2/8/11

The Superbowl is one of the most watched television programs. It can be a wonderful teaching opportunity for mechlichkeit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mensch

For a long, long time, Judaism has been at odds with sports. Our scholars report that Judaism and athletics are perceived to be inherently antithetical. That’s not true for us anymore. Jews in America have embraced sports and athletics. There have been some well-noted Jewish sports heroes and our JCC’s are filled with highly competitive relatively athletic Jews. http://jhvonline.com/jcc-sports-hall-calls-for-local-trio-p9382-102.htm

I would propose that we ought to be using athletics to teach menchlichkite, Jewish sportsmanship. The key to Jewish sportsmanship is being playing hard, but with sensitivity. Isaiah Thomas and Magic Johnson were fiercely competitive, but they exchanged a warm greetings (kisses) at center court before tip-off. Sometimes players on opposing teams will help each other up after a tackle or foul. So, the next time we’re watching a game, I suggest that we pay attention to a new statistic called the MQ’s Mechlichkite Quotient . Keep a penalty flag handy and throw it on the carpet when you see “unmenlich” conduct. Take a vote and the end the game and award the MMP award, the Most Menchlich Player of the Game award. And after you play any competitive game at home or away, let us all say, “Good Game”. 

Some of us spent an uplifting Brith Shalom retreat at Camp Young Judaea. We are exploring the use of retreats as a vehicle for our mission to “nurture individual Jewish Journeys”.  This past Shabbat, the retreat worked. We rekindled our appreciation for the Brith Shalom community, we studied deep, meaningful Torah text, we celebrated Shabbat with enthusiasm and joy, we shared key moments in our lives with one another, we laughed, sang, danced, and we connected with nature and God. Each of us took another step forward on our Jewish Journey.

Rabbi Naomi Levy taught us to frame our lives as a long series of journeys. “Where have you been? Where are you now? And where are you going?” Here’s a prayer I modified slightly from Naomi’s book, Talking to God. “Open our eyes, God. Help us to perceive what we have ignored, to uncover what we have forsaken, to find what we have been searching for. Remind us that we don’t have to journey too far to discover something new, because miracles surround us, blessings and holiness abound. And You are near.” 

Take another step on your journey. Join us for the next Brith Shalom retreat. Coming soon… 

Shalom friends,

Marion and I created a healing ritual for our community to express our prayers, perform a mitzvah, and help repair the world – one glass of water at time. Many of you know that Marian is a dedicated spiritualist who promotes healthy lifestyles. Disclaimer: This is a ritual action – not a magic potion.  Please pass it along.

Evelyn Bell Creative Healing Daily Ritual

1.     Prepare a full glass of water.

2.     Recite a kavannah intention. “I drink this water as a prayer for healing, a renewal of body -- a renewal of spirit, for Esther bat Chayttl Yetta.”

3.     Recite the prayer:  “Let us bless the Source of Life that brings forth healing waters from the earth. Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu Melekh ha'olam, she'hakol nih'ye bidvaro.”

4.     Drink the water, “Refuah Shleimah.”

1/25/11

This week, I served on jury duty. A few weeks ago, I received my summons in the mail. I cycled through the universal stages of summons: frustration, escape, and acceptance. I expressed frustration in the form of a pre-teen combination eye-roll and groan. “I’ve got too many other responsibilities,” I thought to myself. “Why can’t they find someone else?!” My next stage was escape from responsibility. I read through each claim for exemption and disqualification. I could potentially have formulated an exemption based on my responsibilities as caretaker for my children (with Vicki working full time) or some religious reason, but my higher-self led me toward the stage of acceptance in the form of a vision. I saw my mother surrounded by her kids, standing at a crosswalk and refusing to cross against the light. When I was a child, my mother was a role model for good citizenship. Even if there were no cars in sight, even if her entire nuclear family was complaining as one voice, my mother would not budge if the sign didn’t say walk. She is the quintessential good citizen. The lessons I learn from my role models were taught by the small choices they made in their daily lives. We are defined by our daily choices. I will now proudly return to my home for dinner, and promptly tell my children about by jury duty experience. I am my mother’s son and I will model good citizenship for my children in her honor. It was my honor and privilege to serve our country this week, even if I got passed over to sit on the jury of a minor traffic violation dispute with a maximum $200 fine. God bless America.

1/18/11

Tensions continue to mount in Israel between the Ultra-Orthodox movement and everyone else. In Beit Shemesh, the Ultra-Orthodox community has crossed a line. Typically, I support pluralism and tolerance to the Reform left and the Orthodox right. Recent events in the city of Beit Shemesh have driven me to speak out against our fellow Jews who are using spitting and violence in an attempt to force their religious perspective into the public sphere. It is a desecration of God’s name, a chilul hashem and demands rebuke. Click here to connect to a flash mob in solidarity of religious freedom and tolerance in Beit Shemesh.

1/11/12

This Sunday morning, our community will be celebrating Martin Luther King Day with a visit to Brentwood Baptist Church’s Sunday morning service. We have arranged for them to welcome our group. Join me here at the shul at 10:00 am and we’ll carpool together. As you know, the Brith Shalom community is a “community of respect” in that we strive for tolerance and we celebrate diversity. Martin Luther King Jr. was an inspiration and a visionary. His life ended abruptly through an act of hate. Let’s contribute to the process of healing. His dream of equality has not yet come true. His dream is in your hands.

12/29/11

2012 is here. It almost sounds like science fiction. In the times of the Mishna, there were many “new years” for different occasions. There was a new year for the trees (Tu B’Shvat), a new year for counting the reigns of kings, Rosh Hashana, and others. Allow me to suggest that we incorporate January 1 into our religious system. As the world is celebrating as it may, let us also use the January 1 New Year as a time for mid-year review. Let’s look back to last year’s High Holy Day aspirations and assess our progress. Let’s remind ourselves that next fall, we will once again stand in the sanctuary to judge ourselves with integrity and honesty. It’s midway through the Jewish year – how are you doing? Let’s rise up together.

12/22/11

Consider joining us on the Brith Shalom Adult & Teen CYJ retreat on January 27-29. We believe in the power of retreats to inspire transformational Jewish experiences. How does it work? A retreat necessarily extracts us from our daily routines resulting in a liminal experience. A liminal experience is the disequilibrium, that results in an openness to learning through a desire for equilibrium, comfort and understanding. We have invited Rabbi Naomi Levy to accompany us on our retreat. She is a treasure and a touchstone for the American Jewish community. She will challenge us her passion and intensity. She will lead us toward deep understanding and intuitive, soulful learning. Sign up now.

12/15/11

The essential mitzvah of Chanukah is "publicizing the miracle". I’m a big fan of Matisyahu. I was at his Houston show a few months ago, and I was so proud that he represents Judaism as a positive, uplifting, spiritual path. It seems that he’s now recovering from his extreme Chasidism to a more centrist approach.

Concurrently, an interesting conversation about publicizing religion in the public sphere is developing as Tim Tebow, the Broncos quarterback, continues to win and “publicize” his faith. Is there a difference between our mission to “be a light unto the nations” and Tim Tebow’s evangelical mission? I believe there is, but that will be my topic in shul this Shabbat and you can also discuss among yourselves! 

Let us light the Chanukah candles, and place them in our windows for all the world to see. May you have meaningful Chanukah celebrations. 

12/8/11

The central mitzvah of Chanukah is publicizing the miracle, so we place our Chanukiah in the window. There were two miracles: a military victory and a supernatural, long-lasting can of oil. Either way, we are publicizing our identification with the Jewish people and gratitude for God’s historical miracles and present day miracles in the form of sustenance, continuity, and life. Here are a few pointers.

·  Place the candles from RIGHT to LEFT as you face the Chanukiah.

·  Eight candles are of equal height. The ninth candle, called the SHAMASH (the worker candle), is placed apart. It is used to light the other lights.

·  Light the candles from LEFT to RIGHT so that on each night the NEWEST candle is lit first.

Click here to continue with the Chanukah blessings.

12/1/11

I received a piece of wisdom about rabbinic leadership and communication. Members of a congregation should always know the three things that are most important to the Rabbi. So, here it goes:

1. Jewish Ritual: shabbat and kashrut Regardless of the particulars, challenge yourself to develop a meaningful, ritual discipline.
2. Jewish Connections: Israel, God, Torah Spend time in Jewish settings, cultivate a sense of spirituality and commit to a course of learning.
3. Jewish Community: tribal identity Acknowledge and celebrate your Jewish self and your sense of belonging.

That’s what I want for you. Let’s make it happen together!

11/23/11

A Cooking Prayer:
written by Leah Koenig and Anna Stevenson

Blessed are You, Source of All,
Who gives us knowledge of cooking,
And time and strength with which to cook,
And who has blessed us with the need for food
Each and every day,
So that we may be aware of Your daily gifts.

May it be Your will, O God,
That the food that I cook today
Bring nourishment, fulfillment, and pleasure
To all those who eat it.
And may this meal bring honor
To the farmers, to the delivery men, to the packagers, and to the storekeepers
Who helped me and who made this meal possible.

Blessed are You, O Lord, our God,
Who gives me the strength and the ability to cook;
And who sustains the universe with food.

Have a meaningful Thanksgiving,
Rabbi Teller 

11/17/11

We at Brith Shalom are a diverse community with a range of spiritual needs. There are three kinds of Jews: head Jews, heart Jews, and hand Jews. Head Jews connect through intellectual stimulation. Heart Jews connect through emotional concern. Hand Jews connect through concrete mitzvah opportunities. One Shabbat morning service does not fit all. So, this Shabbat morning, we will be offering a range of events and activities. At 9:30 am, there will be three offerings: our traditional service, a learning session and a Yoga/movement service. At 10:45am, there will be two options: an instrumental family service and the traditional service. Come and experience Community Shabbat as we strive to serve your personal, spiritual needs. It will be a Shabbat morning for the head, heart, and hands.

11/10/11

Brith Shalom is buzzing on Sunday mornings as Cantor Levine, Cantor Rhodes, and I are teaching classes for an energetic group of adults. Cantor Levine and I are teaching about Conservative Judaism. He is teaching the history, philosophy, and theology. I am teaching the practical applications in Jewish Practice. Cantor Rhodes is teaching Beginning Hebrew.

The beginning Hebrew class is learning to decode the Hebrew letters in order to access the language of Our People. If you don’t read Hebrew, please consider attending at 11:15am on Sunday mornings. Hebrew language is a starting point toward deeper appreciation of Conservative Judaism.

In the classes on Conservative Judaism (9:45 and 10:30 on Sunday mornings), we are discovering was makes Conservative Judaism unique. We are exploring our personal theology. We are analyzing our Jewish practice. This week, Cantor Levine is teaching about the theology of the Conservative movement, that is, how we relate to God. My class will stand at the crossroads of contemporary ideology and traditional prayer as we analyze the original responsa for including the Matriarchs in the Amidah prayer. Coming soon, we will address the issues of ethical Kashrut and meaningful Shabbat practice.

Come and learn.

Consider joining the conversion. Deepen your connection with your faith and your practice. 

11/3/11

You have the power to create your own reality.

Often times, we don’t realize the power we have to make choices. We don’t take advantage of our freedom. We feel constrained by the social pressure to conform. There are dozens of children who live on our block. On Halloween, every one of those children dresses up in costume and goes house-to-house trick or treating for candy. Vicki and I decided pretty early on in our parenting journey (despite our personal history of childhood candy collection) that we were not comfortable with the tradition of trick or treating for our children. 

Now, you would think that of all the choices and limits we place on our children, the prohibition on candy would be an obvious cause for complaint and rebellion. Much to our surprise, our children have never mentioned the desire to go trick or treating. They seem to be perfectly content handing out candy to the streams of neighbors that show up at our door dressed in costume. No guest has ever remarked on my children’s lack of costume. It all just works. We experience a proud, content non-conformist evening of candy distribution.

You can make your own choices in life. Please use this example as an invitation for you to explore your own balance of conformity and religious expression. One more footnote. When Nava spotted her favorite costume (a female rock star), she said, “I know what I want to be for Purim!” Freedom isn’t given passively – freedom must be taken proactively. Who are you and what do you stand for?

10/26/11

The high holidays were truly inspirational. There is something unique and holy about our Birth Shalom high holiday experience. There is a palpable sense of community bonding. There is a genuine sense of prayer and awe. There is a soulful sense of intensity and intent. Our voices rise in song. It’s difficult to put into words, but I know that God is present and I know the community connection is genuine and sacred. So, thank you.

And now the new year begins. During Sukkot, the Jewish people witnessed a unique redemption from captivity with the release of Gilad Shalit. There is a long-standing rabbinic debate regarding the ethics of conducting disproportionate negotiations with hostage takers. Regardless of the philosophical, ethical and hallachic debates, the people of Israel overwhelmingly supported the decision to bring Gilad home. And in that sense, it was the right thing to do. We celebrate with his family. We pray that the Israeli intelligence and military will mitigate the consequences of the exchange.

I have included two articles from two great rabbis of our generation.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rabbi-bradley-shavit-artson/talmud-and-gilad-shalit-redeeming-captives_b_1027552.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rabbi-avi-weiss/gilad-shalit-release-reflection_b_1018161.html

10/12/11

We enjoyed a good bit of rain last Sunday. As you know, we are still in a serious drought. We pray for rain for many reasons. For the innocent faithful among us, we pray for rain to effect God’s cosmos. For the pragmatic faithful, we pray to remind ourselves to conserve water. We also pray to adjust our perspective of rain. Often times, and especially on Sukkot, we are frustrated by the rain. Rain ruins parades, picnics and especially Sukkah meals. The rabbinic codes discuss the philosophical and religious implications of rain on sukkot, but here is Texas, we celebrate the rain no matter when it may fall.

As we retreat into our Sukkah, we are transported through time to the desert experience. Rabbi Elie Kaunfer teaches that the Midrash identifies three water miracles in the desert that were attributed to Miriam, Moshe, and Aharon. In Miriam's merit a well travelled with us, in Moshe's merit we were fed by the mannah, and Aharon's merit brought us the clouds of glory. Miriam's well is the most obvious source of water, the mannah was accompanied by a layer of dew when it fell. The clouds of glory are, of course, evaporated water and the Pesikta deRav Kehana suggests that the miraculous clouds had enough water to take in the clothes of Bnei Yisrael and launder them over the long journey.

We pray for rain to water the parched fields in the State of Texas and fill the life-sustaining Lake Kinneret in the Land of Israel. And if it rains on our Sukkah, we’ll eat a bite in the sukkah, run for cover and continue the celebration in doors!

Praying for a wet and wonderful Sukkot. 

10/6/11

Thank you all for an uplifting, participatory Rosh Hashannah. You can find my main Rosh Hashannah sermon on our website.

On Yom Kippur, we will be exploring issues of Theology; clarifying, developing and intensifying our personal relationships with God. Let's call it, "Our God, God of our ancestors, and your God, too." May you have a meaningful year of challenge, yearning, enlightenment and connection. 

9/28/11

Shanah Tova from Rabbi Ranon Teller, Cantor Lance Rhodes, Cantor Mark Levine, Larry Estes, Carrie Comensky, Jess Faerman, Cherye-Ann DeLong, Traylyn Evans, Harry Britt, Brad Pritchett, Milton Mosk III, The Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees of Congregation Brith Shalom.

9/22/11

We are eternally grateful for and connected to our Rabbi Emeritus, Rabbi Moshe Cahana, z”l, his wife Alice, and their family. Many of you know that Alice is a highly regarded artist. One of her works graces our synagogue wall. Here is a link to her website - http://alicelokcahana.com/

She and Rabbi Cahana have three children, Michael, Ronnie, and Rina. Ronnie has suffered a debilitating stroke in his brain stem. His daughter Kitra is writing reflections and dictating messages from her father. http://www.jewlicious.com/2011/09/i-am-in-a-broken-place-but-there-is-holy-work-to-do/ Our thoughts and prayers are with Alice and her family. Refuah Shleimah to Harav Ronnie David Zishe Hacohen ben Hinde Aliza.

We are blessed to be linked to Rabbi Moshe Cahana, z’”l and Alice Lok Cahana. May we continue to thrive through their example with depth, sensitivity and righteousness. 

9/8/11

It’s been ten years since the 9/11 World Trade Center terrorist attacks. I pray that the world is in a better place. I pray that we create a world in which attacks like these just don’t make sense. I pray that we continue to fight evil in this world. I pray that our children and our children’s children live in a world of peace.

Every year at the Martyrology service on Yom Kippur, I chant sacred words using the ancient, mournful musical mode used for Lamentations. I learned this ritual from Rabbi Irwin Kula www.simple-wisdom.com. The words are the last phone messages of victims on 9.11. These words remind us of the fragility of life. These words remind us that ultimate meaning is located in connection with others.

“Honey, something terrible is happening, I don’t think that I’m going to make it. I love you. Take care of the children.”

“Morrie, I love you. I’m in the world trade center and the building was hit by something. I don’t know if I’m going to get out. But I love you very much, I hope I’ll see you later. Bye.”

“Hey Jules, It’s Brian, I’m on a plane and it’s hijacked and it doesn’t look good. I just wanted to let you that that I love and I hope to see you again. If I don’t, please have fun in life and live your life the best you can. Know, that I love you and no matter what, I’ll see you again.”

“Elizabeth, I love you a thousand times over and over and over again. Please tell Emmie I love her and take good care of her. Whatever decisions you make in your life, I need you to be happy. And I will respect, any decisions that you make. I will always love you.”

May we see a day when war and bloodshed cease, and a great peace will embrace the whole world.

9/1/11

Wednesday morning we celebrated the New Month Festival for the month of Elul. Elul is the month that leads us toward the high holidays that begin in the month of Tishrei. Our tradition connects us with the moon as our focus for the seasons of the year. We live in concert with the moon. The most obvious characteristic of the moon is the element of reflection. The moon does not illuminate itself, it draws from the sun, its Source of light. We, too, do not animate ourselves, we draw from God, our Source of life. We are born in gratitude, grateful for the gift of life. May our debt of gratitude inspire service to our spiritual well-being, our community, and our Source of life. As we enter the month of Elul, I bless you with a month of reflection.

8/25/11

The City of Houston reports that we are currently experiencing one of the most severe droughts in Texas history. Despite our current water shortage, we continue to use water at record levels. Here are three things you can do to repair this brokenness.

·  Take quick showers

·  Turn water off while brushing teeth

·  Wash only full loads of dishes or clothes

Our water is a precious and finite resource. Let us partner with God to be responsible stewards of the earth.

8/18/11

I’m back from Ramah in the Rockies Outdoor Adventure http://www.ramahoutdoors.org. I spent 12 days in the Rocky Mountains as the Rosh Shira (songleader) and Rosh Tefillah (services coordinator).

Brith Shalom was brought into the process of founding this camp three years ago, when I received a random call from Denver. Since then, I’ve participated every summer. Ramah Outdoor Adventure is a specialty Ramah camp designed to challenge the campers through outdoor adventure, ecological awareness, and personal responsibility. I took advantage of the world class rock climbing program and the archery range. The mission resonates with my soul and the natural setting in the Rockies is breathtaking.

I was blessed to go and I am blessed to come back.

8/11/11 (Message from Cantor Rhodes)

One of the more remarkable concepts in Judaism is the spiritual connection of balance. Whether it is breaking the glass at the end of a wedding or dressing up in costumes and eating hamantaschens on Purim, we find ourselves experiencing a Jewish balance of emotions.

It was just a couple of days ago, that I was involved in leading the ceremony of a bris on Tisha B’Av. When I first heard about the schedule for that day, I felt that it would be quite strange going from chanting Lamentations sitting on the floor to standing and celebrating by singing joyful melodies for a bris. Yet, after experiencing the day, I was thinking how wonderful it is the way that Judaism places importance on the celebration and covenant for our next generation. In fact, this type of ceremony is so important that it is allowed to be performed during any fast day, including Yom Kippur. I felt the bris to be spiritually enhanced from the extra boost of significance in its exception to override the emotional lows of Tisha B'Av and rise to a high.

To quote a song that I wrote, “Sometimes bad times can make you teary, Sometimes bad times can make you dreary, But it’s the bad times that make the good times that much more cheery!”

It is from the lows of Tisha B'Av that we begin our journey to the new year with lots of room for growth to reach and really feel the highs of the "High" Holy Days. May we all experience the spiritual beauty in the balance of life and gain our strength from the lows to better reach the highs, so that we may live life to the fullest.

7/28/11

The Berry family tragedy has touched us all. It reminds us of our mortality and the preciousness of life. It reminds us to hug our children and the children in our lives. It reminds us of the potential power of community to support its members. It reminds us that chaos and “the unthinkable” exist. It reminds us of a Jewish approach to tragedy, which is, do something to help. Here’s some news from Chicago.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-x-0727-community-rallies-20110727,0,5156650.story

7/21/11

The Houston Jewish community is mourning the loss of Josh and Robin Berry.

You can help.

A community calendar has been set up to invite us all to participate in the recitation of the kaddish to comfort and elevate their souls. To learn more or sign up, visit www.carecalendar.org.

The Perlo/Berry calendar number is 80685 and the security code is: kaddish.

The immediate family may not be able to attend services with regularity. Jewish tradition teaches that the recitation of the kaddish is for the living and the dead. The recitation is a healing mantra for the mourners and a source of comfort for the departed souls. Please consider signing up and reciting kaddish with a minyan for the souls of Josh and Robin Berry.

Also, there is a facebook page announcing social action and fundraising opportunities at http://www.facebook.com/BerryChildren.

May the living and the deceased feel the presence of our loving, engaged Houston Jewish Community. 

7/7/11 (Message from Cantor Rhodes)

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Fourth of July!  

This past weekend was a festive time with the celebration of Independence Day and the beginnings of both July and our Hebrew month of Tammuz.  We are very thankful for the men and women that help ensure the welfare of our freedom and our values in America, Israel, and around the world.  I would like to dedicate the following verses from Pirkei Avot, that reflect leadership and the seeking of peace, in honor of them:

"If I am not for me, who will be? 

If I am for myself alone, what am I?

And if not now, when? (1:14)" 

and "The more good deeds, the more peace (2:8)."

May we all have strength to stand up for what we believe in and the compassion to form the basis of our beliefs with benevolence.

6/23/11

Living in Texas, we experience the angst connected with rainfall. We've all been reading about the barren ranches, the raging wildfires, the farming communities in despair. Today, we experienced a short burst of relief.  Our biblical ancestors of the "Written Torah" attributed rainfall to God's reward and punishment in relation to observing the commandments (or not). Let's all thank God for our evolving "Oral Torah." 

We, moderns, may not buy into the ancient biblical philosophy completely, but we do share their angst and anguish. The sentiment and the soul of our prayers are timeless. The existence of an "Oral Torah" allows us to evolve our biblical theology and use our prayers for rain as a collective emotional declaration. Our hearts go out to the ranchers, the farmers, and the entire agricultural community. We're grateful to God for our access to water and we pledge ourselves to conserve that water diligently.  To learn how, go to http://www.wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve/index.php.

Ribono shel Olam, do not hold back water. You are Adonai, our God, Who causes the wind to blow and the rain to fall. We thank you for every drop. Give us rain for blessing and not for curse - for life and not for death - for plenty and not for lack. Amen.

6/16/11

When we were in Israel on the Federation mission, Fred Levine took us on a tour of "A Better Place" for a glimpse of the future of electric cars and a supporting grid. Here is another example of how Israel is leading the way in global technology through innovation and determination. Learn more about it at http://www.betterplace.com/

You can find the beginning of the dream here in 2009 in a TED talk. http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/shai_agassi_on_electric_cars.html

It's 2011 and the dream is coming true. Am yisrael chai.

6/10/11

Hebrew language is a an essential tool for Jewish living. It is our sacred language for prayer, Jewish learning, and culture. Next year, Brith Shalom will be offering Hebrew language courses on Sunday mornings. Let's improve our Hebrew language skills to deepen our Jewish engagement and have some fun. The link below provides further inspiration. 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mira-sucharov/resuscitating-hebrew_b_864145.html

6/2/11

A few months ago, the board approved a motion to turn the kitchen dairy. Given the low number of meat meals being hosted by the kitchen, it was deemed wise to simplify the kashrut guidelines by going dairy. 

The "dairification" process was educational for us all.  Rabbi Gideon Estes of Congregation Or Ami joined us as an excellent resource for kashrut intricacies.  Rabbi Estes once served as the mashgiach of the JTS kitchen under the supervision of Rabbi Joel Roth, who is the premier Conservative rabbinic authority in the United States. In fact, during the "dairification" process, he consulted with Rabbi Roth via cellphone to guide us through complex kashrut rulings.

Thank you to our dedicated and hearty team of volunteers!

 If you have any questions, regarding our new dairy kitchen kashrut, please feel free to contact me.

5/26/11

For the past two years, the Brith Shalom Board of Trustees has been evaluating our relationship with United Synagogue. United Synagogue has recognized its need for deep transformation and committed itself toward that end. Our board has expressed its lack of faith in a successful transformation by passing a motion to discontinue financial support for United Synagogue. As part of the same motion, the leadership has been charged with intensifying our relationship with the Conservative Movement, without the services of United Synagogue, by developing programs with Conservative rabbinical schools and local Texas Conservative congregations. You may follow this link to read the board motion in full.  We have already begun reaching out to rabbinical schools and local Conservative congregations.

Our Synagogue Constitution, in its wisdom, mandates our affiliation with United Synagogue. Our board will be negotiating a temporary resolution to this potential contradiction, but it's clear to all of us that this is a congregational issue. This decision will become a major source of congregational exploration, education and dialogue. Who are we? What does Conservative Judaism stand for? Where do we belong on the Jewish spectrum? What is the future of movement-based Judaism?

There are two essential principles that I will uphold during this process. First, we will be "menschlich" with United Synagogue. We will be honest, forthright and open as we navigate this path of reflection. Second, this will be a congregational discussion. Our identity and affiliation demand a congregational forum and decision-making process. We will provide educational opportunities. We will host forums for dialogue. I will provide my insights and experience. We will learn and ultimately make decisions together as a congregational community.

As we explore our identity here at Brith Shalom, there is a larger conversation happening in our global Conservative community. Please join me in following the conversation at the new JTS blog at www.jtsa.edu/CJblog or follow the chancellor on twitter at Twitter @Arnold Eisen (twitter.com/ArnoldEisen).

I pray that this process will deepen our engagement, awareness, investment and identity.

4/14/11

We all have a responsibility to communicate real ideas at the seder - to tell the story for ourselves and for the next generation. These 10 questions can help make your seder more meaningful. Click here.   

I pray you have a  meaningful Pesach and a seder rich in discourse, discovery, connection, and enlightenment.  

4/7/11

Start preparing for Pesach now, otherwise you might end up with a mechanical Seder. Search the internet for creative resources. 

Robots of the R&D Institute for Intelligent Robotic Systems, Computer Science Department.

3/24/11

This Shabbat, we celebrate two joyous simchas - a Brith Shalom community wedding and a wonderful bar mitzvah.  Reb Nachman teaches, "It is a great mitzvah to be joyful." In Judaism, joy isn't a hopeful wish, it's an obligatory commandment. But, how can Judaism command an emotional state of being?! Judaism doesn't command a state of being, rather it commands joyful behavior - greet people with a smile, dance at a wedding, sing prayers with intent, eat a festive meal ...  joyful behaviors lead to a joyful state of being. 

A joyful presence creates relationships, connections, and positive energy. The result is transcendent. Rav Bachya teahes, "the joy accompanying the carrying out of a religious performance is even more pleasing to God than the mitzvah itself." It's all about the joy. 

For Jews, embracing Judaism is our expression of being fully human. Judaism is predicated on relationship with God – through our own experiences and through the experiences of the Jewish People.  For any relationship, there are behavioral implications and certainly for a relationship with God. This relationship is structured through hallacha, and a life of mitzvoth. We name that relationship our covenant. Embracing that covenant repairs the world, and enables us to realize our fullest potential. To the extent that we invest energy and hope, our covenant with God has the power to transform our lives.Judaism should never become a burden or yoke. Hallacha, Jewish practice has evolved through the millennia through our deliberate, brilliant and bold legal system. It is our precious legacy, a gift to be cherished and celebrated. By the infusion of our spirit and our willingness to walk the path with God, we make our lives Holy. I pray with all of my being that our Holiness will transform the world for the better.