Rabbi Sandra Cohen
Why Pray?
The reality is, one never knows whether someone else is suffering from an acute illness. A broken leg is obvious; a broken spirit, not so much. Many of us contend with invisible illnesses, whether physical, such as Multiple Sclerosis or chronic migraines; or mental, like anxiety or schizophrenia.
Our Needs Are a Gift of God
This prayer from Birkot HaShachar, the traditional morning blessings, reminds us to be grateful when we awake for every day.
With Wounds Still Open, We Ask: Where is God?
I do not believe that God sent us COVID-19, and I do not believe God will cure it. That is for humans to do, using our God-given intellect and ambition to develop the vaccines and treatments that will help stop the spread of this natural virus.
Rebuking with Love: How to Do it and Why it Matters
Rebuke, תוכחה, when done correctly, looks for an opening, a sympathetic moment or shared memory to draw upon. Before reproving the other, we first join them. Once we are allies, our words urging change might be heard.
Letting God In: The Presence and Absence of God
Feeling the presence of God, in my experience, is a hit or miss deal. It takes work and discipline, but who wants to hear that?
