I want to ask you something – you’re not required to raise your hand but you’re invited to. Who here is 5 years old? 10? 13? 15? 18? In your 20s? In your 30s? In your 40s? 50s? 60s? 70s? 80s? 90s? 100 or up? Listen to the whole piece that I’m going to read, …
5775 Erev Rosh Hashana Sermon – THE DJC AT EIGHTEEN – WHAT ARE WE READY FOR? Read More »
The New Year we are preparing to enter in the Jewish calendar is bound to be momentous. This year, 5775, according to Jewish mythic time (JMT), marks two special milestones that we will be weaving into our reflections, practice, and joy these High Holy Days. (1) In the life of the DJC, this is our …
Le’chayyim! To Life! Two Causes for Celebration & Reflection Read More »
Each fall we look forward to coming together as a community to take stock of the past year and welcome in the new one. During this year’s High Holy Days, our reflections and contemplations will likely include the conflict between Israel and Gaza. We recognize and respect that our diverse community encompasses many perspectives on Israel …
Have you heard of the term Third Space? Ray Oldenberg coined the term to refer to a space that is neither home nor workplace – a Third Space for community building, civic engagement, and creative interaction. In the context of painful and polarizing conflict, when much of the public discourse is framed in black and …
This past month has been nothing short of Torahpalloozah! I can’t think of a better word to describe the range of ways that Torah has taken a central role in exciting and engaging Jewish life in this fair city of ours in the past few weeks. Many Jews who haven’t engaged with Torah as adults, …
On a recent Sunday evening, on one of the first beautiful spring days, about 25 members of DJC committees pulled themselves away from their families, gardens, and events around the city to learn, discuss, and plan together. The room (and backyard) were filled with ideas and enthusiasm for improving programming, communication, and welcoming of new …
Over the last few months, we’ve held a number of Fireside Chats – small group meetings of five to eight members where all we do is get to know each other. We share our DJC stories – how we came to the DJC, what we’re looking for from the DJC – and share ideas on …
As the calendar turns toward the middle of May, I think we are all relieved to see the last of the wintery weather and experience spring as it rejuvenates life in the city. The new iteration of the DJC Board is also getting geared up to support the life and growth of the DJC. I …
Greetings from the New Chair of the Board of Directors Read More »
When we sit down at our Seder tables this year, what will help us hear the words of the haggadah in new ways, face the realities of slavery and oppression with new eyes, and be stirred toward liberation, for ourselves and for those around the world? What can the Torah teach us about the transformation …
Getting Egypt Out of Our Hearts – Some Thoughts for Pesach Read More »
As a child, I was fascinated by maps. I was particularly fascinated with the maps that included a brightly coloured arrow sticker that read ‘You Are Here’. Whether I was at Centre Island or the Eaton Center, these sprawling places were not only mapped out on a big 2-dimensional board, indicating where everything was, including …
I was given a beautiful opportunity this past winter. I was commissioned to compose a piece of music for Truah, a new Jewish social justice organization based in NY. Their mission is to bring a Jewish moral voice to the most pressing human rights concerns we face today – ending human trafficking in North America, …
5774 Rosh Hashana Day Sermon – HEARING THE CALL OF JUSTICE Read More »
I was sitting at a Jewish meditation retreat some years ago at a time in my life that was particularly difficult. It was a period of time that was weighted with deep sadness, heaviness and feeling utterly stuck. Months had gone by like this and I went on retreat hoping something would shift. Over the …
5774 Erev Rosh Hashanah Sermon – HEARING THE INNER CALL Read More »
