Rabbi Bruce's Reflections on Life

  Dear Friends, As we approach the conclusion of 2022 and begin a new secular year, I wanted to share a thought from my colleague, teacher, and friend, Avi West, of blessed memory. During Chanukah he taught me about the importance of lighting two Chanukah menorahs.  There is a Talmudic argument between Rabbis Hillel and Shammai about the lighting of the candles.  Rabbi HIllel taught that one should light one candle the first night and add one candle each night up until the eighth night when one lights all eight candles.  Rabbi Hillel believed that the miracle of the oil burning  was greatest on the final night so we should light all eight candles that night.  When it comes to matters of bringing holiness to our world we should always increase and not decrease what we do. Rabbi Shammai taught that we should light all eight candles the first night and decrease to one candle the last night since the oil was the strongest the first night and...

  Dear Friends, We recently saw a performance of  "Awakening" in Las Vegas.  In addition to it being overwhelming due to all the special effects, the message of the show is a wonderful way to think about Chanukah. (Please read a review of the show). Light and dark are created and they battle over magic which may be understood as love and/or harmony.  As we prepare to celebrate Chanukah next week, I believe that our Jewish tradition can be magical. It can inspire light over darkness, the few over the many, the weak over the strong, and that good can triumph over evil. I hope that as we remember the spirit of Judah Macabee, we will "awaken" once again to pursue magical values of tikkun olam (repairing the world), gemilut chasidim (deeds of kindness), and tzedakah (righteousness). In a world crying out for love and caring we can make a magical difference in the lives of others when we reach out and care for those in need.  This Holiday season I hope ...

  Dear Friends, Although it is a bit early to talk about Chanukah, I wanted to share the following message with you.   I was so moved by the Iranian soccer team's solidarity with the women in Iran who are seeking basic human rights when they didn't  sing their National Anthem. It was a moment that I hope will resonate in history as an Iranian Chanukah event that will lead to more freedom for all who live in Iran.  We know that the members of the team and those who are protesting are risking their lives. I wonder how Judah Macabee felt when he decided that enough was enough and that Judaism and freedom were worth fighting for.   It was risky then and it is risky now.  Please search out ways in which you can join the fight for freedom so that this year our Chanukah will be remembered as a time when we did something to fulfill the words of the Peter, Paul, and Mary song which are written below. Let us do what we can to not let the light go out by fighting pers...

 Dear Friends, As we prepare for Thanksgiving, I am reminded of the Jewish tradition which encourages us to recite 100 blessings each day. Although we live in a world where there is much to be distressed about, I hope that we will make time on Thanksgiving to give thanks for the blessings we do have. On a personal note, I just observed the second anniversary of my heart attack and I am blessed to be alive and able to live a normal, active life.  Danny Siegel, a friend, teacher, and mentor of mine has written a book called "Healing" in which he has a couple of sections where he enumerates 100 blessings that include such simple (or not so simple) things as hugs, air, water, tears, a warm coat, and so many  other things that we take for granted. I hope that when we gather together for Thanksgiving with loved ones and friends (and I hope we are together with people at this special time of year), that we will all give thanks for the food, safe travel, and love that brings us t...

  Dear Jerry (and Doris), I want you to know that you were one of the most inspirational people I ever met. You touched so many people.  You regaled us with so many moving stories about your life and always impressed me with your appreciation of life and your humility. How can one put into words the impact that your life has had on so many? Rudyard Kipling's Poem "iF" really describes you.  (See below) Jerry, you talked with crowds and kept your virtue and walked with Kings and never lost your common touch.  You filled your life with more than 60 seconds of distance run.   And you were a mensch, Jerry. What I will always remember is your smile and your love of life.  You loved telling stories and always appreciated  the people with whom you interacted. You always were enthusiastic and joyful to have the opportunity to teach the younger generation diligently. I can never forget when you spoke at Matt Hyder's Bar Mitzvah and what an impact you had o...

  Dear Friends, First of all, I hope we are all grateful to all the Veterans and their families and friends who have sacrificed, are sacrificing, and will continue to sacrifice so much to keep us safe. I was talking to a person in the military recently who appreciates when people thank them for their service, but that it doesn't mean as much to them as people think.  I was told that what makes a bigger difference to them is when we listen to each other and work together to keep our democracy and our country strong.  I hope we will heed their words. After the recent election which once again is indicative of the divisiveness in our country, I hope we will support those who work across the aisle to build a nation where we respect and honor ourselves and each other. This week the Torah reading is about Abraham and Isaac climbing Mt. Moriah and Abraham binding Isaac to the altar. He does not actually sacrifice him, but their relationship is never the same. I wa...

  Dear Friends, As we prepare to commemorate Kristallnacht, Nov. 9 and 10, the night of broken glass, I wanted to share some thoughts in the context of Abraham and Noah. On October 27 we marked the fourth anniversary of the shooting at "Tree of Life" synagogue in Pittsburgh. I am intrigued by the comment that Noah didn't tell anyone he was building an Ark to save humanity because he didn't believe that the world would really be destroyed. As we witness celebrities who are making anti-semitic comments, I hear folks saying that we should ignore these comments and not worry about the potential consequences. We should celebrate all those who are suspending an athlete and ending endorsement contracts rather than dwell on the potential ramifications of the hateful comments that are being posted and made. Now...enter Abraham...He goes forth and separates himself from a world of idolatry to profess his faith in one G-d. He takes a leap of faith by journeying forward to usher ...