Virtual Shabbat Box Archives: November 2023
November 24-25
Rabbi Haviva Ner-David, author and peace activist who lives in Israel’s Galilee region, shares the pain she feels as well as her unwavering commitment to peace. She reads a poem dedicated to Canadian-Israeli peace activist Vivian Silver, who was slain on October 7.
At this time, when it may be hard to express gratitude, Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer, Ritualwell’s new director of virtual content and programs, offers intentions to share with your Thanksgiving Day guests.
Rabbi Isaac Saposnik reminds us of the importance of respect and empathy — and the dangers of absolutes — in engaging on social media, especially when it comes to the Israel-Hamas War.
Rabbi Sandra Lawson writes that supporting transgender rights is “not just a secular or political stance but a deeply spiritual and Jewish one.”
November 17-18
Rabbi Deborah Waxman explores the stories of Genesis, and highlights some more contemporary thinkers, in a search for sources of empathy and resilience in the extreme uncertainty of the present.
In this excerpt from Ritualwell’s weekly “Holding Each Other” gathering, Rabbi Janet Madden chants the Oseh Shalom and Mi Shebeirach prayers. Madden lovingly and soulfully expresses what so many yearn for: peace and healing.
Rabbi Amy Eilberg writes of peacebuilding, metta meditation and the importance of practicing loving–kindness during a time of war and heightened emotions.
Stressed? Confused, or Fearful? Try this breathing practice taught by Rabbi Sheila Peltz Weinberg.
November 10-11
At Ritualwell’s weekly “Holding Each Other” virtual event, Rabbi Alex Lazurus-Klein read two poems, one written during the Second Intifada and the other composed in the harrowing days following October 7.
Invoking the story of Noah’s Ark, Rabbi Jen Gubitz’s poem captures a torrent of thoughts, emotions and concerns stemming from the Israel-Hamas War.
With antisemitism alarmingly on the rise, Rachel Forth Pipitone’s poem tackles a disturbing expression within her own family.
Revisit this 2021 essay from Rabbi Deborah Waxman in which addresses rising global antisemitism and articulates a response that reaffirms Jewish life, practice and community.
November 3-4
Feeling uprooted by recent events? Rabbi Jessica Lott’s audio teaching can help to ground you. She notes that Jewish tradition constantly places one foot in the past, one foot in the future.
Rabbi Joshua Boettiger shares the links between a Jewish ethical tradition and creative expression and how together they can help us find a path in the darkness.
A computer scientist shares how the study of Talmud and Zohar informed his understanding of A.I. and how Jewish ethics can guide society’s response to rapidly evolving technology.
In this powerful poem, Rabbi Annie Lewis invokes the ancient call for help, Hoshia Na, in the name of those killed, wounded and captured on October 7, Simchat Torah.
