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HaMadrich - Weekly Guide to Emeth
Torah reading: Parshat Ki Tavo
Devarim/Deuteronomy
26:1-29:8
18 Elul 5770
August 27-28, 2010
As we do the work of preparing ourselves for the High Holy Days, we must reflect on our relationships with others, especially those from whom we must seek forgiveness and to forgive others. One way of being open to repairing relationships is to recognize their inherent goodness. This prayer comes from Rebbe Nachman, the grandson of the Baal Shem-Tov who founded Hasidism:
Teach me to search for the fine qualities in others,
to recognize their immeasurable worth.
Teach me to cultivate a love for all Your children,
for no one, no one is without redeeming value.
Let the good in me connect with the good in others,
until all the world is transformed through the compelling power of love.
Rabbi Debbie Israel
Congregation Emeth
408-778-8200
rabbidebbieisrael@gmail.com
Hebrew Word(s) of the Week
Selicha - sorry! When you bump someone, you say, "selicha," shorthand for "excuse me, I'm so sorry." Selicha is of course also the word we use during the High Holy Day season when we ask for forgiveness. The prayers asking for forgiveness are call Selichot, plural of selicha.
Our growing Emeth Dictionary:
- shalom - hello, goodbye, peace
- l’hitraot - until we see each other again
- po – here
- sham – there
- todah – thank you; todah rabbah – thank you very much!
- boker (bow-care) tov (long o) – Good morning!
- erev (eh-rehv) tov – Good evening!
- lilah (lie-lah) tov – Good night!
- mah? – What?
- zeh – that
- Mah zeh? – What’s that?
- Chaver (m), chaverah (f) - friend, member
Try to practice these words during the week! Todah rabbah and l’hitraot!
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Photo courtesy of the Van Zantes, Santa Cruz
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Rabbi Debbie Israel is beginning her fourth year as spiritual leader of Congregation Emeth. She received her smicha (Rabbinic ordination) from the Academy for Jewish Religion (AJR-CA) in Los Angeles, a transdenominational Rabbinic school that trains its students to serve all Jews and Jewish movements.
In addition to her rabbinic knowledge and training, Rabbi Debbie has an extensive understanding of the synagogue, expertise working with volunteers, and a lifetime career as a Jewish educator. As a professional and as a volunteer, she served in many Jewish institutions, including being president of her 500-member synagogue, Congregation Brith Shalom in Houston, Texas. Prior to entering Rabbinical school, she was Regional Director of Jewish Women International and co-publisher, managing editor and writer of Noah’s Ark, an international newspaper for Jewish children, which had over a million readers.
She has received many honors and awards, including: “Outstanding Alumnus” (B’nai B’rith Girls National Award); “Distinguished Service to Jewish Education” (the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Houston); and “Rising Star Award for Outstanding Volunteer Achievement” (B’nai B’rith Women International).
Rabbi Israel can be reached by email. Click here to go to our contact page.
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