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.
“I wanted to talk about how Tuesday’s election gave me a revived sense of hope and possibility…but I’m back to feeling defeated and deflated. May we, like Jacob and Esau, find our way back to one another, and ourselves, someday soon.” Our Rabbi Rena Rifkin draws parallels between our country’s climate and the relationship between Jacob and Esau in this week’s parasha.
“I know that many of us are afraid. We gather today in memory, in solidarity, but also in defiance. To be a Jew is, itself, an act of defiance. We will not cower. Be proud to be a Jew: you are connected to something special and precious – Am Yisrael, the people of Israel – the only Western civilization to have survived ancient days.”
Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch reassured and inspired the New York Jewish community at the first Shabbat service after the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, where 11 worshippers were killed.