Purim 5782
3-14-22
Early Sunday morning we moved our clocks forward to Daylight Savings Time. We change our clocks to embrace more light to combat the darkness in the world. Light is a symbol of comfort, safety, joy, love, and hope. When we perform the ritual of Havdallah following Shabbat, we are taking in the last bit of the light of Shabbat. We say during this ritual “Lay’hudim Haytah Orah V’simchah V’sason Vikar (The Jews experienced light, joy, gladness, and honor.” We then add, “Ken Tih’yeh Lanu (So may it be for us).” We are always striving to find light. As Shabbat ends we hold on to the light to bring the peace and warmth of Shabbat into the rest of the week. This line of light, joy, gladness, and honor comes directly from Megillat Esther 8:16. In this story we learn of a plot to destroy the Jewish people. In order to overcome the plot of Haman, Esther must find in herself the light of courage and hope. This teaches us that even in the darkest of times, we can still find light. Esther found the light of courage through her cousin Mordechai and hope through her people. Though the darkness in the world can sometimes feel overwhelming, the light of joy, gladness, honor, and hope will always find a way to shine through. So it was for the Jews of Shushan in Megillat Esther. Ken Tih’yeh Lanu. So may it be for us.
Lay’hudim by Gil Ezring
©2022 Aviva Ezring and Gil Ezring
Sukkot 5779
9-27-18
This week we celebrate the holiday of Sukkot, the time of our joy, z’man simchateinu. How can we be joyful in a time when there is so much pain? This week I have heard stories of pain and tragedy from many men and women whom I know, love, and respect. Of course, all this pain makes it difficult to feel the joy we are commanded to feel. This morning while davening Hallel I was reminded of our need for righteousness and justice. Asking God to open the gates of righteousness and justice. So in response to all this I am sharing this melody for Pitchu Li. I pray that we receive the righteousness and justice to help bring us the joy we need for this time of year.
Pitchu Li by Gil Ezring
©2017 Aviva Ezring and Gil Ezring
Yamim Nora’im 5779
9-13-18
Shanah Tovah! As we say goodbye to Rosh Hashanah and look ahead toward Yom Kippur, we find ourselves reflecting on how we have behaved. On how we have treated others. Now is the time to make amends before we learn if we have been sealed in the Book of Life. We make amends not to God, but to each other. In the Torah, the word “V’ahavta” appears 3 times. First, “V’ahavta l’reiacha kamocha (You will love your neighbor as yourself)”. This is followed by “V’ahavta lageir kamocha (You will love the stranger as yourself)”. Finally we reach “V’ahavta et Adonai Eloheicha (You will love the Lord your God)”. This teaches us that before we can (or in order to) love God, we must first love those who are like us (our neighbors). We must then love the people who are not like us (the stranger). Only then, when we learn to love all other people, can we truly love God.
V’ahavta by AGEz
©2018 Aviva Ezring and Gil Ezring
Gil Ezring 