Stop Striving and Start Thriving (Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Trust Hashem) About a month ago, I got a note on my desk from someone who to their credit or perhaps as a credit to their chutzpah, did not remain anonymous: I quote: “Rabbi…You should shorten your sermons. They are too long. You are in love with…
Join MMAE for Selichot on Saturday, September 5, a special Jewish gathering for penitential prayers and forgiveness that precedes the High Holidays. Schedule of Service: Havdalah & Refreshments: 8:30pm Special Program: 9:00pm Selichot Service (led by Rabbi Shapiro & Steve Land): 10:00pm Join us in-person at MMAE or on Zoom (Meeting ID: 9151152847; Passcode: 202020). Free and open to the…
Here’s a riddle for you: I’m completely prepared for the High Holidays, and I’m completely unprepared for the High Holidays. Who am I and why? The answer, of course, is me. The reason is a bit less obvious. For years and years, the High Holidays and their approach filled me with agita and trepidation. Mainly because of my role as…
Good Yom Tov. I’ll be honest—I didn’t have a drasha until yesterday. Thank God for ChatGPT. Just kidding! Every Disney movie has a moment where they try to make you cry. Who could forget Bambi’s mother getting shot. Or Dumbo’s mom getting locked up. Let’s play with these kids deepest fears right? Well, one that was on the outside less…
I was dreaming last night. It was one of those dreams on the edge of becoming a nightmare but you’re not yet sure. I was late to get on a cruise. I knew that if I didn’t get there in time, the boat would leave without me. I finally arrived with my family and I saw that there was a…
Having Faith that Hashem Believes in Us Every year at the holidays, I take on three different mitzvah goals. It’s a wonderful practice to take a small meaningful step forward as an affirmation of my teshuva and commitment to living better this coming year. It needs to be something measurable, and easy enough to actually stick to over the long…
“I was taught a month ago,To bide my time and take it slow.But then I learned just yesterday,To rush and never waste the day.Well I’m convinced the whole day long,That all I learn is always wrong.”– Phish (Character Zero) I learned two lessons this year that at first glance seem completely contradictory. Early in the year, it occurred to me…