Rabbi Jim‘s Podcast

Toldot 5768 - Who is in Sheep's Clothes?

We had a fantastic and different Shabbat this week. We were joined by Seeds of Sun whose music and spirit transformed our worship into a Jazz Ruach service. On to the difficult issues of this week, we see Pat Robertson giving endorsements to Rudy and our Pakistani 'allies' out of control and we have to wonder if these are true alliances or was Jacob not the last person to pull the wool over someone's eyes? Rudy and Pat...friends? The Real Rudy? A Different View of the Parasha

Shabbat Chayeh Sarah 5768

Hi and thanks for directed your browser/ipod this way! Since we didn't have a sermon this week due to a wonderful first grade Shabbat, I wanted to do something a little different. This week I am going to share an idea with you about the Torah portion and then invite your comments about Ephron and Abraham's interactions. Think of it as an attempt at cyber Torah study. This website is used in this devar and has some wonderful material. Shavuah Tov!

Vayera 5768 - Abe, the ADL and Turkey

Abraham sits at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day as he waits for a significant moment. His greatest contribution to our moral life today is the idea that we must respect the lives of other human beings, however there are those today who would rather the descendants of Abraham remain silent. While until now we have called them friends and allies, we have to begin to wonder. When a country like Turkey will threaten and bully so their previous government, the Ottoman Empire, is not labeled with GENOCIDE, will we trade in our values and knuckle under to their threats? JTA Article about current problem Deborah Lipstadt's blog Is Your Blood Really Redder? BBC Obituary Hrant Dink YouTube Memorial and Accusation of Dink's murderers Turkey Threatens US The Jewish Week - Foxman Blinks on Armenian Genocide Jerusalem Post Article - Israel must get US Jews to back down Haaretz Article about the issue Music you hear on this podcast is from Magnatune.com.

Lekh Lekha 5768, Healing When We Are Called

This episode contains live segments from a Beth David healing service held this week. Abram is called by God, but his call is not without its difficulties and doubts. None of us are immune from the difficulties when we feel compelled by sacred requirements to fulfill mitzvot. The singing in this podcast is done by Cantor Lilia Kazansky who is Beth David's cantor.

Bereshit 5768, and Jena

Small bits of text seek to teach us huge lessons about our humanity. Sadly, we live in a world that often forgets that God's first human was the lesson for all of us. Jena Tree The 'Wisdom' of a Jena School Board Member Music on this podcast can be purchased from Magnatune and is from the group Ya Elah.

President Ahmadinejad, Please Answer the Question

Lamah Sukkah Zu? is a song that asks about the Sukkah on our holiday. It is wonderful when we can get a direct answer, and troubling when we cannot. This week I believe that the events at Columbia University were intended to clarify our relationship with Iran, and I fear the event only served to glorify the President of Iran while making us wonder if he ever answers questions. And...he is not the first to use our media and icons for political domestic gain. --- Time Man of The Year 1938 Remarks - President Bollinger, Columbia University Remarks - President Ahmadinejad, Iran Hatikvah (midi) Music heard on this podcast is available for regular CD purchase or download from Magnatune and comes from the groups Panacea and Ya Elah.

Honestly, I Love Israel - Yom Kippur Morning 5768

Oddly, umbrellas and bees are symbolic connections I have to Israel. They also remind me of some of the struggles Israel has to face as a 'regular' country. Having a relationship with Israel is a matter of inspiration, honesty and righteousness and...going for a visit. Music you hear on this podcast is from the group Panacea and can be purchased at Magnatune.

Kol Nidre 5768 - Accepting Ourselves

The Jewish community has faced dire consequences in our history. At times this was physical danger, yet often it was often coupled with metaphysical issues.  Today Kol Nidre reminds us of God's acceptance of our pleas for forgiveness, and reminds us to also act like God by accepting others.

Praying Above The Rim

"Just do it!" works, until you try to play minor league baseball. With a batting average of .202, 3 HR and 51 RBIs, Michael Jordan decided that basketball was a better place to be. True accomplishment in life is tied to hard work and this hard work also has to be applied to prayer. However, aren't there different types of prayer, and how do we get into praying as an active discipline as opposed to a lifeline? Music heard on this podcast is from Magnatune.com and includes music from the groups Panacea and Ya Elah.

High Holidays en route

Hi and thank you for joining me this week. I am in the 'thick' of preparation for High Holidays so this show is a little shorter. I have a joke, look at the news about the Reform Movement and Israel and consider the ancient and modern challenges and messages of being together with our communities for High Holidays. Eric Yoffe Articles The Indianapolis Star Jewish Exponent Israel/Syria Tensions Israel/Syria flyover How to listen:

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------------------ Music heard on this podcast is available at Magnatune.com and comes from the groups Ya Elah and Panacea.