Teshuva
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I have lived much of my life as if I was a floating head. By which I mean, my default tendency is to intellectualize everything, to the point of at times more or less ignoring the fact that I have a body. I mostly got away with leading with my head, because it usually worked…
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There is a place called the Everest Hotel. From the name you might think it is located in the Himalayas, or another exotic mountain location. In actuality, this Everest Hotel is a fairly nondescript hotel and conference center, with meeting rooms and a space to host gatherings. It is located in a town called Beit…
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Kol Nidre 5781 Contrary to what many people expect, when I tell them I grew up in Texas, I historically would not consider myself particularly outdoorsy. In fact, when most people hear about my Texas upbringing, I am met with a mix of surprise and disappointment. I don’t have an accent. I have somehow managed…
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(Lo Tirtzach/Thou Shalt Not Murder art by Rachel Stone) Rosh Hashanah, II Tishrei, 5781 Long, long ago, in the days before COVID, we used to do things like see movies in crowded theaters. A few years ago, I went with my family to see a movie. I don’t remember which one it was, but it…
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22 Elul, 5780 / September 11, 2020 Rabbi Hayyim of Zans [19th cent.] told a parable: A man had been wandering about in a forest for several days, not knowing which was the right way out. Suddenly he saw a man approaching him. His heart was filled with joy. “Now I shall certainly find out…