Naso 5780

Dear Friends,

There have been no easy weeks since COVID-19 sent us to safety and shelter, but this has been the most difficult by far. If it seems that I am the last rabbi you know to make a public statement, that’s because I have tried to use my ears (and eyes) more than my mouth (and keyboarding fingers). After much listening, reading and introspection, please find my Shabbat dvar Torah here. The video version is here.

We should all be prepared to hear from those in pain. Thank you to Nathan Heilweil for sharing this powerful message called Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man.

I’m not really in the mood to share joyous music, but there are a few songs that represent the mood I’m in today. These are the sounds in my head about What’s Going On, For What It’s Worth.

Jews ought to have natural empathy for victims of murder, regardless of their group identity. Israeli music captures that universal pain as well. See this powerful song by Hadag Nachash (click here for a translation).

Finally, don’t forget to click here for Virtual Shabbat Prayers from Cantor Zim.

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom, and as always good health, and may we have a better week to come,

Rabbi David Wise

Naso 5780

Join Our Mailing Lists

Give Online