Rabbi Adam Kligfeld on Parashat Yitro 2022

 

Prayers of Gratitude upon the safe release of the hostages at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas

 

"Meanwhile," by Mac McAnally (for Rom)

Today's Morning Torah is dedicated in memory of the Capitol Police Officers who lost their lives from the January 6th insurrection.

 

Rabbinic Testimonies of January 6, 2021: A Horrific Day in American History

Rabbinic Testimonies of January 6, 2021:

A Horrific Day in American History

https://www.amazon.com/Remember-Do-Not-Forget-Testimonies/dp/B08STPFM83/

We will forever remember the events of January 6, 2021. We also understand that, just like Torah, there is power in collective memory. This is especially true considering that we may remember the events of this day differently, each of us reflecting on it using our own eyes, hearts – and our unique choices of words. Was the attack on the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021 a riot? A coup? Insurrection? Domestic terrorism? A protest? Words matter, and how we remember is shaped by the words we use. As the great essayist and thinker George Orwell once observed: “Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind.” We have done our best to collect diverse rabbinic testimonies from an indescribable moment of American history with a commitment to remember and a promise to not forget. We will not be defined by the threats of white supremacists and the acts of domestic terrorists. But they undoubtedly shape us and shape our view of the world. We are not ignorant enough to think that bigotry did not exist before the Trump era nor would we be so foolish as to suggest that it will cease once that era is over. But we had thought that American society was in collective agreement that bigotry belonged in the sewers and gutters of society. But when the President amplified such bigotry in 240-characters at a time on his Twitter feed for four years straight, and worse yet, successfully used that bigotry to influence his supporters, he gave them permission to proudly and loudly -- and violently -- express such hateful bigotry for the world to see and incite violence. We are not ignorant enough to believe that Amalek has ceased to exist. But it is our deepest prayer that as long as we remember, as long as we continue to call out the events of this dark day for what they are, then the bigotry of Amalek will return to the sewers of society, where it belongs.

https://www.amazon.com/Remember-Do-Not-Forget-Testimonies/dp/B08STPFM83/

#January6th

*CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS* Honey from the Rock: A Pandemic-Era Rabbinic Anthology

 *CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS* 

Honey from the Rock: A Pandemic-Era Rabbinic Anthology

Edited by Rabbi Menachem Creditor

 

For the past 2 years, the COVID-19 pandemic has redefined life itself in every corner of the world. No one could have imagined the immensity of our losses, nor could anyone have foreseen the new possibilities that have emerged as a result of communal and individual relocation. Rabbis have joined the armies of angels responding to all of this, channeling the best of Jewish tradition to support their communities and make meaning of the world we share. New technologies have extended the reach of religious leaders far beyond the physical boundaries of community that once felt more defined, and their soulful offerings have helped countless others feel less alone. Honey from the Rock will be an anthology of reflective writings from within the rabbinic community, representing a true diversity of voices, grounded and vulnerable, inspiring and honest, published in order to amplify the meaning and comfort rabbis have offered during a very difficult moment in human history.

 

Submissions to torahwithin@gmail.com must be in WORD format and received no later than December 31, 2021.

What an honor it's been to lead the Wednesday MyJewishLearning.com #Kaddish #Minyan these last 2 years. So grateful to MJL and Ben Harris for building/providing this powerful platform for global Jewish learning, praying, & sharing. We are healthier and happier and stronger because of you.