Praise God…with every voice, with every instrument by Cantor Andrew Bernard
This weekend marks the season’s final holy day observances that began nearly two months ago. There have been times of learning and times of worship; individual introspection and public celebration. In words and song and prayer and ritual acts, we have moved from the preparations of Elul through the penitential prayers of S’lichot to […]
My Life Is Like A Chapter Book by Dr. Laura Bernstein
As we conclude Yom Kippur, a holiday of intense introspection, and look toward Sukkot, a holiday that calls us outside into the world and outside of ourselves, I find myself thinking about what my life will be like a year from now or perhaps 10 years from now. What surprises are in store? What challenges await? […]
Return Again: Finding Meaning in Repetition and Repentance by Rabbi Dusty Klass
Earlier this week, Rabbi Knight, Cantor Bernard, Cantor Thomas and I sat down to talk through our Yom Kippur services. Halfway through, I threw up my hands exasperatedly. “Didn’t we already DO this prayer???” In fact, we had. And I have news for you. We are going to do “that prayer” again. Judaism is a […]
A New Year, New Opportunities by Rabbi Asher Knight
This New Year brings new faces and opportunities to Temple Beth El. Rabbi Klass and I are thrilled to join Temple Beth El’s dynamic team of lay leaders, clergy, and staff. We are excited by the opportunity to serve both our congregation and the broader Jewish community. And we look forward to meeting you and […]
Immerse Yourself in Your Life by Candace Naliboff, Director of Congregational Engagement
Immerse Yourself in Your Life…Whenever and However you Can I tend to immerse myself. I have always done it…with learning Spanish, counseling school children, reading Harry Potter books, cheering for the SF Giants, helping family and friends. It is who I am. When I moved here with my husband a little over four years ago, […]
Seeing Palaces by Cantor Mary Rebecca Thomas
Achat sha’alti mei’eit Adonai, otah avakeish – One thing I ask of Adonai, one request – Shivti b’veit Adonai kol y’mei chayai, lachazot b’noam Adonai ul’vakeir b’heichalo That I may dwell Adonai’s house all of the days of my life, to behold the pleasantness of Adonai and visit God’s palace. Psalm 27 is dedicated to […]
The Gift by Susan Jacobs, Director of Education
I am always so excited and a little nervous every year at this time. We are in the count-down days before religious school begins. The office is abuzz with activity trying to get everything ready for opening day, September 11th. I look forward to the excitement and activity that fills the lobby and halls as […]
Possibilities Ahead by Cantor Andrew Bernard
It has always seemed a little strange to me that the Jewish months start on the new moon. If you are going to look up into the sky for seasonal markers, the full moon would be a much clearer and more dramatic signpost. The new moon is rather obscure, whereas a full moon lights up […]
Fuel for Elul – Preparing for the High Holy Days by Cantor Mary Rebecca Thomas
September 2016 Elul is back to school shopping. Elul is the letter you get from the dentist reminding you to schedule your next cleaning and x-rays. Elul is that chapter in the healthy eating book that gives you the grocery list and tells you to clean out your cabinets. Elul is a warning shot across […]
