I am so sad. The beautiful, courageous, wonderful Sam Sommer is no longer with us. According to the Times of Israel, Sam passed peacefully away at home, with his loving parents at his side. I cannot imagine what it is like to be Phyllis or Michael Sommer right now, and all I can do is … Continue reading The Superman Passes
Tag: Rabbi Phyllis Sommer
#BlogElul 29 – Return
Here it is. It's Erev Rosh HaShana. The last #BlogElul post of the season. I am both relieved and sad to have made it this far. I'm very proud that I did not miss a single day (although some were close!). But I am sad to bring this series to a close - it forced … Continue reading #BlogElul 29 – Return
#BlogElul 28 – Give
The other day I was listening to one of my favourite podcasters, Michael Hyatt. He was talking about the two different ways of thinking about the world - the scarcity model and the abundance model. The scarcity model is often evinced by people who have gone through hardship, or even more so, by the children … Continue reading #BlogElul 28 – Give
#BlogElul 27 – Intend
I intended to write a completely different blog post late last night, but it didn't work out that way. I started out with all kinds of high-falutin' words about intentionality, about the difference between murder and manslaughter, and all that. Then my brain just shut down on me, so I went to bed. This morning … Continue reading #BlogElul 27 – Intend
#BlogElul 26 – Hope
As you know, I've been writing this series of blog posts as part of Rabbi Phyllis Sommer's #BlogElul challenge. I've also been talking about her 7 year old son, Sam, who has just received a bone marrow transplant because of persistant leukemia. I don't know if Rabbi Sommer had the fact that September is Childhood … Continue reading #BlogElul 26 – Hope
#BlogElul 25 – Begin
In the circle of life, after an ending, there must be a beginning. As summer approaches its end, we look forward to all the new beginnings associated with the High Holy Days. Not only do we start a new year, 5774, on Rosh HaShanah, but we also complete the cycle of reading the Torah at … Continue reading #BlogElul 25 – Begin
#BlogElul 24 – End
Friday is the end of the work week, tomorrow is Shabbat again, yay! I cannot believe how close we are to Rosh HaShanah. Where did Elul go? Many people have commented that September feels more like a new year than January. Who puts the new year in the dead of winter anyway? Makes much more … Continue reading #BlogElul 24 – End
#BlogElul 23 – Love
We've been talking about change, about daring, and by extension about fear. What is the opposite of fear? To quote the great Steven Pressfield, the opposite of fear is love. If you follow this blog, you know that I have mixed feelings about Steven Pressfield. I love much of what he says, especially the quote … Continue reading #BlogElul 23 – Love
#BlogElul 22 – Dare
You'll notice that I have a badge right next to this blog post (and all others), which says "I am daring greatly" and has a link to Dr. Brené Brown's website. I am a great fan of her work - she's a researcher who writes amazing books on shame and resilience. If you are local, … Continue reading #BlogElul 22 – Dare
#BlogElul 21 – Change (II)
It's been a very rough year for Rabbi Phyllis Sommer and her family. As you read this blog post on August 27, her 7-year-old son Sam will be undergoing a bone marrow transplant to treat his persistent leukemia. It's a parent's nightmare. Sam can use all of our good thoughts and prayers, so please send … Continue reading #BlogElul 21 – Change (II)