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This morning has been so beautiful. And an example of life imitating art. The prophet Isaiah talks about a great light shining. Ari and Zoe talked about that light. And they embody that light. Our bride and groom, Beth and Adam, and their parents Marlene and Errol, may he rest in peace, and Cindy and Jon, embody that light. We know what to do with this light and this simcha: savor it, feel it deeply, do not let it go unappreciated.
This morning reminds me of a conversation I recently had with a good friend I have known for over forty years. We were at a wedding in Lakewood, New Jersey, after the chuppah, before dinner. We were sharing a scotch and reflecting on one curious aspect of the human condition. Both of us are in our early 60s. He said I have so much good in my life. So much joy and blessing. And, I also have a lot of sorrows, problems that do not have solutions, pain that just is and must be borne. I know what to do with the joy, he said. But I always wonder: what am I supposed to do with the sorrows?
What are we supposed to do with our sorrows? Other than doing our best to not let our sorrows derail our life, is there some helpful way to think about how to handle our sorrows?
Last week, I came across a fascinating article in the New York Times Magazine. Kim Tingley, in her article “‘Nature’s Swiss Army Knife’: What can we Learn from Venom ?” writes about the incredible potential of highly toxic reptile and insect venom to provide pharmaceutical miracles. It turns out...
Published 11/23/24
Dear friends,
There is a fascinating paradox in our Torah reading this week.
On the one hand, we've spent these last weeks reading about the trials and tribulations of our ancestors. In our Talmud class, we've discussed how loss, trauma, and pain shape their lives. We've seen how they suffer...
Published 11/23/24
What does Naftali Herstik, a pre-eminent cantor at the Great Synagogue in Jerusalem for 30 years, have in common with Bobby Allison, who was one of the greatest race car drivers in American history, who won 85 NASCAR races over 30 years? One is an all-time great cantor. The other is an all-time...
Published 11/16/24