Category
katrina
Tree felled by Sandy kills Jewish teacher, college student
Two young Jews were killed in Brooklyn by a falling tree during superstorm Sandy.
Destroyed New Orleans synagogue to break ground
A New Orleans synagogue destroyed by Hurricane Katrina will break ground on a new building.
Once in a lifetime
I don\’t know about you, but I\’ve had it up to here with once-in-a-lifetime events.
Realities of poverty and devastation in the Katrina-affected Gulf are still unchanged
Having participated in the Milken Conference in April and traveled to Plaquemines two weeks later, I was struck by the chasm between the viewpoints expressed in these two locales, a divide that I believe underscores one of the most significant challenges to full and meaningful recovery for the Gulf region.
The Book of Jonah: when doves call
It\’s time for Jonah again. I cherish this prophet, whose Hebrew name, \”Yonah\” means \”dove,\”
Polish the Soul for Elul
Elul is traditionally a month for polishing the soul. During this time, we search ourselves for blemishes. Then, through the process of teshuvah, we polish and refine ourselves. The culmination of this refinement is the fast of Yom Kippur, from which we hope to emerge shining and radiant.
Rebuilding New Orleans — With A Little Help From Each Other
One year after \”the storm,\” as New Orleanians refer to Hurricane Katrina, Jewish communal leaders describe the health of the community with certain expected terms — loss, trauma, devastation and challenge.
Power of Vows
Our ancestors understood that when we make a vow, promising to give something to God, or take an oath regarding our own actions, this was the highest and most serious endeavor, as the power of speech is what separates us most critically from the animal world. \”Baruch She\’amar V\’hayah Ha\’olam, God spoke and the world came into being.\”
Finding Tools That Give Life Meaning
Accepting life\’s ambiguity has gotten me through a lot over the years, particularly this year, as the extremes of experience challenge any vestiges of hope I have held for things to have predictable outcomes. Say what you will about Katrina and cancer, they can be excellent teachers.