Rabbi Linda's blog

The AntiRacism Coordinating Committee has planned a full program for the upcoming winter months, including a movie night, a guest speaker, a zoom conversation on a learning module and a focus on an important book. Most of these programs center the theme of racial justice in the criminal justice system. 

As the Jewish community grapples with rising antisemitism, this work feels more important than ever*. As our concerns for Jewish...Read more...

“Allow yourself to be at a loss for words” may be the most helpful words since the nightmare began on October 7. I've added a nightly practice of offering psalms on behalf of safety, healing, peace. I have ongoing contact with loved ones in Israel. I take in news judiciously, not overburdening myself with more than I can stomach in a day. I lean into the spiritual practices of prayer, Torah study, mussar, meditation and connection. I...Read more...

“Happy Yom Kippur” is not a phrase that rolls off the tongue. We wish each other an easy fast or a meaningful day, and these are appropriate salutations. Yet contrary to popular belief, Yom Kippur has been understood as one of the most joyful days on our Jewish calendar.    The Talmud teaches that it is deeply joyful as it contains the elements of pardon and forgiveness. It is a day where we can feel the joy that accompanies...Read more...

Between the festivals of Passover & Shavuot the Jewish people study a text filled with practical wisdom for life called “Pirkei Avot”, known in English as Ethics (or Chapters) of the Ancestors. One offering from this text (3:12) translates Anyone whose good deeds exceed their wisdom, their wisdom will endure. And anyone whose wisdom exceeds their good deeds, their wisdom will not endure. To paraphrase, deeds are more important than...Read more...

Shall we hold a memorial service to mourn those lost to COVID? That question has circulated in a variety of interfaith discussion groups. Most agree that it is important to mark the losses of the pandemic, including lives lost as well as the variety of physical and emotional hardships that many experienced.

But how and when?

Judaism understands that we need time to mourn. We mourn our personal losses throughout the year at...Read more...