Archive 2011

War Journal: Beer Sheva

By Mauricio Balter

A few days ago, I stopped writing this letter, because on Sunday a ceasefire was announced. Today, on Wednesday, we heard the sirens again. I am writing to share with you some of my experiences and feelings.

I did not think that I would be writing a war journal again, and despite the fact that the hope for peace still rings within me, reality demands attention.

Last Shabbat (August 20), I came as usual to our shul, Congregation Eshel Avraham in Beersheva. It was 9AM. One minute before the services began, the siren sounded. We all ran into the small shelter in our building. We took into account that we have less than 60 seconds, according to the Home Front Command, to find cover.

Ghana, AJWS and Tishah B'Av

By Marc Soloway

As the light fades this evening on another hot and dry Colorado summer day, the fast of Tishah B'Av will begin, with its mournful mood and its very important reminders to us.  As many of you know, I have just returned from a life-changing trip to Ghana as part of a delegation of young rabbis with AJWS (American Jewish World Service.)  What I witnessed there was a very complex array of joy and inspiration; pain and sorrow; hope and courage; hunger and desperation. 

Jewish Social Justice Activists at the White House

By Jan Caryl Kaufman

On July 29, 170 members of Jewish social justice organizations met at the White House with administration officials and agency representatives.  The day was organized by Jewish Funds for Justice and Progressive Jewish Alliance (which recently merged).  It was part of the White House’s summer of focus on faith-based and community organizations.  All the other gatherings have been issue-oriented.  This event was the only one focused on a particular community.

What I took away from Eit Ratzon

I am starting in a new pulpit on July 1st, and Eit Ratzon was very helpful.  Rabbis Schoenberg and Lebeau emphasized the importance of building relationships and gave specific ways to do so.  Among the techniques discussed were understanding personality types, learning the congregation's history and stories, and active listening.  I also learned elements of a positive installation, advice on first impressions, and how to manage expectations.  I enjoyed seeing over thirty colleagues and synagogue leaders as well.  I now have much to share with my lay leaders so we can lay the groundwork for a lasting relationship.  

Reflection by Rabbi Michael Pont

Magen Tzedek Responds to Agudath Israel

The misleading statement by Agudath Israel concerning Magen Tzedek is a misrepresentation of a very important development in kosher food production in America. Magen Tzedek is based on our assertion that biblical and rabbinic law mandate fair treatment of workers (בל תלין), humane treatment of animals (צער בעלי חיים) and care of the earth (בל תשחית and שמירת הארץ) which can be translated into measurable standards applicable to commercial food production. These standards were developed in collaboration with SAAS, an organization acknowledged worldwide for its expertise in ethical certification programs.