Comments for Tikvat Israel Blog http://tikvatisrael.org/blog Tikvat Israel, a Conservative Congregation in Rockville, Maryland. Sat, 06 Sep 2008 16:56:52 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 Comment on Books, books, books… by Mary Meyerson http://tikvatisrael.org/blog/archives/82#comment-8036 Mary Meyerson Sun, 29 Jun 2008 19:19:10 +0000 http://tikvatisrael.org/blog/?p=82#comment-8036 It WAS a lot of fun -- thanks to Nancy for organizing us! I'm always struck by how the "little bit" that each of us contributes (time, money, or books!) can be combined with others' "little bits" to make a significant difference in the lives of others. It WAS a lot of fun — thanks to Nancy for organizing us! I’m always struck by how the “little bit” that each of us contributes (time, money, or books!) can be combined with others’ “little bits” to make a significant difference in the lives of others.

]]> Comment on Kabbalat Shabbat Services with Instruments by Nancy Matheson http://tikvatisrael.org/blog/archives/81#comment-7917 Nancy Matheson Mon, 16 Jun 2008 22:02:15 +0000 http://tikvatisrael.org/blog/?p=81#comment-7917 Kabbalat Shabbat with Instruments was also a very spiritual and uplifting service for our family. My thoughts about last month's service were captured by a comment from another congregant who described how many cantors 'perform' but ours leads us in prayer. During last month's service, the cantor, accompanied by three wonderful musicians, seemed to be "living" the prayers and songs designed to welcome in Shabbat as she led us through the service and that feeling enveloped the rest of us. We also hope to make this service part of our regular Shabbat routine, and would encourage others to give the service a try! Kabbalat Shabbat with Instruments was also a very spiritual and uplifting service for our family. My thoughts about last month’s service were captured by a comment from another congregant who described how many cantors ‘perform’ but ours leads us in prayer. During last month’s service, the cantor, accompanied by three wonderful musicians, seemed to be “living” the prayers and songs designed to welcome in Shabbat as she led us through the service and that feeling enveloped the rest of us. We also hope to make this service part of our regular Shabbat routine, and would encourage others to give the service a try!

]]> Comment on “Goals for a Conservative Jew” by Vivian Liebenson http://tikvatisrael.org/blog/archives/80#comment-7822 Vivian Liebenson Fri, 06 Jun 2008 16:56:52 +0000 http://tikvatisrael.org/blog/?p=80#comment-7822 ">> seeks a lifestyle which is Jewish, with adjustments to secularity; not a secular lifestyle giving occasional recognition to Jewish origins >> is in the process, however slowly, of becoming a practicing, observant Jew." These 2 resonate the most for me. They are sort of like the dieting strategy of not letting one fattening snack destroy your self-control. It is difficult to become more observant than you were brought up while living and working in a secular world. I feel like these 2 statements give us the permission to pause and get back on track when the demands of a secular society pull us off course, assuming our ultimate goal is one of observance. Not quite as clear on "who rejects the identification of change with progress" - change is not progress? Not all progress is good change? Curious what others have to say on this. “>> seeks a lifestyle which is Jewish, with adjustments to secularity; not a secular lifestyle giving occasional recognition to Jewish origins

>> is in the process, however slowly, of becoming a practicing, observant Jew.”

These 2 resonate the most for me. They are sort of like the dieting strategy of not letting one fattening snack destroy your self-control. It is difficult to become more observant than you were brought up while living and working in a secular world. I feel like these 2 statements give us the permission to pause and get back on track when the demands of a secular society pull us off course, assuming our ultimate goal is one of observance.

Not quite as clear on “who rejects the identification of change with progress” - change is not progress? Not all progress is good change? Curious what others have to say on this.

]]> Comment on Shabbat at Congregation Temple Beth’El by Emmanuel Evans http://tikvatisrael.org/blog/archives/47#comment-7794 Emmanuel Evans Wed, 04 Jun 2008 13:17:54 +0000 http://tikvatisrael.org/blog/archives/47#comment-7794 Shalom Everyone!!! I am too a young member of Congregation Temple Beth'El. First and formost I want make it clear that having Tikvat Israel as guess at our shul was an extraordinary experience. Eventhough there was guess at our shul we were able to show different people from different ethnics and backgrounds how we worship at C.T.B. Be certain that if you don't know how to worship Elohim with your whole heart, be sure you will know how when you come to Congregation Temple Beth' El. Peace & Blessings to all!!!!!! Shalom Everyone!!! I am too a young member of Congregation Temple Beth’El. First and formost I want make it clear that having Tikvat Israel as guess at our shul was an extraordinary experience. Eventhough there was guess at our shul we were able to show different people from different ethnics and backgrounds how we worship at C.T.B. Be certain that if you don’t know how to worship Elohim with your whole heart, be sure you will know how when you come to Congregation Temple Beth’ El. Peace & Blessings to all!!!!!!

]]> Comment on Pesach cleaning by Becky http://tikvatisrael.org/blog/archives/69#comment-6474 Becky Mon, 21 Apr 2008 03:26:13 +0000 http://tikvatisrael.org/blog/?p=69#comment-6474 I wash out all the kitchen cabinets, store the chometz in the basement, clean the toasteroven, microwave and fridge. I won't win any observance awards but I make an effort so it is obvious to those around me that it still matters to me. I find myself the standard bearer for Judaism in my household and I have to tread carefully or I will lose them totally. I work full time and I must admit Passover prep gets harder and harder as I and my parents age. I will hang in there every year, but it is not easy. I wash out all the kitchen cabinets, store the chometz in the basement, clean the toasteroven, microwave and fridge. I won’t win any observance awards but I make an effort so it is obvious to those around me that it still matters to me. I find myself the standard bearer for Judaism in my household and I have to tread carefully or I will lose them totally. I work full time and I must admit Passover prep gets harder and harder as I and my parents age. I will hang in there every year, but it is not easy.

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