Real Rabbi NYC

Last week, I found myself in very different worlds, closing off the outside world, as I did two funerals and a wedding. I closed off my feelings for what was happening in the wider world, aware that I could not handle all at once. And then I returned to "real life" and the news. It wasn't easy...a part of life we all have to navigate as we come in and out of different places.

A beautiful poem that I tend to read for funerals...by Mark Nepo

Have you seen A Discovery of Witches, or read the book? Such incredible lessons among the bloodthirsty vampires, powerthirsty witches, and...I'm not sure what to say about the demons, they seem so tame in comparison. There are lessons about racism, but most of all about hidden powers, powers we don't even know we have...Take a listen, take a watch, leave a comment...

If we can face the things we most fear in life, maybe we can turn the fears--what feel like curses--into blessings. Shabbat Shalom!

This week, I take inspiration from those who came before me, including Mary Oliver. Short and sweet. Shabbat Shalom

Between Tisha B'Av, the saddest day (but also conflicted day for me) in the Jewish calendar, and the two Torah portions that bookmark this holy day, not to mention Mr. Sleazy from last week, I have a lot of things to say about personal responsibility this week. To understand what the hell I'm talking about, take a listen! And Shabbat Shalom.

As we enter a more hopeful and exciting period in U.S. history at this moment, with a new presidential candidate Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Waltz ,we face the myths of "childless cat ladies" running our country coming from the Trump/Vance campaign. As we begin the book of Deuteronomy, Moses also seems to be showing signs of trauma, as our country is traumatized in so many ways. I, too, had to deal with a somewhat traumatic situation last week with a funeral I did, which I'll tell you about...Take a listen to find out how it all connects and what spiritual lessons can be taken from it all.

Between war and vows, misogyny and tribalism, the Torah is again relevant this week. And between the excitement of Kamala Harris' campaign, her willingness to fight, her lack of fear to confront Trump, to confront misogyny and tribalism--and her heart--there is hope.

It's kind of scary--or relevant--when the news corresponds to something in the Torah in the same week. It's about anointing, but it's relevant who is being anointed. How do we know when something is ordained by God? Take a listen and leave a comment!

Here's what I'm drawing hope from this week when everything feels so dire: Dr. Ruth. Have a listen, and leave a comment--and a blessing!

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