Rabbi Richard F. Address, D. Min.
There is a tradition with Judaism that the time between Pesach and Shavuot is spent studying the collection of sayings called Pirke Avot (Sayings of the Fathers).
This collection of sayings is part of our Mishnah and dates from around the year 2d century of the common era. Many young people in Confirmation class study this as part of their pre-Confirmation studies. Continue reading
Rabbi Emeritus Jonathan P. Kendall
Who among us is not familiar with the faith-filled words of Job who, in the midst of crushing despair and loss, utters the famous line, “The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away; blessed be the Name of the Lord?”
We’re pleased to present our first Jewish Sacred Aging seminar podcast, featuring a workshop conducted by Rabbi Address at M’kor Shalom in Cherry Hill, NJ on “The Art of Care-Giving.” This program is part of the synagogue’s Health and Wellness Initiative, which is based on the care-giving chapter in Rabbi Address’s newest book, Seekers of Meaning. (Click on the book’s title to purchase.)
Visit www.jewishsacredaging.com for future episodes in this podcast series.
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Happy Passover.
It is that time again. Families are gathering and the stories will flow as we sit around the seder table.
Sandy Taradash
My Bubbe was a wise sage, Russian born, orphaned by the time she was nine months old, separated from three of her four siblings while she and a sister were raised by their wealthy/rabbi/merchant maternal zayde and bubbe. She would tell me that she never brushed her own hair as the maids did after they drew her bath. She was one of the few girls in the 1910 era who was educated at the yeshiva.
Rabbi Jonathan P. Kendall
I officiated at a re-consecration of vows for a couple this past weekend who were celebrating their 60th anniversary. Though we are far from Yom Kippur, I have a confession: my first thoughts were about a classic scene from a Naked Gun movie in which the late Leslie Nielsen, disconsolate and bereft, tells his partner, George Kennedy, how lucky he is to be married to the same woman for more than 30 years…
“Every morning, the same face on the pillow, the same conversations, the same sexual partner…”
leaving Kennedy foaming at the mouth in despair, inconsolably resigned to his fate. Over-the-top to be sure, but nonetheless it was a very funny scene. Somehow, by shear dint of will, I managed to keep any reference to this out of my words to the “bride” and “groom.” Sixty years is a long time and this doesn’t include the period of courtship.
Editor’s Note: This is part two of an excellent review of how stress affects our lives and our health. Part I is available here.
Donald M. Friedman, MD
This part of the column deals with living in the present moment as a way to deal with stress. It is actually very difficult for many of us to live in the present moment. We either get so focused on the past or so concerned about what’s going to happen in the future or both. But being or living in the moment can so increase not only our awareness of what is happening in our immediate surroundings, but also our awareness of ourselves, i.e. our thoughts and emotions and our bodies. Our society is so goal oriented that we are always focused on doing, being busy accomplishing and producing results. We forget, or in some cases never learned, how to just “be.”
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Simona Hadjigeorgalis
Passover is a wonderful time of year to clean our external and internal spaces. For many of us, we already carve out the time to clean our kitchens in preparation for the holiday. And we already eliminate certain foods. Can we add an intention of “wellness” to that tradition and still remain connected to the religious significance of Passover? As a Reform Jewess, I feel empowered to ask the question.
Passover already prescribes a ritual cleaning of our external space, a week of conscious eating, spiritual contemplation, and connection to family and community. Continue reading
Sandy Taradash
As one grows older, we often look back upon our life for the influences that made us who we are today.
Besides the very dear people in and out of my life, four childhood books stand tall in a prominent place on a shelf where every day I can remember what they have said to me.
Rabbi Richard F. Address, D. Min.
We are all part of a generation that seeks to find answers to healthy living in the hope of extending an active and involved life.
I’m happy to say that the role of religious and spiritual practice in healthy aging is gaining momentum. A recent article and a new book give more evidence that spirituality really does help us feel better longer.
