Tag Archives: prayer
The Old Synagogue
by Mel Glenn (Brooklyn, NY) The old synagogue sits stubbornly closed amid the open stores along Ave. U., its two main doors locked shut as passersby speak Russian and Chinese. For me, the shul might as well lie on the … Continue reading
Filed under American Jewry, poetry
The Power of Prayers
by Susan L. Lipson (Poway, CA) (High Holidays 5772/2011) So many earnest voices chant their heartfelt prayers today; How will my words be heard then In the swell? Why should God even listen to the simple words I say, When … Continue reading
Filed under American Jewry, poetry
What’s God’s Name?
by Jennifer Singer (Sarasota, FL) When someone says “I don’t believe in God” the obvious question is, “Which God don’t you believe in?” Often the answer is a third grade version, something like, “a guy sitting in the clouds with … Continue reading
Sh’ma – On the Matter of Hearing
by Elliot Holin (Dresher, PA) When I was a child, I loved hearing the phrase “Hero Israel” because it brought to mind such wonderful and powerful images of men riding horses across the desert, swords held high, whooping with delight, … Continue reading
Filed under American Jewry, Jewish identity
Meditation and Organic Torah: The Missing Link
by Natan Margalit (Newton, MA) “Narcissistic navel gazing” was an accusation thrown around a lot when meditation and other forms of spiritual practice started making inroads into Jewish communities a couple of decades ago. Now, a lot of us meditate, … Continue reading
Filed under American Jewry, Jewish identity
Believing in God
by Jennifer Singer (Sarasota, FL) Had an interesting conversation today with my friend Geoff Huntting, aka Rabbi Huntting. We were commenting on the conundrum of not believing in God and yet being comforted by God-talk. I’m always happy to talk … Continue reading
Filed under American Jewry
The Bloodied of Our Generation
by Olivia Wiznitzer (Washington Heights., NY) He is among the most bloodied of your generation. He has the most to forget, and can forget nothing. Gershon spoke up and said to the darkness, He has a friend. ~from Chaim Potok’s … Continue reading
Filed under American Jewry, Jewish identity
Finding My Place
by Mel Glenn (Brooklyn, NY) Standing outside the temple, I hesitated at the door, deciding whether I would enter for the High Holidays. “You speakin’ to me?” I asked when I thought I heard Him inside my head, beckoning me … Continue reading
Filed under American Jewry
Tribal Ghazal
by Sue Swartz (Bloomington, IN) Be careful to perform all the words of this Torah, for it is not an empty thing for you, it is your life… I would welcome an easy forgetting, if not for the words. I … Continue reading
Filed under American Jewry, Jewish identity, Jewish writing
The Shul is Dark
by Chaim Weinstein (Brooklyn, NY) The shul is still, dark. Blood-red velvet drapes Hide cold hard-oak doors Slide open, reveal Lonely Torah scroll: Knitted mantle frayed, Blushing, embarrassed, Like town urchin or Forlorn orphan brought To Magistrate’s Throne. Old Jews’ … Continue reading
Filed under American Jewry
