Virtual Shabbat Box Archives: December 2024
December 27-28
Rabbi Lily Solochek teaches that, sometimes, small acts of courage and kindness matter more than heroic deeds from storybooks.
Rabbi Ben Weiner asks how can we understand Hanukkah during a time of war in the Middle East and Ukraine?
Rabbi Amber Powers explores how we celebrate a time of miracles and light when hostages remain underground.
This beautiful song by Rabbi Jonathan Cohen praises light’s multiplier effect.
December 20-21
Rabbi Nancy Fuchs Kreimer teaches her grandchildren –– who are being raised Catholic –– about the special aspects of Hanukkah and Christmas. Â
Rabbi Elyse Wechterman explores Hanukkah’s more grown-up stories and what they can tell us about how to find courage today.
Adva Chattler shares a family Hanukkah favorite and cousin to the latke, the aruk. It’s a delicious way to remember the miracle of the oil.
Rabbi Yael Levy offers a different meditation for every day/night of Hanukkah. Each is geared to help us find the infinite light within ourselves.Â
December 13-14
In preparation for Reconstructing Judaism’s December 15 movement wide virtual convening, Rabbi Elliott Tepperman and Rabbi Rachel Weiss join Rabbi Deborah Waxman for a deeply thoughtful and nuanced conversation.
In this excerpt from her heartbreaking and powerful memoir, author Myra Sack reflects on the first week after the death of her 2-year-old daughter, and the beginnings of rituals her family would observe.
Winter is almost officially upon us, and Rabbi David G. Winship shares his blessing for outer and inner warmth.
In this vivid, gripping midrash, Rabbi Steven Nathan tells the story of Jacob’s restless night before his reunion with Essau. Here, in full cinematic scope, the reader can visualize the dramatic wrestling match with the angel.
December 6-7
Andy Levin, a former Congressman and synagogue president, discusses the election, war in the Middle East, his sources of courage and his love of Reconstructionist Judaism.
Rabbi Bob Gluck meditates on the human fascination with humpback songs and the limits of our knowledge. For insight, he turns to the Patriarch Jacob and theologian Martin Buber.
Rabbi Haviva Ner David’s poem is both a dispatch from a street protest focused on the hostages and a heartfelt prayer.
Rabbi Arlene Berger’s teaching on Parshat Vayetzey highlights Jacob’s request for the bare necessities, which can serve as an example during a season of excessive materialism and consumption.
