Sukkot and Sacred Spaces

Photo of Pinchas Giller
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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
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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...