Divrei Derech: Confirmation 5768

Rabbi Rick's Reading List

Michael Holzman: Still Small Voice: Reflections on Being a Jewish Man
I just started reading this study, but I'm already fascinated by Holzman's exploration of the role of men in Judaism and how that role has evolved in recent history.
A. J. Jacobs: The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible
Our next Book Group book. Fascinating, fun, thought-provoking. I'm really enjoying it. Reading Jacobs' adventures gives us a clear illustration of why the traditions of Rabbinic Judaism developed... living according to what the Bible actually says is not quite possible.
Lawrence A. Hoffman: Rethinking Synagogues: A New Vocabulary for Congregational Life
Rabbi Hoffman, together with Ron Wolfson, has helped examine Jewish life today and what engages us to synagogue participation. This work is a necessary read for all those dedicated to the future of Jewish life in America.
Maggie Anton: Rashi's Daughters, Book II: Miriam
Book two in the series by Maggie Anton continues the story of the daughters of Rav Salomon ben Isaac, one of the greatest Torah scholars in history who taught his daughters Torah.
Michael Krasny: Off Mike: A Memoir of Talk Radio and Literary Life
Krasny spoke at Beth Emek this evening (11.1.07) spoke about what led to this memoir and read a couple selections. Very interesting.
Ron Wolfson: God's To-do List: 103 Ways to Be an Angel and Do God's Work on Earth
I mentioned this one in my sermon about mitzvot. It's a good, practical look at how we can act positively in this world.
Michael Chabon: The Yiddish Policemen's Union: A Novel
I'm about a third into the book. I enjoyed Kavalier and Clay, but don't remember it being quite as bizarre as this one. Perhaps it's because he's attempting to write in '40's cheap detective style (a la Mickey Spillane or Dashiell Hammett). It's mildly engaging so far, but having gone through a serious period of immersing in this genre, I don't think he quite hits the mark. The premise is fascinating nonetheless: a post-Holocaust settlement in Alaskan territory instead of a succesful settlement of Israel... interesting.
Mary C. Boys & Sara S. Lee: Christians & Jews in Dialogue: Learning in the Presence of the Other
A scholarly look at interreligious dialogue from the perspective of a Catholic and a Jew who are highly involved in the endeavor and extremely knowledgeable.
Hella Winston: Unchosen : The Hidden Lives of Hasidic Rebels
An interesting examination of various ultra-Orthodox who have chosen to explore outside of their community and the lengths they have gone to satisfy their curiousity.

Rabbi Rick's Music List

Rabbi Joe Black: Aleph Bet Boogie
This is good music for kids. The kind of music that adult can enjoy listening to with their kids and not being reduced to infantile babbling.
Rabbi Joe Black: Sabbatical
Rabbi Black is a talented musician and thoughtful songwriter and we're blessed to have him come and play in our sukkah this year!
Julie Silver: It's Chanukah Time
Julie is one of my absolute favorite Jewish artists. Her voice is beautiful and sweet. She is a talented musician who writes consistently pleasant music. This album is a must in your Chanukah music collection!
Matisyahu: Youth
The latest by reggae/rap artist Matisyahu. If you're into reggae or rap you should check this out. It's certainly unique.
Mah Tovu: Only This
One of my favorite Jewish albums
The LeeVees: Hanukkah Rocks
The most fun Chanukah album I've listed to in a long time.
Matisyahu: Live at Stubb's
A combination of Reggae and Hip Hop from a practitioner of Chabad Judaism - need I say more!
Shehecheyanu
Beignet Yisrael: Four Jewish Doughnuts in New Orleans
A fun group of two cantors, a cantorial soloist and a rabbi from New Orleans. I hope there will be good reasons to sing Shehecheyanu in New Orleans soon.
When the Saints Go Marchin' In
Preservation Hall Jazz Band: Best of
On the wall in Preservation Hall is a sign that gives the cost of requests: $1 for Traditional songs, $2 for others and $5 for 'Saints.' Not because it's a bad song, quite the opposite. It's the most requested, classic Dixieland piece. I hope the sign is still there right now.
Shirat HaSticker
HaDag Nachash: Chomer M'komi
Probably Israel's most succesful foray into Hip-Hop, HaDag Nachash found an entertaining niche with the most famous of their songs--Shirat HaSticker, a conglomeration of phrases from bumper stickers in Israel.

I have to admit, each year as we approach the Confirmation service, the professional staff gets rather nervous about whether or not we’re going to get this whole thing to come together. This year was no exception. In fact, throughout the last couple months the schedule offered us very few classes and we were more worried than usual as to how well we would be able to perform.

With that in mind, I have to say how thrilled I was with our students as they led the service with poise and their D’var Torah was thoughtful, powerful and well presented.

I think it’s fair for me to be biased, as my eldest son was not only a member of the class, but the sole representative of the male variety. We won’t mention the names of his classmates who chose not to see it through to the end. I’ve known several of these kids since I first arrived at Beth Emek. I’ve enjoyed watching them grow up and appreciate their great enthusiasm. If anyone could have pulled this off, they could.

Today, Confirmation is evolving from its original form in Reform Judaism. It originally evolved in an attempt to do away with Bar Mitzvah as the final Jewish experience before marriage. It postponed saying goodbye to our students as long as possible at that time. Now, we encourage our kids to stay involved through high school and hopefully on into college without ever having to ‘take a break’ from Judaism before returning with their own families.

I hope these amazing students will continue active engagement in the Jewish community. I know the community will benefit from all they have to offer.