Tag: #acceptance
acceptance
Every1Counts: Day 33
May 2, 2018 17 Iyar, 5778
TONIGHT IS THIRTY-THREE DAYS, WHICH IS FOUR WEEKS AND FIVE DAYS, OF THE OMER
Being Jewish is more than sharing a religion and a specific way to worship; it is sharing a history, a heritage and a moral code. It is knowing there there are people and places that I am connected to, that are moved and inspired by all comes with that, and take pride in the same things as I. It is the safety and security of knowing that no matter where life leads me, I will always have a place where I belong.
Amy Zerman
Every1Counts: Day 20
April 19, 2018 4 Iyar, 5778
TONIGHT IS TWENTY DAYS, WHICH IS TWO WEEKS AND SIX DAYS, OF THE OMER
“Community” is the first word that comes to my mind when asked “What does it mean to be Jewish?”
I love being Jewish. It means that I am never alone because I belong to a global community of people that will always welcome each other. I always feel comfortable and accepted among my Temple congregants at TBA.
I trust being Jewish. It is filled with traditions and rituals that I can depend on, but have the freedom to participate to whatever extent meets my spiritual needs. I enjoy passing on traditions and adding new ones with my own family in hopes they will be carried on for many generations.
I am proud to be Jewish. Being Jewish is a journey filled with challenges to try to live a righteous life and to make the world a better place. Being Jewish makes me mindful about my life and makes me a better person. Being Jewish fills my being and my spirit with joy and allows me to be at peace with myself and the world around me.
Mary Edleson
Every1Counts: Day 17
April 16, 2018 1 Iyar, 5778
TONIGHT IS SEVENTEEN DAYS, WHICH IS TWO WEEKS AND THREE DAYS, OF THE OMER
Being Jewish means so many things to me that is impossible to capture it in 150 words or less so I am going to focus on one thing it means to me, COMMUNITY. Being a Jewish woman brings me the comfort of belonging to a community that has traditions and beliefs that have guided me and my community for thousands of years. For example, when I light Shabbat candles on Friday night, I treasure being part of a community of people that connects me to generations of women in my family going back hundreds of years. I also love that it connects me to a community of Jews around the world who are also observing Shabbat. Another example of how I feel part of a community is that following the commandment of “welcoming the stranger” and working with God to create a more just, caring and compassionate world helps me join in and create communities wherever I am. Whether I am visiting a new synagogue or Jewish organization and feel the warm welcome and embrace of other Jews or joining in or with Jewish groups who are fighting for Social Justice I instantly feel part of a community. Being Jewish means I can always find community, a home, here in New York, across the country, the world and of course in Israel.
Olga
Every1Counts: Day 13
April 12, 2018 27 Nisan, 5778
TONIGHT IS THIRTEEN DAYS, WHICH IS ONE WEEK AND SIX DAYS, OF THE OMER
Being Jewish to me means being very family oriented. When at Temple being with a community of loving and caring people. Feeling at peace listening to the Rabbi and Cantor also while praying out loud or silently. Knowing that nothing can happen while I am at Temple. Making new friends and helping when I can, no matter the age. Knowing how I feel or how I believe does not matter, I am accepted for me. Being Jewish is accepting people in your life who have different beliefs or different ideas how they want to live their life. Being Jewish to me is the most wonderful feeling and knowing no one can take that away.
Laurie Bauer
Every1Counts: Day 11
April 10, 2018 25 Nisan, 5778
TONIGHT IS ELEVEN DAYS, WHICH IS ONE WEEK AND FOUR DAYS, OF THE OMER
I’d like to share a story that I feel sums up my feelings on being Jewish. I walked into a meeting at a brand new school wearing my Tel Aviv University sweatshirt. Immediately, I was asked by one of my classmates if I had studied in Tel Aviv and about my connection to Israel. I made a new friend, based solely on the fact that we both could understand the Hebrew on my shirt. Being Jewish means wherever I go, I will have a community. I will always be part of something bigger than myself, and I am reminded of that every day. Perhaps most importantly, being Jewish has given me the opportunity to connect to Israel in a very unique way. Israel has given me a second home, where even taxi drivers say Shabbat Shalom on Friday nights. I cannot adequately express how that feels in words, to know there is a place where I will always be accepted and safe.
Arielle Gur
Every1Counts: Day 10
April 9, 2018 24 Nisan, 5778
TONIGHT IS TEN DAYS, WHICH IS ONE WEEK AND THREE DAYS, OF THE OMER
The essence of being Jewish for me centers on the celebration of Shabbat. Shabbat enables me to take a step back from everyday life, and to pause, recharge and reconnect to the divine. The ritual of observing Shabbat at Temple Beth Abraham is especially comforting, where the supportive atmosphere fostered by Rabbi David and Cantor Margot allows me to turn my gaze inward and then upward, to meditate on the lessons of the Torah, and to draw closer to Adonai.
S.A. Cember
Every1Counts: Day 5
April 4, 2018 19 Nisan, 5778
TODAY IS FIVE DAYS OF THE OMER
Being Jewish means; going to temple,
Being Jewish means; being inviting, also believing in yourself, trusting others,
Being Jewish means; saying prayers to God in temple,
Being Jewish means; going to Hebrew School,
Being Jewish means; becoming a bar or bat mitzvah,
Being Jewish means; celebrating holidays,
Being Jewish means; believing in God,
Being Jewish means; spending time together during holidays,
Being Jewish means; I respect my attire? Affect? Effect?
Being Jewish means; praying and celebrating,
Being Jewish means; keeping the traditions of Judaism with my family,
Being Jewish means; being part of a community.
Rabbi Justin Schwartz and Cantor Mandi Beckenstein’s Sunday 6th grade class of 2017-18
Every1Counts: Day 1
March 31, 2018 15 Nisan, 5778
TODAY IS ONE DAY OF THE OMER
We begin Counting the Omer
We begin counting after sundown tonight, at the second seder.
(Since this is the Passover holiday, we are posting this prior to the first seder, so you do not have to use your computer on the holiday.)
Since 2012 we here at TBA have turned the Omer period between Passover and Shavuot into an amazing program called Every1Counts (E1C). This year, we’d are sharing the voices of our congregation. This year we wish to enhance our community by listening to each other, so we asked you to tell us, in 150 words or less, “What Does Being Jewish Mean to You?”
Now, for each day of the 49 days of the omer, we will share one response to this question.
Lox, Bagels, and Kasha Varnishkes. L’dor va’dor, Tikkun Olam, Mitzvahs. Dancing the Hora, Hiding the Matzah, Blessing the Challah. And, of course, Israel.
I feel blessed to be a part of a community that shares so many beautiful customs and beliefs, and cares so deeply about repairing our world. My synagogue is my “happy place,” and my clergy and congregation make me smile. I love “belonging,” and welcoming others.
Like the embrace of my Tallit, Judaism warms and comforts me. Like grandma’s chicken soup, Judaism nourishes and sustains me. With rich tradition and history, Judaism anchors and supports me.
My Judaism calms, centers and soothes me. For me, Judaism is that warm cozy knowledge that you are home.
Debra Drattell
