At the end of September, in the month of Tishrei, we dip a slice of apple in honey and awaken anew with the shofar’s blast. Such tradition signals new beginnings each year.
A new beginning for our Jewish community in Michiana is always exciting -- always full of promise.
But how will we ensure a bright future in a world so increasingly challenged by the things that tear us apart – the things that make us different?
Yes! FED TALKS – not the world renowned TED Talks. The purpose of FED TALKS is to welcome curious people and build community. Are you a curious soul? Do you like to engage with ideas and be part of the conversation?
Relationship. As we approach the Yamim Noraim, the Days of Awe, of what should we be in Awe? Should it be days filled with wonder at G-d’s cycle of creation, destruction, and forgiveness? Should we stop in reverence at all that has been, all that is, and all that will become? Sure, that is a big part of these days, but maybe it could be a bit simpler than that. What if it was about astonishment and respect for our relationships. Our relationship with G-d, our relationship with others, or our relationship with the world. That is what I plan to focus on this holiday season through work, family, and personal life.
One of the highlights of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is the prayer “Unetaneh Tokef.” The refrain of this Piyut (liturgical poem) is “It is written on Rosh Hashanah and sealed on Yom Kippur.” After reciting the ways one can die and one can live (always end on a positive note!) the congregation recites in unison “But teshuva (repentance) tefillah (prayer) and tzedakah (charity) avert the evil decree!”
There’s a saying “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” That saying was first said in the mid-1800s. This quote really applies to the recipe that I am sharing with you this month. The first two times I attempted to make the recipe I did not succeed in following the directions. Funny thing is, though, we really liked the recipe despite my errors.
During Operation Breaking Dawn in August, we saw Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) - an Iranian proxy force based in Gaza- launch nearly 1,000 rockets at Israeli civilians. In May 2021, we saw Hamas and PIJ launch more than 4,300 rockets at Israel during Operation Guardian of the Walls. To add to the multiple security challenges facing Israel, there is a new and growing threat from Iran and its regional proxies: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV’s).
