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The Days of Awe, Community, and "Relational Judaism"
Rabbi Chaim Halberstam, a distinguished Hasid, told a parable about the Days of Awe of a man who is lost in the woods. Just when he is losing hope, he runs into another person and is filed with joy, exclaiming "Brother, tell me which is the right way. I have been wandering for days." His fellow responds by saying that he, too, has been wandering, and is sure that his way is also the wrong way. He reassures, him however, that working with each other, they can find a new way out – together.
This story underscores a core principle of the Days of Awe: They are inherently relational. The word "relational" is in danger of becoming so overused as to become meaningless, but it is critical – and during these days of teshuvah (return, repentance) and s’licha (forgiveness), the central role of relationship in Judaism comes even more into focus. These are the very days in which we reflect deeply on our relationships to others; who have we slighted? With whom must we repair? The focus of these High Holidays is actually a reminder that Judaism calls individuals into relationship all year round.
NFTY and BBYO: Two Movements, One Mission
By Ariel Schwartz
NFTY, the Reform Jewish Youth Movement, and BBYO are two incredible Jewish teen movements that aim to engage Jewish teens across the world. Though they are organized and operate differently, cherish different histories, and engage different types of Jewish teens, ultimately they both work to build a stronger Jewish future. I am proud to be an active member of both BBYO and NFTY.
Exodus! 40 Hours of Service for 40 Years in the Desert
Congregation organizes 40 hours worth of volunteer activities around Passover. Community Contact Information: Northwestern University Hillel www.nuhillel.org Goals: Draw connection between Passover and tikkun olam. Encourage volunteer service.
HEART Program: Help Educate and Renew Trust
A synagogue and an African American Baptist Church united to create an after-school academic enrichment program. Community Contact Information: Temple Sinai Worcester, MA http://www.templesinaiworcester.org/ Goals: Provide tutoring services to academically at-risk children.
Request for Sudanese Rebels' Arrest Warrants a Step Toward Justice
Saperstein: “All those who threaten civilian safety in Darfur should be treated as criminals.”
Contact: Kate Bigam or Micaela Hellman-Tincher
202.387.2800 | news@rac.org
Let's Talk About Food: Temple Sinai (Toronto, ON)
Temple Sinai in Toronto engages with food, sustainability, and social justice through worship, educational programming, and direct action.
Reform Movement Joins Broad Coalition Expressing Concern about the Faith Based Initiative
Saperstein: We have been deeply concerned by the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives’ detrimental effects on both religion and government since its inception.
The Heart of Torah: How Our Actions Bring it to Life
What makes the Torah different from any other book we read?
I posed this question years ago to a group of second graders as we began a lesson about Simchat Torah.
Hiddush’s Newest Report Shows Overwhelming Support for Freedom of Expression
Months after the Jewish Federations of North America launched a new initiative, iREP, to promote freedom of expression and marriage in Israel, a new report reveals that over two-t
Year of Social Action
With a focus on congregant’s social justice interests, synagogue provides numerous programming and advocacy opportunities all year. Community Contact: Temple Beth Torah Melville, NY www.tbtny.org Am Shalom Glencoe, IL www.amshalom.com Goals: Foster a sense of community.