Sukkot and Sacred Spaces

Photo of Pinchas Giller
5783
by Rabbi Pinchas Giller
posted on October 7, 2022
The abiding theme of Sukkot, in Kabbalah, is the consecration of sacred space. The various main systems of Kabbalah concur that Divinity flows into the world through the instrument of ten emanations, or sefirot, stages in the descent of God’s energy into the world. The upper three of these emanations are purely cerebral, the levels of Wisdom, Understanding and Consciousness (Chochmah, Binah, Da’at, acronym: Chabad). The lower seven sefirot deal with the way that Divine energy is expressed in the phenomenal world. Read more...

What Does It Mean to Forgive?

bob
5783
by Dr. Robert Wexler
posted on October 3, 2022
I have long been intrigued by the concept of “forgiveness” both in general and within the context of Yom Kippur.  What does it mean “to forgive” someone, and what does it mean “to be forgiven?” My interest in the mechanism of forgiveness was particularly stirred when I watched Stephen Frears’ film, Philomena (2013).  Although much-fictionalized, the film was based on an actual investigation conducted by journalist Martin Sixsmith who claimed that the Irish Catholic Church had forced unwed mothers in their care to give up their children for adoption. Read more...

Today We Birth a World

Headshot of Rabbi Aryeh Cohen
by Rabbi Aryeh Cohen
posted on September 25, 2022
Arthur: I am your king! Woman:  Well I didn't vote for you! Arthur: You don't vote for kings! Woman:  Well 'ow'd you become king then? (holy music up) Arthur: The Lady of the Lake-- her arm clad in the purest shimmering samite, held aloft Excalibur from the bosom of the water, signifying by divine providence that I, Arthur, was to carry Excalibur.  THAT is why I am your king! Read more...

Bread and Roses

Headshot of Rabbi Adam Greenwald
5782
by Rabbi Adam Greenwald
posted on September 1, 2022
As we go marching, marching, in the beauty of the day, A million darkened kitchens, a thousand mill lofts gray, Are touched with all the radiance that a sudden sun discloses, For the people hear us singing: Bread and Roses! Bread and Roses!  - James Oppenheim Read more...

From Despair to Hope

Headshot of Rabbi Cheryl Peretz
5782
by Rabbi Cheryl Peretz
posted on August 5, 2022
"Eicha yashva badad, hair rabati am, haitai k'almana - Lonely sits the city, once great with people. She that was great among the nations has become like a widow". Read more...