Amazing band lineup featuring: Will Robertson- guitar, vocals, songwriting Caroline Goldberg- vocals Melvin Myles- vocals Joe Alterman- piano DJ Burel- drums Robby Handley- bass Julia Filson- fiddle Micah Lapidus- guitar, songwriting Liner notes for songs: Intention– this is a Shabbat
Jewish Body, Jewish Soul
Jewish tradition honors both the body and the soul. The ancient rabbis understood that, as human beings, we experience the world through the body. Our senses, our physicality, our material self. They taught us to treat the body with respect,
The Nature of Prayer
Every so often (not often enough), I find myself flipping through Martin Buber’s anthology called “Tales of the Hasidim.” As I read, I often discover that my appreciation or lack of appreciation for the teachings he shares has much
Judaism on Death, the Afterlife and Reincarnation
Someone recently asked me about these interesting topics. I’m posting my reply here, because I know that lots of people have this question. My answer is just that, MY answer. Judaism leaves a lot of room for interpretation! Judaism
Who Knows One?
There’s a popular Passover song called, “Who Knows One?” I’ve been hearing it sung a lot lately due to the many “Model Seders” that are happening at The Davis Academy in anticipation of the upcoming holiday. In that spirit, I
Be a Blessing
“Be a blessing.” That’s God’s instruction to Abram in Genesis 12. Whenever I read these words or think of this teaching, I think of Rabbi Alvin Sugarman. Many years ago he and I were part of a rabbinic panel at
Science and Religion
As a day school rabbi I work with kids pretty much every day. Having been at it for the last decade, I’m now able to say, somewhat conclusively, that there are certain perennial topics that kids are curious about. One
Shemini Atzeret
What is Shemini Atzeret? I can’t imagine how many Jews have asked that question and are still left wondering! Here’s a bit of an explanation/interpretation. Shemini Atzeret is a festival that follows immediately on the heels of Sukkot, one
Everyday holiness
There’s long been a distinction in Judaism between “Kodesh” (“Holy”) and “Chol” (“Profane/Mundane”). In fact, the Havdalah Service at the end of Shabbat includes a blessing that thanks God for distinguishing between these two different states- Kodesh and Chol. The
Do Not Weigh
“When you talk to people, do no weigh whether or not their thoughts are clinging steadfastly to God. A soul that weighs suffers harm.” This Hasidic teaching, from Martin Buber’s Ten Rungs: Hasidic Sayings, speaks to me. When talking