Rabbi Dalia Samansky
(She, her, hers)
Associate Rabbi
Email: dsamansky@swfs.org
Office: (212) 877-4050, ext. 246
Rabbi Dalia Samansky came to Stephen Wise from Temple Ahavat Shalom in Northridge, California, where she ran the religious school and youth programming for four years, and Los Angeles’ Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning, where she was a member of the faculty for 13 years. She was ordained by Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 2009.
Watch Sermons
Mistakes and Redemption
“We as a community royally screwed up” when we built the golden calf, says Rabbi Dalia Samansky. “But it is what happens in this week’s portion that shows how we as a people grew from our experience. Mistakes and bad decisions happen. It’s how we respond, learn and grow after them that reveals our true character.”
Silver Linings
On this last Shabbat of 2023, we read about how Joseph came to terms with the treachery of his brothers. “Sometimes our negative experiences help prepare or propel us,” says Rabbi Dalia Samansky. And while “not every negative experience in our life leads to something better, being open to the possibility of growth from our struggles is to believe in hope.”
The Rally For Israel
Rabbi Dalia Samansky reflects on how rallying for Israel in Washington helped to “heal our heartbreak, lessen our loneliness, and diffuse our desolation…” She says, “Standing on the national mall in a sea of white and blue, with Israeli flags proudly waving, and chants of ‘Am Yisrael chai,’ one couldn’t help but to feel hopeful for the future of the Jewish people.”
Focusing on the Blessings
When Rabbi Dalia Samansky’s uncle died, her grandmother said, “God has been good to me. He gave me an extra 40 years with Marty.” “I was in awe of her ability to recognize and articulate her gratitude amidst her grief,” she says. “‘When you open yourself up to experience gratitude, you discover with clarity and accuracy how much good there is in your life…’”
The Danger of Silence
As we prepare for the High Holy Days, Rabbi Dalia Samansky recalls powerful moments in our history when silence and inaction had grave consequences. “Sometimes, our greatest failings are not in the actions we take, but those we fail to take, she says. “Judaism is a religion of action. Let us heed the sacred call and take action to create the change we want to see in the world.”
If A Tree Falls…
“If a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound?” asks Rabbi Dalia Samansky. As we approach the High Holy Days, “we are held to account for all of our actions, seen or hidden.” During the month of Elul, we reflect and introspect — to make amends and become better versions of ourselves. Follow our Elul Values Exploration to engage in this practice: swfs.org/elul.
Actions Speak Louder…
“What do you consider to be a ‘good’ Jew or a ‘bad’ Jew?” asks Rabbi Dalia Samansky. “To be a ‘good’ Jew, we must live our Judaism in our actions, not just our thoughts. As we approach the month of Elul — the traditional time for introspection and reflection — let us work to make our actions reflect the prayers of our hearts.”
Remembering the Good and the Bad
As the Israelites near the Promised Land, Moses recalls their journey — including their many failures. Amazingly, Moses and the Israelite People take responsibility for their actions, recognizing that mistakes were made and growth was experienced. “Having the ability to take responsibility and grow from our actions is a sign of emotional intelligence,” says Rabbi Dalia Samansky.
Arguing for the Sake of Heaven
Arguments “l’shem shemayim” — for the sake of heaven — are a battle for truth, not victory. In this week’s parashah, Korach was punished by God not for challenging Moses’ and Aaron’s leadership, but for trying to tear them down rather than improve the situation, says Rabbi Dalia Samansky.
The Power of Positive Perception
Rabbi Dalia Samansky reminds us that our mindset can have tremendous influence on our experiences. In this week’s parashah, the Israelites succumb to their fear of failure over their faith after 10 of their 12 spies report that taking the Promised Land would be a lost cause. “How different might our story have been, if only we hadn’t had such a negative outlook…”
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Congregants lined up in the morning cold outside the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue in the Upper West Side as the dawn broke Tuesday. Many of them held signs in support of Israel as well as supplies for the long day ahead as they boarded a large tour bus headed for Washington, D.C…