#tefilla

How can it be more inclusive of others?  How can it bring you better programming?   How can Tefilla be more spiritual?  How can it make your lives easier?  What sort of things can they do to make your experiences more meaningful?  What is your relationship like with your clergy?

This is yet another incredible example of inclusion in the traditional Jewish world!  

If your gender does not allow for you to be called to the Torah as “ben” or “bat,” please check out these options from Machon Hadar!

I hope that everyone who wishes to participate in Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur has somewhere to go this year!    If your school doesn't have a Jewish presence (or a Jewish presence that you feel comfortable in), most Progressive Synagogues offer free tickets to college students! 

Hi there!

I personally prefer that we all refer to non-Jews as non-Jews.  Although the term ‘goy’ literally translated in the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) and Rabbinic literature as ‘nation,’ it tends to be used as a slur or microaggression against non-Jews. 

Jews are encouraged to talk to God if they feel that it would be spiritually fulfilling.  Several Progressive Jewish Synagogue’s actually insert moments for personal prayer and reflection into their worship services.

But that being said, Jewish liturgy is extremely important to the Jewish people because it is our tradition. (We are a tradition-based people) Beyond our typical weekday and Shabbat services (in the evening, morning, and afternoon), we have liturgical elements for all of our holidays, life cycle events, for learning, and for daily life.   

How did this tradition get started? (Sorry for paraphrasing Tevye so much ;) ) As with most Jewish traditions and practices, I turn to the Talmud.  In tractate brachot 26b, we learn two different interpretations as to why Jews pray three times per day.  According to one authority, they can be traced back to descriptions of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the book of Genesis.  According to a second authority, they correspond with the sacrifices in which the Kohanim (Ritual Priests) made in the Temple in Jerusalem.   I would argue that although the first opinion is cute and clever (I suggest clicking on the link above), the second opinion makes more sense historically.  When looking at our liturgy (throughout the year) carefully, it is clear that we base much of what we do on the Temple cult.   One of the greatest examples of this phenomenon is in the Avodah service during Yom Kippur where we literally recreate (using liturgy) many of the Yom Kippur rituals from the ancient period.

I hope that this helps!

If you have any other questions, please feel free to always reach out.

Hi there,

You absolutely can say the Sh’ma as much as you feel is necessary spiritually. 

If you really appreciate the connections between meditation, spirituality, God, prayer, Hebrew etc- I suggest learning a bit about Jewish Renewal practices and resources on Jewish meditation!

Enjoy your journey!

Hi there!

Observing what those around you do is totally acceptable!   I hope that you had or will have a chance to discuss what you experienced / will experience with a clergy person!

Feel free to message me if you would like to discuss!