Beyond the Bema
A look inside Judaism from a convert’s perspective.
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Category: Spiritual
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Depression can make even the simplest acts feel impossible. Getting out of bed. Returning a text. Going to Synagogue. Jewish tradition understands the human spirit has what could be compared to as seasons. There is a time for singing, a time for silence, and a time when the only prayer we can offer is the…
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“It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your steadfast love in the morning and Your faithfulness at night.” (Psalm 92:2–3) Every week as the sun sets on Friday, Jew ish communities around the world prepare to welcome Shabbat — to bring in…
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Judaism has such a long and enduring tradition, and a community that has thrived for years. But we are human and it is common to experience loneliness or isolation in your journey. Feelings of isolation in Judaism can arise from many sources, like being a minority at work, school, feeling like an outsider to your…
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“The primary purpose of prayer is not to make requests. The primary purpose is to praise, to sing, to chant. Because the essence of prayer is a song, and man cannot live without a song. Prayer may not save us. But prayer may make us worthy of being saved.” — Abraham Joshua Heschel It’s easy…
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During Rosh Hashanah services, the Drash centered on a powerful metaphor from the Talmud: the reed and the cedar. The moment I heard it, I was hooked. This ancient imagery carries timeless lessons in resilience and humility—exactly the kind of wisdom I needed to usher in the new year. The metaphor contrasts two trees: the…
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This week we, as a Jewish community, are facing the remembrance of the First and Second Temples that fell in our homeland. There are so many drashes on this subject, but my Rabbi left me with something to think about Friday night. He, in a nutshell, challenged the congregation to move forward with simplicity. And…
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I just had abdominal surgery and am still of a limited diet. Tisha b’Av starts Saturday night. I can’t do a fast due to my limited diet and medical problems. Now, I remember as far back to my Intro to Judaism class that “we live by the rules, we don’t die by them”. Meaning if…
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I’m a pretty private person, so making this public endeavor is really special to me. I became Jewish on Sivan 22, 5785- which is June 17th, 2025. But let’s talk about what led up to that moment. I was a lost soul prior to truly finding Judaism. My Rabbi made a comment during his drash…
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First off, I had my Beit Din and Mikvah! The three rabbis on my Beit Din were three that I look up to and respect wholeheartedly for what they bring to the table in serving the Jewish community and how much each one of them have impacted me. The Mikvah was a transforming experience that…
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AI says that “In Judaism, a blessing, or berachah is a special type of prayer that acknowledges God’s presence and seeks to increase or draw down divine blessings. It’s a way to express gratitude and recognize God’s role in various aspects of life, from eating and drinking to experiencing natural events. Blessings are often recited…
Beyond the Bema 