by RabbiOlivier | Feb 6, 2015 | Torah Reflections
Yitro Exodus 18:1 – 20:23 The End of Belief We finally reached Mount Sinai, ten weeks after escaping Egypt. There, Moses told us we had three days to purify ourselves and wash our clothing in preparation for our meeting with God. And...
by RabbiOlivier | Oct 8, 2014 | High Holy Days Meditations
Those of us who gathered on Rosh HaShanah morning were privileged to listen to a a song that has become a staple of our Holy Days. It is called HaYom, which means either “this day” or “today.” And so here it is, this day – that in a lot...
by RabbiOlivier | Oct 8, 2014 | High Holy Days Meditations
Friday evening we will meet again to enter, together, into the holiest of days in Jewish tradition; the day called Yom Kippur or Yom HaKippurim. Kapparah, the noun form – issue from the same Hebrew root as the word Kippur – is often translated as...
by RabbiOlivier | Oct 8, 2014 | High Holy Days Meditations
Y’varech’cha Adonay V’Yish’m’recha May the Holy One bless you and keep you always. The Torah portion called “Re’eh” (Deut. 11:26) begins: “See, I place before you a blessing and a curse.” The relevance of...
by RabbiOlivier | Sep 30, 2014 | High Holy Days Meditations
During the Ten Day of Awe we engage in a process of deep introspection. We open our heart with love and compassion while acknowledging our own limitations and taking responsibility for the hurtful ways we show up in our lives. At the same time, we seek to shake...