“With every technological advance – something is lost.” Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch braved sub-zero temperatures to encourage us to create warmth by avoiding distractions and building meaningful relationships.
As mounting accusations of anti-Semitism and anti-Israel advocacy roil the national Women’s March movement, Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch announced that Stephen Wise Free Synagogue will disassociate from Women’s March Inc., and that it will join the 2019 Women’s March On NYC under the auspices of Women’s March Alliance.
“This January 19th, Stephen Wise Free Synagogue will be joining the Women’s March On NYC, to show our unyielding support for women’s rights the best way we know how. However, we are disassociating from Women’s March Inc., the national entity that coordinated the 2017 and 2018 marches – and will host the upcoming 2019 march – on Washington, D.C.,” said Hirsch. “We are not disassociating from the original goals of Women’s March. To the contrary, we are joining other progressive organizations that have also been critical of Women’s March Inc. and share the same concerns we have: that its current leadership has distorted the values and thwarted the goals articulated on that amazing January day in 2017.”
Ahead of 2019, Rabbi Samantha Natov encourages us to build habits to better ourselves, and use Shabbat as a way to periodically check on our spiritual progress.
Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch discusses the painful reconciliation of Jacob’s sons in the Book of Genesis, and how we should seek to release unresolved anger in our lives.
“I meet so many people who cannot forgive and cannot forget the offense of one who was once so close. Try to come closer. Take the first step of reconciliation. A cold peace is still better than a hot war.”
“Belief is significant and essential for our constantly transitioning lives.” Rabbi Rena Rifkin reflects on the story of Jacob and her own parenting experiences.
