Anti-Muslim or Anti-Jew, It’s All Bigotry

I recently coordinated a panel on global anti-Semitism. Participants learned about the efforts of the U.S. State Department and the American Jewish Committee in their work urging foreign governments to crack down on the perpetrators of anti-Semitic attacks.   I was struck by a comment from US Department of State Team Leader of Anti-Semitism and Europe in the Office of International Religious Freedom, Stacy Bernard Davis: “What used to be fringe is now voted into Parliament.”

Sadly, I believe Davis’ message can be extended.  What used to be fringe is now… published in the mainstream press… used for votes… sponsored as bus advertisements.Continue reading

Reminder Days: LGBT Movement’s 50th Anniversary

This month, the National Constitution Center and the William Way LGBT Community Center announced a partnership for an exhibit commemorating the 50th anniversary of the first LGBT protests in the nation. In 1965, and for the next 4 years, gay rights activists gathered outside Independence Hall carrying picket signs and demanding legislation that would secure the rights of LGBT Americans. Thirty-nine people attended the first picket.  These early annual protests, called “Reminder Days” did just that– they reminded our nation that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness were not yet accessible to all Americans.

This week, as we begin the book of Leviticus, we learn about animal sacrifice from parashat Vayikra: “Make the offering a male without blemish.”   Zachar tamim.  The word for male, zachar, shares the same Hebrew root for the word, memory.  A creative translation might read: Make the offering a memory without blemish.  Or, Remember, and make no mistake.  Continue reading

Taking Down the Fence

This week, we have witnessed the chain-link fence around the congregation come down!  We are not simply taking it down because it’s old or ugly.  We are taking the fence down as we build up our relationships and partnerships within the community and throughout Philadelphia!

Jewish law teaches the one stipulation for a sanctuary design is the inclusion of windows.  Our prayers ought to be informed by what happens in the streets, and how we behave in the street ought to be inspired by our words of prayer.  Our parking lot, our entire property, too, ought to be open to the sidewalks and streets of our neighborhood.  May the fences of our property and the fences in our lives continue to come down.

From Tel Aviv to Ramallah: A Beatbox Journey Performance

 

 

Check out this preview video.

YURI-LANE-photo

On Wed., Dec. 3rd from 7pm to 9pm, human beatbox master Yuri Lane and Muslim video artist DJ Sharif Ezzat perform “From Tel Aviv to Ramallah: A Beatbox Journey,” a genre-smashing hip-hop travelogue of peace. In partnership with Temple University’s Feinstein Center for American Jewish History. Tickets $10, $5 for Rodeph Shalom members and TUID holders.

For tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/from-tel-aviv-to-ramallah-a-beatbox-journey-tickets-14079398861

Watch the video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muLGpX1GZA4

Counting the Omer: I stand with Ruth

On this final day of the Omer as we enter Shavuot and read the Book of Ruth, we reflect upon her immigration into the land and people of Israel, the loving-kindness with which Naomi welcomes Ruth and the loving-kindness which Ruth embraces Naomi.  In is blog post “We Stand with the Ruth of Today,” Rabbi Richard Levy challenges us to embrace the immigrant and undocumented among us today, with the loving-kindness of Ruth and Naomi.

Baruch Ata Adonai, Elohenu Melech ha-olam asher kidishanu b’mitzvotav vitzivanu al s’firat ha’omer. Blessed are You, Eternal our God, Ruler of the universe, who makes us holy with sacred actions and enjoins us to count the omer.

Hayom tishah v’arba-im yom, shehem shivah shavuot la-omer.

Today is 49 days which is 7 weeks of the Omer.

Counting the Omer: In Honor of the Memory of Maya Angelou

For teaching us the redemptive healing in telling our stories, for inspiring civil rights work not yet complete, for captivating a country with written and spoken word, thank you, Maya Angelou.  May your memory be a blessing.

On today’s Omer counting, in honor of Maya Angelou’s memory, we pray that, in her words, we may “give birth again to the dream.”Continue reading

Counting the Omer: No Appeal on Justice

10269140_10203147345139620_1557462738109838941_oStill in the afterglow of yesterday’s ruling to strike down Pennsylvania’s ban on same-sex marriage, we just learned that the governor will not appeal!  The rejoicing for this step towards LGBT civil rights now feels even more real.  At this moment in the Omer, we look back from where we came, we look forward to what is yet to achieve, and we stand solidly in the present moment, grateful for what is.

Baruch Ata Adonai, Elohenu Melech ha-olam asher kidishanu b’mitzvotav vitzivanu al s’firat ha’omer. Blessed are You, Eternal our God, Ruler of the universe, who makes us holy with sacred actions and enjoins us to count the omer.

Hayom shivah ushiloshim yom, shehem chamishah shavuot ushnei yamim la-omer.

Today is 37 days which is 5 weeks and 2 days of the Omer.

Counting the Omer: 2 Impact Opportunities For Marriage Equality

There are 2 opportunities to act for LGBT civil rights this week, so in today’s count, we focus on social change!  FIRST: FOR THE RIGHT TO HAVE A MARRIAGE RECOGNIZED STATE TO STATE, JOIN US THIS THURS–US District Judge Mary McLaughlin has scheduled the oral arguments for Cara Palladino & Isabelle Barker v. Governor Thomas Corbett for Thursday, May 15, 2014 at 9:30 am in Courtroom 13-A, US Courthouse, 6th & Market Street, Philadelphia. Supporters of marriage equality are encouraged to be present at this historic case.

SECOND: SIGN-UP TO STAND TOGETHER WHEN THE MARRIAGE EQUALITY JUDGMENT COMES IN–If you would like to be on “stand-by” to gather for a rally on the evening of the decision of the Whitewood case which seeks to open the door to marriage equality in PA, please add your name by emailing edu@rodephshalom.org.

This week of Omer counting focuses on Hod, glory, and the glory of just decisions is exactly what we are praying for.  Inspired by the Torah’s teaching that human beings are created in God’s image, our congregation affirms the worth and dignity of all God’s children and is proud to support Why Marriage Matters Pennsylvania and the movement to bring the freedom to marry to loving same-sex couples in Pennsylvania. For some time, the Why Marriage Matters PA campaign has known that our congregations and clergy stand with Marriage Equality. Now, we literally have the opportunity stand with the movement and to show up. Sometime in the next weeks, the judge in Whitewood v. Wolf, the case that seeks to strike down Pennsylvania’s law denying same-sex couples marriage equality, will decide in a summary judgment.

Continue reading

Counting the Omer: Voice

Is it ok to be angry?  Jewish tradition says yes–anger is valuable when it drives us to stand against injustice.  For today’s omer counting and this week’s focus on might, givurah, we celebrate these girls who raise their voices for the purpose of justice.

Baruch Ata Adonai, Elohenu Melech ha-olam asher kidishanu b’mitzvotav vitzivanu al s’firat ha’omer.  Blessed are You, Eternal our God, Ruler of the universe, who makes us holy with sacred actions and enjoins us to count the omer.

Hayom achad asar yom, shehem shavuah echad v’arba-ah yamim, la-omer.  Today is 11 days which is one week and 4 days of the Omer.

Wishing you a meaningful omer– Your RS Clergy

Counting the Omer: The Earth Remains

Happy Earth Day! The Reform Jewish Movement is deeply committed to protecting the environment. Learn more at www.rac.org/enviro.
One of you at RS recently shared the need to add recycling bins to the bathrooms in our homes.  What other new ideas are you all trying to implement that will help to protect our earth?  On this 8th day of the Counting of the Omer, we honor the sacred creation God renews each day.

Baruch Ata Adonai, Elohenu Melech ha-olam asher kidishanu b’mitzvotav vitzivanu al s’firat ha’omer.  Blessed are You, Eternal our God, Ruler of the universe, who makes us holy with sacred actions and enjoins us to count the omer.

Hayom shimonah yamim, shehem shevuah echad veyom echad la-aomer. Today is 8 days, which are one week and one day of the omer.

Happy Earth Day–Your RS Clergy

Counting the Omer: Destiny and Free Will

When we consider the meaning of our actions and of our days, many wonder: Destiny or free will?  Judaism says both!

A story is told about Rabbi Akiva’s daughter.  When she was born, astrologers told Rabbi Akiva that on her wedding day, she would be killed by a poisonous snake and die.  Years pass and the evening before the daughter’s wedding day arrives.  Exhausted after the rehearsal dinner, she climbs into bed, pulls her hairpin from her head, and sticks it in the wall for the next day.

The next morning, as Rabbi Akiva’s daughter is getting ready for her wedding, she pulls her hairpin from the wall and sees a poisonous snake impaled on the end!  She shrieks as she realizes how close the snakeContinue reading