When I was a child, we had a Chanukah book about how every candle in the box wanted to be picked as the shamash, the helper candle whose job it is to light all the others.
Back then, picking the shamash was about which candle was the prettiest colour, but today I look back on that book and …
A sole menorah in the windowsill of our future JCC home, with candles lit and the sun setting in the backdrop is a stirring memory from one year ago.
There were about 20 of us gathered in the room, leaders and rabbis, standing on cold concrete in a room bursting with hope and potential.
I …
What do Zach Hyman, BBYO, and our AGM have in common?
Last night, I had the chance to attend an Edmonton Oilers game. I felt a sense of shared pride when Zach Hyman returned to the ice and scored a goal. Fans celebrated enthusiastically, and several people nearby were sporting his jersey. I…
Last Shabbat I spoke about Hineni—stating Here I am and being counted among us. This Shabbat I am reflecting on a week that showed the power of our work together, As One. When we work for the greater good of our community, far more is possible than if we took any of it upon ourselves alone…
As we head into Shabbat, I’ve been thinking about the word Hineni – Here I am. It’s such a powerful phrase in our tradition. As we recently read in the Torah- When God calls to Abraham, he answers: “Hineni.” (Genesis 22:1).
It’s not just about being present—it’s about showi…
