Rabbi's Week in Review Blog

It is an integral part of the Jewish journey to connect with our past and to honor those upon whose shoulders we stand. At the same time, we look for ways to expand our horizons and forge a new path.  

Beginning in February, we are offering Hebrew lessons — some basics that will help work our way through the prayer book. While it is only a beginning, it is a very good start.

It is also a good time to focus our Kol Ami studies on prayer. Not just a how-to of prayer — what prayers we pray and when we pray them. I want us to explore together the why of prayer — what meaning we derive from our prayers, and how we emotionally connect to and are informed by our prayer experience.

While growing up and attending Hebrew School three days a week, we learned all about the how but never learned the why. I find the why piece more compelling and interesting, a journey that connects much more strongly to the prayer experience.

In some recent discussions regarding why we pray, I heard some beautiful responses.  Certainly some pray out of a sense of gratitude, some out of despair, some out of awe, and some in search of meaning. Whatever individual reasons one engages in prayer, a shared response is that we are attracted to prayer in how it connects us to one another.

I am hopeful that those who do not regularly have an opportunity to be part of Kol Ami study will find some time to join us. Right now, we study together on the first and third Saturdays/Shabbats of the month. I truly believe that in addition to wonderful, meaningful and deep discussion, the study will strengthen our Kol Ami community and our connection to each other.  

As always, I am grateful for the opportunity to study with you and learn from you.