This is the first Shabbat of 2020 that I look forward to spending with you, TBS. When I hear 2020, I don’t think of the year rather I think about perfect vision. The reality is, there is no such thing as perfect vision. What we can do is work to make our vision better and […]
Author Archive | Rabbi Heidi Cohen
Take Comfort in Our Imperfection- Rabbi Heidi M. Cohen
When we observe Tisha B’av, the 9th of Av, we remember the destruction of the Temples. For three weeks prior, we prepared ourselves to be in this state of mourning. But just as we leave the shiva house and walk around the block once, it’s time for us to walk around the block and enter […]
Jewish Community Supporting Refugees at the Border
If you are interested in supporting those in need at the border, please see the information provided by Orange County Jewish Coalition for Refugees.
Tishrei 1 – September 21: Rosh Hashanah 5778!
On behalf of all of the participants in this year’s Elul Thoughts, we want to wish you and yours a very happy new year. May this Rosh Hashanah bring you joy and fulfillment, peace and strength. May it be a blessed and very sweet 5778! Shanah Tovah! April Akiva R.J.E, Director of Religious School Education, […]
Elul Reflections 29 – September 20
Rabbi David N. Young In early June, my wife Natalie went to a four-day conference, and as much as I miss Natalie when she is away, there was a part of me that was excited. I was imagining myself watching all the shows I have wanted to watch but haven’t because her tastes are different, […]
Elul Reflections 28 – September 19
Rabbi Rachel Kort For those of us who have experienced a significant loss in our lives, we have come to expect that feelings of loss will be more palpable at certain times of the year: a yartzeit, a birthday, certain holidays. Our tradition recognizes that the High Holy Days are a time we remember our […]
Elul Reflections 27 – September 18
Rabbi Richard Steinberg In the Torah portion, Behar-Behukotai, we read the Hebrew word “Yimachu”. There are several translations for this particular word. One commentator translates it as “heartsick”, another states “rot away”, and yet another teaches that it is “melt away”. The context of the use of this word is found in a discussion about […]
Elul Reflections 26 – September 17
Rabbi Gersh Zylberman When I work with wedding couples, I employ a pre-marital counselling tool known as Prepare. During my sessions with each couple, we explore multiple dimensions of their relationship; we identify strengths and weaknesses, discuss personality traits, family dynamics, expectations, hopes and dreams; we practice healthy communication and conflict resolution skills. In these […]
Elul Reflections 25 – September 16
Rabbi Alan Litwak Tonight, we will recite Selichot, the series of penitential prayers. The Selichot service is traditionally held late in the evening, when our resistance to change is low and our sense of vulnerability is high. It is done on the Saturday night immediately prior to Rosh Hashanah (unless that Saturday is less than […]
Elul Reflections 24 – September 15
Today’s Elul Thought, our last Shabbat before Rosh Hashanah, is a meditation to help you get ready for Shabbat and the High Holy Days, thanks to Cantor David Reinwald! Just click the link below, press play on the screen that pops up, and enjoy the 6 ½ minutes of relaxation and inspiration! http://tinyurl.com/hineiniCDR