fireworks

July 1, 2016
By bethmordecai
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DAY 1461: It’s My Fault There’s No Fireworks Tonight

Dear Hevreh, It's my fault that fireworks are not happening tonight. One of the organizers asked me to pray that rain would not fall tonight, and though I did offer a prayer, it didn't help; the weather forecast is too inclement for the fireworks to happen tonight. They've been rescheduled for tomorrow and I hope the organizer doesn't ask me to offer a prayer for those fireworks - I don't want it to backfire. Before you write me a note saying "to not take your prayers so seriously" or that "you really didn't cause this," just know that I wrote the previous paragraph with the proverbial tongue in my cheek. I recognize that prayer doesn't necessarily work in that way we most[...]

Category : home Rabbi Rabbi's Journal Shabbat
Tag : abraham joshua heschel diversity fireworks rabbi rabbi's journal unity

fireworks

July 5, 2013
By bethmordecai
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DAY 370: The Unity of Fireworks

Dear Hevreh, Yesterday, I went up to Hoboken to view the fireworks. The city has become a popular place for July 4th over the last few years because of it's proximity to the colorful display of joy over the Hudson River; popular to the tune of 40,000 spectators according to a local event staffer. As I waited for the show to begin, it struck me how many people from different races, religions, creeds, and ethnicities were gathered together peacefully for one (viewing) purpose... An Indian family lying out on a blanket to my right trying to remain comfortable during the long wait A Hispanic man standing next to me asking me to hold his spot while seeking out a better view [...]

Category : Rabbi Rabbi's Journal
Tag : abraham joshua heschel diversity Divinity fireworks rabbi rabbi's journal unity

fireworks

July 3, 2012
By bethmordecai
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Day 3 – Reflection Inspired by Fireworks

Dear Hevreh, As I sat waiting for the fireworks at the Perth Amboy marina, I saw many kids running around, smiling, laughing, and falling.  I don't know what it is, but there is something about fireworks that brings out the kid in me.  The sound, the sight, the spectacle is just so magical.  My mind is mesmerized, my attention is arrested.  It's a moment that inspires. This afternoon, I met with Larry Deutchman at Panera in Woodbridge.  Among the many things we talked about was the importance of having a vision for where we want our shul to go.   A vision is not just a plan for the future, it's a code of belief that inspires us as we move forward.[...]

Category : Perth Amboy News Rabbi's Journal
Tag : fireworks kids one on one perth amboy spectacle vision