Galilee Diary: The only thing we have to fear...
And you, my servant Jacob, do not fear; and Israel, don't be afraid; for I will redeem you from afar and bring your offspring from the land of their captivity, and Jacob shall return and live in peace and tranquility with none to make him afraid.
-Jeremiah 46:27
Galilee Diary: Such a winter's day
Congregational Life: Why I Joined, Why I Stayed
I was recently asked by someone I very much respect to address "the" question. So I started to write the answer in a post... about five times without any luck. The "Why does a 20-something join a Reform Congregation" question.
Ritual Smooths Salve on Long-ago Loss
Ignorant of my faith, I could not turn to Judaism when my brother died 25 years ago. Ritual was not a part of my upbringing, and it lingered in the shadows through my 20s and most of my 30s. Only in the last decade have I started to follow the path that Judaism sets for mourners.
Galilee Diary: You are what you eat
Speak to the Israelite people thus: In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall observe complete rest, a sacred occasion commemorated with loud blasts. You shall not work at your occupations; and you shall bring an offering by fire to the Lord.
Galilee Diary: Native tongue
...the whole landscape sang in ancient Sephardi Hebrew, which seemed to have been preserved here in its purity.
Galilee Diary: Fade to Black
The Lord, the Lord is gracious and compassionate, patient, and abounding in kindness and faithfulness, assuring love for a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin, and granting pardon. -Exodus 34:6-7
Galilee Diary: Power
Picturesque Arabs sat upon the ground... Here was a grand Oriental picture which I had worshiped a thousand times in soft, rich steel engravings! But in the engraving there was no desolation; no dirt; no rags; no fleas; ...no sore eyes; no feasting flies; ...
Galilee Diary: Tunnel vision
The arid desert shall be glad, the wilderness shall rejoice and shall blossom like a rose. It shall blossom abundantly; it shall also exult and shout. It shall receive the glory of Lebanon, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon...