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Rabbi's Blog

the gates of tears are always open

1/6/2017

 
Dear Kol Tzedek Community,

Why do we cry?
When do we cry?
Why is it sometimes so hard to cry, and sometimes so hard to stop crying?

Jewish tradition teaches that even when prayer is impossible, the Gates of Tears are always open. This is often cited on Yom Kippur, when the heart pours out and words escape us. But it is true all year long. Not just for us, but for our mythic ancestors and biblical characters. 

This week's Torah portion Vayigash finds us in the middle of what some call the Joseph Novella. Joseph is the character, only second to Moses, who gets the most air time in all of Torah. His story becomes a microcosm for the ups and downs (both spiritually and literally) of one's life experiences. And it is full of tears. Seven times Joseph cries. A mentor in rabbinical school taught me that tears are prayers. If that is so, what are Joseph's tears coming to teach us? 

Tomorrow morning at Torah study we will explore Joseph's Tears, and the role of crying in our ancient texts, and ultimately in our own life.


Join us tomorrow, Saturday 1/7:
Torah Study at 10 am (Calvary basement classroom)
Family Service with Jessi at 10:30 (Chapel)
Community Meeting at 5 pm (with childcare and pizza!)


Shabbat Shalom to all!
May we all have a chance to truly exhale and feel refreshed.

Rabbi Ari Lev

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    Rabbi Ari Lev Fornari brings Torat Hayyim, a living tradition, to Kol Tzedek through thoughts about prayer, justice, and community. 

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Office & Mailing Address: 707 S 50th St, Philadelphia, PA 19143 
 General Questions: (267) 702-6187 or info@kol-tzedek.org
Shabbat & Holiday Services: Calvary Center for Culture & Community, 801 S 48th St, Philadelphia PA 19143
  • Spiritual Life
    • COVID Community Guidelines & Brit
    • Shabbat Links
    • Spiritual Care
    • Yahrzeits
    • Life Cycles
    • KT's Simcha Band
  • About
    • Purpose, Vision, & Priorities
    • Calendar
    • Staff
    • Community Resources
    • Black Lives Matter
    • Budget
    • Event Requests
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Contact Us
  • Membership
    • Become a Member
    • KT Community Brit
    • Get Involved
    • Member Login
    • Update Your Sustaining Share
  • Learning
    • Sha"tz Training Program
    • Torah School
    • Adult Learning
    • Members' Teachings
    • Rabbi's Blog
    • Rabbis' Sermons
    • The KT Library
  • Ways to Give
    • Donate
    • Sponsor an Oneg
    • Sponsor Captioning
    • Dedicate a Prayerbook
    • Friends of KT
    • 5783 L'chaim Campaign