Rabbi Koppell’s Writings
Rain is a blessing. Our tradition suggests that when we give thanks for rain, we appreciate each and every drop as a blessing. What a beautiful reminder of the importance of appreciating even the littlest things- every blessing, large and small. What is an underappreciated blessing in your life right…
Sense of Community Wisdom and Values Shabbat Connection to Tradition/Hebrew Brilliant Life-Cycle Practices Closeness to God through Gratitude and Prayer Life Long Learning Appreciation of Ritual Questioning as a Cultural Value Judaism as a Way of Life What’s on your list? Shanah Tovah! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IqpR_ED3Qw <1> “Jews are compassionate, the children…
Ask more questions where I didn’t know. Ask if I could help. Ask FOR help. Do more instead of plan more. Share what I learned. Share great people’s work.”<2> Brogan shared his partner, Rob Hatch’s, great work, Rob’s 3 words for 2013- Systems, Service, and Now. “Systems – If 2012…
Senator John McCain “How mighty ones have fallen.” (II Samuel 1:25) John McCain served the people of Arizona as our elected representative in Washington, DC, for over 40 years. The memory of the righteous is for blessing. He will be remembered for his dedication to duty, continuing his family’s…
This week’s parsha is named for Pinchas. Remember him? He’s the guy who was upset about the behavior of his fellow Israelites who were consorting with some of the local women. His solution? He stabbed one couple to death, and, was actually rewarded for his efforts. The inability to tolerate…
Massive numbers of people amassed in a temporary encampment. The people of the land feel threatened. They are in dread of the children. The southern border of Arizona? No. This week’s Torah portion, Balak. Here’s how the parsha begins, in Numbers 22:3- “Moab was alarmed because that people was so…
In 1978 when I raised my hand and swore to defend the Constitution of the United States I had no idea what I was getting into. I grew up in Brooklyn, NY, near what was then the US Army Chaplain School at Fort Hamilton, NY. Knowing that I wanted to…
With your attention on the person, repeat to yourself: “Just like me, this person is seeking some happiness for (his or her) life.” With your attention on the person, repeat to yourself: “Just like me, this person is trying to avoid suffering in (his or her) life.” With your attention…
Welcome back and I trust that you are enjoying a wonderful day of friendship and community. It’s great to see friends on Facebook, and even better to see our friends’ faces in person! The Rabbis acknowledged our deep human need for companionship long ago when they taught, “O chevruta, o…
What a wonderful, raucous Purim we enjoyed on Wednesday night and I trust that your celebration continued on Thursday. You might not be aware that in Jerusalem, and, in Shushan, for that matter, Purim was delayed until Thursday night and Friday. Today was “Shushan Purim,” and you might wonder- why,…