human beings, we too give thanks […]
Home by Andy Harkavy, Director of Congregational Engagement
Many people have numerous definitions for the word home. Over the years, I often asked myself, “Is home where I live or is it where I was born?” Home is defined as the place where one lives permanently. I have not lived in Atlanta since I graduated from high school in 2002. I have almost spent more years […]
Do A Mitzvah – Turn the World Around by Susan Jacobs, Director of Education
This Shabbat we will read the parsha, Chayei Sarah, the life of Sarah. The portion begins with Sarah’s life but focuses on her death and burial. What is amazing about Abraham and Sarah is how much they accomplished in their advanced years. Rabbi Stephen S Pearce, Ph.D, writes, “Chayei Sarah was written at a time […]
Democracy is Not a Spectator Sport by Rabbi Judy Schindler
When Jeremiah the prophet preached 2600 years ago, he enjoined his fellow Jews who were exiled to Babylon to get engaged with their community, “Seek the peace of the city to which I have caused you to be in exile…for in its shalom, you shall find shalom.” (Jeremiah 29:7) The word shalom is variously translated as […]
Words of Gratitude by Cantor Mary Rebecca Thomas
“I offer thanks to You, ever-living Sovereign, that You have restored my soul to me in mercy: How great is Your trust.” This translation of the Modeh Ani prayer begins each of the morning services in Mishkan T’filah, the Reform Movement’s 2007 prayer book. The very first words on our lips each day are meant […]
