#BringThemHomeNow

Nov 21, 2022

TOLDOT: Torah in memory of those lost at #ClubQ


TOLDOT: Torah in memory of those lost at #ClubQ #LoveIsLove #LGBTQ #ColoradoSprings #GunViolence

Nov 14, 2022

Panel Discussion: Rabbi Menachem Creditor (UJA), Sheila Katz (NCJW), and Deborah Rosenbloom (JWI)

Rabbi Menachem Creditor, Pearl and Ira Meyer Scholar in Residence of UJA-Federation NY, moderates a conversation between Sheila Katz of the National Council of Jewish Women and Deborah Rosenbloom of Jewish Women International — a timely discussion on Women's Reproductive Freedom and the intersection of Gun Violence and Domestic Violence.

CHAYEI SARAH: A Love That Will Knock You Off Your Camel #ChayeiSarah

Nov 8, 2022

as the ballots are counted #prayer

As the ballots are counted,
we ask You, Dear Lord,
hold us all.

Reach those who receive more votes
with Your Graceful Spirit.
Teach them humility.

Reach those who receive fewer votes
with Your Wisdom.
Teach them patience.

Remind us, Holy One,
that power is meant to be temporary 
and that, in the end,
loving our neighbors
is the only Policy that matters.

Amen.

- Rabbi Menachem Creditor, 11.8.2022

VAYERA: The Opposite of Voting is Sodom and Gemorah #ElectionDay

Nov 7, 2022

VaYera 2022

go where I show you
be a blessing, if you can
life is full of tests

look to the heavens
stars shine forever, after
you will too. trust Me.

beloved boy, my child
thank you, Holy One
I feel Your promise

laughter born anew
my second son. oh wife(s),
I can love them both

but God, You promised
like the sands, You said, like sand
slipping through my hands

but not Isaac too...
how could You... no words come...
just be a blessing...

he just walks with me
silent in the morning air
for three aching days 

until: father, fire
and devouring knife are there 
but where is the sheep

the knife in his hand
raised above his beating heart
never came to rest

- VaYera 2022, Rabbi Menachem Creditor 

VAYERA: Sodom & Gomorra vs The Binding of Isaac

Gun Violence Prevention Shabbat is this Shabbat! #VaYera

Nov 3, 2022

Prayer for Gentle Peace

Prayer for Gentle Peace
Rabbi Menachem Creditor

I lift my eyes and glimpse a sliver of the expanse. 

What do You see, Holy One? Was Bildad correct?* Is force the only way to achieve peace? Is there a way forward other than dread?

I look to the rabbis, whose inspired Blessing for Peace* was also a textual revolution against Bildad. They saw Heavenly peace and invited it earthward. What might otherwise feel unfathomable except through brute force was reframed by those rabbis into a prayer for something gentler.
 
So, achy for peace, I follow my ancestors' example and gaze at the sky. It seems peaceful up there, especially when compared with the earth below. Especially today.

I look to Heaven and pray for peace to grace this fragile planet we share.

Amen.
 
________
Source texts (via Sefaria)
 
*עֹשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם בִּמְרוֹמָיו הוּא יַעֲשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם עָלֵֽינוּ וְעַל כָּל־יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן:
May the One Who makes peace in the Heavens make peace upon us and upon all Israel and let us say: Amen. (Siddur)
 
*הַמְשֵׁ֣ל וָפַ֣חַד עִמּ֑וֹ עֹשֶׂ֥ה שָׁ֝ל֗וֹם בִּמְרוֹמָֽיו׃
Dominion and dread are God's; God imposes peace in God's heights. (Job 25.2)

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