Dear Friends, There is a joke in the Reform community, that we overuse the Shehecheyanu. Whenever we do something for the first time, or have a big moment, we say the prayer. And while every occasion may not merit a blessing like that, there are truly times when thanking God is appropriate. Personally, I said […]
About Rabbi Benjamin Zober
Posts by Rabbi Benjamin Zober:
Jewish Time
Rabbi Benjamin Zober 2021 Posts, Newsletter
We often mark what we call “Jewish Time.” Secular holidays and events happen and we are pretty well attuned to them. But Jewish events are harder to track, especially when we are the only ones on our calendar. And yet, Jewish Time, the holidays, milestones, and other happenings that are unique to us, continue on. […]
Your Creativity – Your Congregation
Rabbi Benjamin Zober 2020 Posts, Newsletter
Dear Friends, There are so many things that are unique and different about the times we are living in. One such thing that we seldom mention is that this is a time of great creativity and openness to new ideas. The combination of technology and need means that our options for activities during quarantine have […]
Adding Thanks
Rabbi Benjamin Zober 2020 Posts, Newsletter
Dear Friends: On certain holidays, we add special prayers of thanks into our liturgy. These “hoda’ah inserts” are part of Sukkot and Simchat Torah, Purim, and Chanukah, among other times. Somehow, considering how many thanks we have, perhaps we need a post-virtual-HHD hoda’ah insert. Maybe: “Thank you, everyone, who participated, contributed, logged in, offered words […]
Jacks of All Trades
Rabbi Benjamin Zober 2020 Posts, Newsletter
Dear Friends, I have a fondness for what most people call useless knowledge. Random facts, esoterica, trivia, I love it all. But I often quip that it is only useless, until you find a way to use it. Part of what attracted me to the rabbinate was that I might be able to employ some […]
When I Turn
Rabbi Benjamin Zober 2020 Posts, Newsletter
I don’t turn my back on the congregation very often, but when I do, it is in prayers like the Barechu or the Amidah. And when I am not facing you, I see the ark, crafted by a congregant, now of blessed memory. I see the woodwork, refinished and polished by volunteers last fall. And […]
There is No “I” in Synagogue
Rabbi Benjamin Zober 2020 Posts, Newsletter
Dear Friends, Rabbi Sara and I miss you all terribly. We are continuing to find a way to bring Shabbat and other Jewish events into your homes in the best way possible. Many of you have become regular visitors to the virtual shul streaming from our living room. Others join our Zoom Torah Study on […]
‘Tis the Season – for Voting!
Rabbi Benjamin Zober 2020 Posts, Newsletter
Dear Friends: If you haven’t heard, there’s an election. While the internet, radio, and television are filled with campaign ads, the other election has not gotten quite as much press. The World Zionist Congress is holding its election to determine the leadership and influence the policies of Israel’s National Zionist Institutions, which affect so much […]
How Do We Bless the Pie?
Rabbi Benjamin Zober 2019 Posts, Newsletter
Dear Friends: Did you know that Thanksgiving was a Jewish holiday? Ok, it is not technically Jewish, but it does cover many of the themes of a true Jewish holiday: family, food, and guilt. More seriously, giving thanks is a big piece of Jewish practice and any holiday that encourages it is in keeping with […]
Our Book, Our Simcha
Rabbi Benjamin Zober 2019 Posts, Newsletter
Dear Friends: There once was a rabbi who remarked, “I’m glad to see you at services on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, but I’d rather you celebrate Passover, Purim, and Simchat Torah.” Passover and Purim make sense: tales of triumph over evil, exciting stories, and delicious foods. But Simchat Torah? What even is it and […]