Mishebeyrach

Last Updated on Sunday, 9 January 2011 02:59 Written by bryfy Friday, 7 January 2011 05:26

No words can describe this loss to the Jewish world – only music

Recently I was asked who the most influential American Jewish leader was in the contemporary era. Who is the Heschel of our time? I thought for a second and then answered Debbie Friedman. In my limited understanding of American Jewry perhaps no one else has transformed Jewish life and Jewish ritual more than any other person. I first saw Debbie perform at a CAJE conference shortly after arriving in the US from Australia. It was when I saw her perform, and saw the audience react to her and with her, I knew that I was witnessing a vibrant Jewish life that I had never previously been exposed to.

This Shabbat may our prayers go out to Debbie in her time of need.

The walk from “no” to “yes”

Last Updated on Thursday, 2 December 2010 08:01 Written by bryfy Thursday, 2 December 2010 07:58

By now those of you who know me know that I am a big fan of TED. As I watch these episodes (often on my ipPhone to and from my way to work) I find myself smiling to myself. Sometimes I have noticed people seeing me smile and wondering to themselves, “what is this guy smiling about so early in the morning.” What can I say? TED makes me smile. In 18 minutes or less someone shares an idea, makes a few jokes and inspires me – and then my mind begins to tick…

Yesterday I watched William Ury talk about the walk from “no” to “yes.” I don’t even want to pretend to be able to summarize his talk – but I did want to share it with you, particularly in this Hannukah season. So rather than share another animated Hannukah clip with you I wanted to leave you with this.  Ury’s talk has the capacity to shed light into the world and I urge you to watch this video and take some of your own footsteps in the path of Abraham.

Dixie Chicks and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs

Last Updated on Monday, 29 November 2010 07:56 Written by bryfy Monday, 29 November 2010 07:55

It’s been a while since I posted last so it must be something big that has brought me back into the blogosphere….

By now many of you may have already read the New York Times November 19, 2010, article: Bar Mitzvah Studies Take to the Web

You may in fact be one of the 61 people to have commented on that article. Or you may have already been drawn into another person’s blog on the topic including: The Fifth Child, Next Level Jewish Education, Cantor’s Canvas

It appears that this article has struck a nerve – people (that would be Jews, are really taking notice of this one)

Interesting given that in recent months similar themed articles have appeared in many Jewish Press Outlets and raised barely a tweet.

What is it about this New York Times article that appears to have raised such consternation?