This week Rabbi Milder’s congregational email comments on the Jewish mindset of Elul. It is the month that leads us into the High Holidays. Its tone is often subdued. We are about to approach God to ask for forgiveness for our past missteps (the Hebrew word does not translate as “sin” but as “missing the…
Read More »
As we stand on the threshold of Rosh Hashanah it seems rather perfect that a brilliant Jewish teacher, Robert Reich, will be speaking about on Wednesday, September 24 in Redwood City. He will be in conversation with journalist, Angie Coiro from Kepler’s Books. Here’s the description of his talk: From political economist, cabinet member, beloved professor,…
Read More »
Twenty four years ago we all stood in shock as we took in the images of planes crashing into American buildings. I texted a NY friend this morning just to say, I know this day is still hard for you. She worked next to one of the towers, ran down many flights of stairs, fled…
Read More »
We have only two weeks of August remaining. The heaven of summer is moving on and the serious part of life is revving up. Kids and teachers go back to school, vacations are over, and California is turning brown or gold – depending on how you see it. We are almost into Shabbat and I…
Read More »
Has anyone mentioned that Life is Hard? Yeah, I thought so. But we are now in the month of Adar. The Talmud states that Jews are to “increase our joy” during this month. We are urged to find happiness and celebration. So where does happiness come from and can we “pursue” it? According to the…
Read More »
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 »Our weekly email goes out to hundreds of interfaith couples & families in the Bay Area. Topics cover the many questions and mysteries that interfaith couples want answered.