I’m running my fingers along the smooth polished ram’s horn. I can feel its ridges and see the shades of onyx, sand, and specks of amber. Raising the narrow aperture to my pursed lips, I take a deep breath and then struggle to make a sound. After some false starts, a high pitched shriek echoes from its tusk. How do you feel when you hear Continue Reading »
Years ago, I created an experience for us to engage in physical activity, utilize our minds, and engage our spirit as a way of enhancing Shabbat. Body, Mind, & Spirit Shabbat has become a beloved part of our Temple Beth David Saturday morning Shabbat celebration for the last three years. We have walked through El Dorado park, Bolsa Chica Wetlands, Talbert Nature preserve, and Seal Beach. We have hiked Continue Reading »
On Monday, July 3, I’ll be driving up to Camp Newman for my third summer. For the past few years, we have been sending our youth to the Union for Reform Judaism’s California Jewish overnight camp. I have seen first hand, the joy our kids have in making new friends, developing leadership skills, and deepening their Jewish identities. The activities are varied and include prayer, Continue Reading »
For over fifty years, we are a community that supports one another in times of need, celebrates the joys of life, prays, and learns within a Reform Jewish congregation. We are fortunate to have outstanding music for Shabbat, High Holy days, and festival services. Our preschool prepares our children to excel in elementary school and beyond. Our religious school gives our students Judaic knowledge and a love Continue Reading »
What would it be like to be an Israelite newly freed from Egypt traversing the desert? Have you ever wanted to meet Moses, Miriam, or Moses? Well, you will have this opportunity on Tuesday night, May 30, starting at 7:00 p.m. Just by showing up, you will instantly become one of the Israelites newly freed from Egypt. Crossing the sea of Reeds, you will rejoice with Continue Reading »
“And you shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread; for in this same day have I brought your ranks out of the land of Egypt; therefore shall you observe this day in your generations by an ordinance forever. In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at evening, you shall eat unleavened bread, until the twenty first day of the month at Continue Reading »
Many of us are under a lot of stress. There are always personal challenges. We have to deal with difficult members of our family, bosses, employees, friends, and students. It’s hard to go very long without unwanted drama. Even if our personal relationships calm down, there are financial challenges with surprise costs associated with our homes, children, and health. And of course, many of us find Continue Reading »
From the beginning of my tenure at our synagogue, I was told that the middle scroll in our ark was our Holocaust scroll. I believed this because the parchment looks burnt and damaged in many places. By the way, we use this Torah regularly. Most of our Bnei Mitzvah students carry it because it is Continue Reading »
It was only a few years ago that we took members of Temple Beth David on a trip to Israel in March 2014. Andrea Tabor has been asking me to arrange another Temple trip oversees either to Israel or Europe. We are thinking of spring 2018 but that really depends on you. Here are some Continue Reading »
I purchased some nice bright orange sugar pie pumpkins. I slice them in half and scoop out their seeds to reserve for roasting later on. As the pumpkin bakes in the oven, I knead flour into cold chunks of butter with my fingertips until I have dough. The pie crust chills in the fridge. Within Continue Reading »