When we live within that love... - Daily Minyan Reading - June 17, 2025

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The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah

Original reading

June 17, 2025

Eternal God, 

Our Creator and Sustainer, 

We move through each day, 

Seeking to fashion our path 

As a reflection of the intricacies of this world

That we behold and encounter with wonder. 

You have given us the ability to transform

Our amazement into love,

Founded not only within our well-being, 

But expanding towards our brothers and sisters

In the human family 

And extending to the isolated corners of 

Our planet and the cosmos. 

When we live within that love, 

Hatred falls away. 

Power over others loses its meaning. 

Cooperation and partnership become an obvious choice. 

A desire for deep connection takes hold of our souls

So that, even with eyes closed, we find our place

In the midst of Your Oneness

Where we can do nothing 

Other than 

become one with You

With our people

With all people

Dwelling under

the everlasting shelter of Your peace. 

On this ordination anniversary June 6, 2025

On this ordination anniversary 

Two score and four years.

“Authorized and licensed

To perform all rabbinical functions

in the name of God 

and (the people) Israel.”

Years filled with 

Learning

Service

Growth 

Teaching

Growing others

Connecting within a community

Building bridges to other communities 

Fashioning new narratives 

And commentary 

Out of a humbly-received heritage. 

Partnering within family

And with leaders of all ages

To make memorable moments of meaning. 

Capturing images 

Of gatherings and celebrations

Facilitating the sharing of song

With talented vocalists 

and skilled instrumentalists

And, unexpectedly raising up from within myself

Personal expressions 

in the form of lyrics and melody 

Joining with fellow travelers 

On the road to acceptance and justice

To stand for freedom

And to face down unnecessary hatred

That sometimes resulted in tragedy

Calling for collective mourning 

And for the ongoing renewal of hope. 

And now

Learning, teaching, growing, serving, creating 

Continue in a steady flow

Founded upon a foundation of 

A tradition that calls on each of us 

Not to give up on love 

And not to stop searching for peace. 

May the One who keeps us alive, 

Sustains us, 

And brings us to this day, 

Be our companion 

As we walk forward 

Along this precious and holy path.

Bridge-builders (for Sarah Milgrim) - May 27, 2025

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The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah

Original reading

May 27, 2025

(Composed following the funeral for Sarah Milgrim) 

Creator and Sustainer of us all:

Sometimes we are inconsiderate. 

Help us to be generous in our spirit towards others. 

Sometimes we destroy what should be preserved. 

Lead us to pursue and promote restoration. 

Sometimes we sabotage once-strong and positive relationships.

Teach us to be bridge-builders, even across our divisions. 

Sometimes we miss all that we have in common. 

Shine a light on what unites us. 

Sometimes we fail to appreciate 

the past and present kindnesses that we have received. 

When we remember to be thankful, 

Guide us to show our gratitude. 

Sometimes our opinions become so narrow

That there is no possibility for us to be cooperative. 

Renew our openness towards new ideas

And return us to the ways of compromise

As a demonstration of our perseverance and strength. 

As You have given us wisdom in Your love,

May we show our love for You, Eternal One, 

With all of our heart and soul.

Guide us through Difficult Days - Daily Minyan Reading - May 19, 2025

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The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah

Original reading

May 19, 2025

Creator of the Universe,

Sustainer of the cycles of nature, 

Companion along the path of our lives, 

Guide us through difficult days. 

Celebrate with us in moments of personal achievement. 

Stand by us when the narrow vision of the few 

undermines the well-being of the many. 

Inspire us to rise up when we recognize

An increasing lack of respect for 

The accumulation of knowledge

And the application of wisdom. 

Remind us that revelation can include 

Our ever-growing insight into the workings of creation

And deeper understanding of 

the mysteries and wonders of our very existence.

Open our hearts to discover the meanings

Embodied within our experiences 

As we seek to infuse every moment

With hope, with love, and with peace. 

Bless us all within Your Oneness

As we strive to be one. 

Choosing - May 13, 2025

I believe I am a member of a choosing people, not a chosen people.  My choice is to provide for  all people what my ancestors often did not experience:  acceptance, dignity, equality, and a possible place in whatever circle of salvation might exist.  This is not supremacy, by any means, at least, in my view and my practice.

Invocation - Clay County MO commission meeting - May 15, 2025

Invocation

Clay County, MO Commission meeting 

May 15, 2025

Eternal One, 

Creator and Sustainer of us all, 

Source of wisdom,

Guide us as we consider our role

In fostering positive connections within our community.

Enable us to present our views with clarity

So that understanding will come with ease. 

Guide us to engage in productive discussion

And in effective decision-making 

That will lead to greater cooperation and progress. 

Enlarge our vision 

In a way that will enhance our ability 

to recognize and address the multi-faceted needs of citizens 

Beginning here in this county. 

Keep us mindful 

that we are part of a nation and a world

That beckons us to step forward

To offer help and hope

In times of uncertainty

And celebration 

In moments of shared success and achievement

And we say Amen.

Reflected in our eyes - Daily Minyan Reading - May 12, 2025

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The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah

Original reading

May 12, 2025

Eternal Presence,

Reflected in our eyes,

Suffusing our souls,

Flowing through all of creation,

Train us to be godly in the way we look at the world,

In our consideration of every creature and creation, 

And in the way we view our fellow human beings. 

Enable us to see that what is on the outside

Of citizens of this planet

conceals the essential equality 

That unites us as one family.

Restore our vision so that we will understand

That the deep connections that bind us together

Are the part of You that resides within us.

Remind us that our lives are a tribute to You,

And a testimony to Your Oneness 

That we must never deny or forget.  

And so, we declare You One, once again, .

In hope and in love.