Hey, didn't I say just a few posts ago that Judaism is a religion of action, rather than belief? What gives now, Rabbi Sommer? The articles of the Jewish faith are usually expressed in the form given by Maimonides, a great twelfth-century rabbi who was hugely influential in creating the kind of Judaism we know … Continue reading #BlogElul 8 – Believe
Category: BlogElul
#BlogElul 7 – Be
When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me, whisper words of wisdom, let it be ... Now, of course, everyone is laughing at me, for quoting the great Rabbi McCartney. But don't forget what the Mishna says: Ben (the son of) Zoma said: Who is wise? He who learns from … Continue reading #BlogElul 7 – Be
#BlogElul 6 – Do
Oooh, a tricky one, Rabbi Sommer! Now we need to figure out the difference between "Act" and "Do"! I'm sure there is one ... here we go! So what does it mean to "do Jewish"? To many people, it has come down to the cultural trappings - the food of their grandparents, the tunes and … Continue reading #BlogElul 6 – Do
#BlogElul 5 – Know
The psychologist Carl Jung, when asked whether he believed in G-d, famously responded "I don't believe, I know." While Jung later said that he regretted this unadorned answer for the misunderstandings to which it must inevitably lead, I really like it. And not in a woo-woo kind of mystical way, but in a very practical fashion. … Continue reading #BlogElul 5 – Know
#BlogElul 4 – Accept
Day 4 of Elul is Shabbat. First of all, let me assure you that this post was written and scheduled well beforehand. I do not use the computer on Shabbat. This is a restriction that I gladly accept. We live in a time of abundance and addiction. I am quite severely addicted to that seductive … Continue reading #BlogElul 4 – Accept
#BlogElul 3 – Bless
The third day of Elul is a Friday, the day we prepare for the blessing of Shabbat. In the evening we will bless the candles, the wine and the bread, and sink into the restfulness of the temporary cessation of all preparation. During the High Holy Days themselves, blessings abound. The special prayer book we … Continue reading #BlogElul 3 – Bless
#BlogElul 2 – Act
It has often been said that Judaism is a religion of action, rather than faith. Not that faith is not important, but action is what counts. I saw a Facebook post the other day, in which one of my non-Jewish friends proclaimed that he was going to hell. Not because of something he did, but … Continue reading #BlogElul 2 – Act
#BlogElul 1 – Prepare
It's finally here, Rosh Chodesh Elul. It's time to begin our month of #BlogElul, with the verb "Prepare". Strictly speaking, today is the second day of Rosh Chodesh Elul. The first was yesterday, the last day of Menachem Av, a mournful month full of the remembrance of tragedy and loss. Today is the first day … Continue reading #BlogElul 1 – Prepare
Announcing – #BlogElul! (again)
I can't believe it, but it's only six weeks until Rosh HaShanah, again. Another year has flown by. In a couple of weeks it will be Rosh Chodesh Elul, again. The shofar will sound at daily minyan, again. And Rabbi Phyllis Sommer, bless her, will have #BlogElul going again. It's a spiritual exercise, on blogs, … Continue reading Announcing – #BlogElul! (again)
Forgiveness – #BlogElul 25
In the 14th chapter of the Book of Numbers, we have a very serious rebellion on the part of the people of Israel. They refuse to go in and claim the land that G-d has promised them, and threaten to stone the two spies who try to encourage them. They desire to return to Egypt, … Continue reading Forgiveness – #BlogElul 25