Real Rabbi NYC Juliet Elkind-Cruz

I'm late getting this out, but the ideas expressed here are relevant for any time. The challenge we are given by our Bible to "love our fellow as ourselves," and also not to "hate our fellow in our hearts" are both difficult tenets to live by. Humans are very judgy people, and when we don't agree with others and how they live their lives, or they challenge our sense of identity, we can become angry and hateful. I come to this with more questions than answers, and challenge us all to approach the current situation with the same attitude, and life in general. Please listen! And let me know what you think!

It’s hard to live expansively these days, with an open heart and an open mind. But is it possible?

I’m more than a little bit worried about Passover this year due to the current events in Israel and Gaza. My own family is divided in terms of political opinions over this, and there’s a fair amount of tension around it. I’m sure I’m not alone. As it is, Passover gatherings can be fraught, as any family gathering, but especially when we’re used to bringing in current events to our Seder discussions. So how DO we? And what’s it got to do with the Parsha this week (if you care). Happy Passover to everyone, and Good Shabbos.

Just listen. There’s a lot here.

This time I share a beautiful poem and some thoughts about how it might be connected to the parsha, and I ask for your thoughts on how they might be linked.

Facing death with dignity, standing up for the right to do that and to be treated with care can be one of the hardest things, especially when doctors and family and friends intervene. What does Judaism have to say about this, and how do we live our highest values?