by RabbiOlivier | May 19, 2015 | Adult Learning, Community, Events, Holocaust, Poland, Prague, Shoah
There is no way for me to talk about visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau. I would only say that if one is able, it is important to travel and be there to bear witness. Nothing can replace walking these sacred grounds, no book, no movie, no conversation. All I can do, I feel,... by RabbiOlivier | May 17, 2015 | Adult Learning, Community, Events, General, Greater Community, Holocaust, Poland, Prague, Shoah
I have been sitting in front of my keyboard for a while now, starting and erasing, starting and erasing whatever I begin to write. How can one summarize visiting a place like Terezin, a concentration camp where thousands of Jews died and from which tens of thousands... by RabbiOlivier | May 16, 2015 | Adult Learning, Community, Events, General, Poland, Prague, Shoah
We took a lovely walk to a nearby park mid-morning in sunny Prague for our meditation today. Some sat on benches others on the grass near a gorgeous fountain. There is something to be said about meditating outdoors, feeling into the sensations of the sun on your face,... by RabbiOlivier | May 15, 2015 | Adult Learning, Community, Events, Poland, Prague, Shoah
What a magical day! I am always pleased when I talked to the people in the group and at the end of the first day and they tell me that it feels like we’ve been here for a week, so much has happened. And yes, so much has. I can’t believe myself it’s only been one day.... by RabbiOlivier | Dec 23, 2012 | Community, Events, General, Israel, Shabbat
Our last Friday in Israel might have been the cherry on top of our traveling cake. That morning, a few of us made our way to the Hebrew University atop Mount Scopus where I studied for a few years in the early 90’s. Our little group went to the Hecht Synagogue on... by RabbiOlivier | Dec 20, 2012 | Community, Events, General, Israel
Do you know why Jana called her tour company “Kesem”? That’s because Kesem means “magic” in Hebrew, and she wanted to set the Kavanah—the intention—for the trips to Israel to be magical. This has been my third trip to Israel with Jana, and each one has been more...