A meaningful life

You Can Hold as True, Contradictory Beliefs

One of the unique differences between Western/American thought and Jewish thought is that Jews believe you can hold opposing ideas simultaneously. Here’s an example from a local rabbi’s recent email to her congregation.  Rabbi Ilana of Beth Jacob Congregation in Redwood City  expressed her gratitude and reflected on “where do we find God?”  I am moved by…

Read More »

Weekend Reading for Fun and Calm

It’s been a tough year so far and doesn’t seem likely to improve soon. So how about some peaceful and encouraging reading options for Shabbat and the weekend? Willie Mays loved his Jewish friends. The J-weekly shared this story about local baseball legend, Mays. Put your money where your mouth is! Robert Kraft, majority owner of the…

Read More »

Increasing your Happiness

American culture is one of individual RIGHTS. Jewish tradition is one of individual RESPONSIBILITY.  At the time of America’s founding our forefathers were leaving behind governments that oppressed them; rights were central to their thinking. Responsibility was already internalized. In modern times we’ve gone over the edge with personal rights and no longer give much thought to…

Read More »

The Best Gift is You

The 2023 Winter Solstice began at 7:27pm last night. No matter your religious tradition we all live on the same planet and those of us in the northern hemisphere have reached the darkest point of the year. For a few days the amount of daylight will remain the same and then, gradually, the minutes of…

Read More »

A Rabbi Encourages Her Congregation

(Photo: Entryway to Beth Sholom) Rabbi Amanda Russell of Congregation Beth Sholom in San Francisco wrote an email to her congregants. She acknowledged their fears. Then she offered a small simple teaching that all of us can do. Look for her suggestion of how to help at the end of her letter. (Thank you Rabbi…

Read More »