The High Holidays are over and the year has begun–in earnest. The pace of life has returned and “routine” has ben re-established. Yet, for most of us the routine is that there is no routine. Read more
Tag: rituals
Coping with Loss….A Yom Kippur Thought Piece
Rabbi Geri Newburge, Associate Rabbi, Temple Emanuel, Cherry Hill, NJ
Adam, the first human, was created on the 6th day. The sun shone for him throughout the entire first day, Shabbat, but he became frightened when he saw darkness encroaching at the conclusion of this first day. He feared that the world would be dark forever.
God consoled him by giving him knowledge and 2 stones; Adam struck these 2 stones together, created fire, and recited the blessing (of course) BARUCH ATAH ADONAI ELOHEINU MELECH HA-OLAM BOREI M’OREI HA-AISH – blessed are you Adonai our God Ruler of the Universe, creator of fire- the same prayer we use in havdalah over the candle. The gift of fire, or at least the tools for fire, lit his surroundings and world, easing his transition into the dark night. It is easy to imagine how Adam felt loss over the peace and tranquility of Shabbat, and uncertain about the next moments of his existence. This first divine gift provided Adam not only with reassurance and a new tool but also helped him emotionally during a critical time. Read more
Reflections on Aging
I am part of the generation born during WW II, who now look in the mirror and are startled by the realization that even we are aging. The youngest of us has already reached that unheard of age of 65 and with Medicare card in hand are trying to make sense of how did we become our parents generation.
