Podcasts about synagogues

“Do Jewish prayer services nurture us… or narrow us?”— Dr Elliot MalametThis is the first episode in a series of special Living Jewishly podcast episodes that will take a deeper look at the Jewish holidays. As we approach Rosh Hashanah, Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur, the day of atonement, many of us will celebrate the high holidays by attending synagogue or shul.However, particularly for young Jews not religiously oriented in the traditional sense, there is an increasing disconnect to synagogue life, institutional ritual, and liturgy.With shul attendance also affected by Covid-19, communities have been further distanced by digital spaces.  This episode explores our emotional, spiritual, and social relationship with — and connection to — synagogue structures and prayer services during the high holidays. In a series of illuminating interviews with members of the Jewish community, traditional and modern approaches to the language and practice of prayer are discussed in relation to virtual engagement, the campfire community, and how we connect in a changing world.“The act of prayer is an act of commission and omission. It has to be both, and you have to engage and disengage at the same time.”— Rabbi Yossi SabermanThis‌ ‌episode discusses:‌ ‌What millennial Jews think about synagogue life — and what they would change about prayer services and texts Working with sacred texts — the tension between humanism and the sacred in prayer language How the practice of non-traditional prayer, such as social justice activism as a form of holy work and divine communication, can be secular or complement institutional ritual  ‌  Highlights:‌ ‌00:51  Introduction02:02  Ruth Chitiz & changes to prayer06:11  Noah Tile & identity07:49  Jenny Young & inclusion10:04  Divine connection in Judaism v. Christianity12:24  Sam Venis & interpreting tradition   15:18  Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz & maintaining mission 17:19  Synagogue infrastructure: Connection & relationships  19:30  Social justice activism as prayer  20:54  Rituals as reflection23:40  Yom Kippur: Navigating affirmation & judgement27:19  Dr Zindel Segal & prayer meditation30:08  Prayer mindfulness34:09  Lisa Morrison & prayer in the pandemic36:24  Rabbi Yossi Saberman & listening to yourself38:30  Prayer language46:11  Covid-19 & structural changes47:07  Menachem Feuer & virtual communities48:40  Rabbi Yossi Saberman & post-pandemic shul52:21  Social connection55:08  Dynamic synagogue59:17  Recap & community challengesLinks:‌ ‌ To get in contact or learn more about Living Jewishly:  Visit‌ ‌our ‌website: https://livingjewishly.org  Follow us on Instagram: @living.jewishly  Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO2YEegjapKpQeXG6zh6tzw   or send us an email at hello@livingjewishly.org.    Shalom!

In this week's Security Sprint, Dave, Andy and Jen cover the following topics: Casino, Ransomware Washington Post Cybersecurity 202 - What's behind recent hacks of casinos?  Tactics of MGM-Caesars attackers were known for several months. High-profile cyberattacks will be talk of tribal technology conference this week. Very good perspective and tips from social engineering SME, Rachel Tobac, on LinkedIn BlackCat/ALPHV reportedly encrypted more than 100 MGM ESXi hypervisors Hackers tied to Las Vegas attacks known for sweet-talking their way into company systems The chaotic and cinematic MGM casino hack, explained MGM wrestling with fallout from days-long apparent cyberattack Two Vegas casinos fell victim to cyberattacks, shattering the image of impenetrable casino security Ransomware Resources! UK NCSC: Ransomware, extortion and the cyber crime ecosystem.   Weatherman Segment. Nipah virus outbreak. https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/14/india/kerala-nipah-virus-india-outbreak-intl-hnk/index.html Libya flooding. https://apnews.com/article/libya-floods-derna-storm-daniel-mass-graves-72307547f3e0ff4fbf715a7f64c69383 Homeland Threat Assessment. DHS Continues to See High Risk of Foreign and Domestic Terrorism in 2024 Homeland Threat Assessment. Annual Threat Assessment to Replace Regular NTAS Bulletins and Provide the Public and our Partners with More Comprehensive Analysis of Most Pressing Threats and Challenges.  HS Today: Homeland Threat Assessment Says Violent Extremists Are Improving Online Materials, Information Sharing, and Collaboration Cybersecurity 202 - DHS warns about 2024's cyberthreats WaterISAC - H2O Surging Towards Safety & Security. 2023 Sponsorship Prospectus.   Quick Hits: Faith Based Security: FB-ISAO Newsletter, v5, Issue 9 At least 49 synagogues have been evacuated due to bomb threats in the last 2 months. Next up, the High Holidays. Ahead of High Holidays, US Jewish leaders stress need for security vigilance as antisemitism surges Synagogues are doing active shooter training amid rise in antisemitism On Telegram, Accelerationist Group Claims Responsibility For Calling In Bomb Threats To Synagogues, Black Churches, LGBTQ+ Bar, Vows To Continue 'Swatting' Activities; Posts Livestreams Of Religious Services Online As They Call In Threats Altoona man with swastika tattoo charged for taping razor blade on church handrails, police say ‘Unacceptable': North Shore church, crosswalk defaced amid rash of anti-LGTBQ vandalism across city Third Buddhist temple break-in in just weeks Man slugged unconscious outside mosque in Long Island City: NYPD MIAMI JEWISH SCHOOL EVACUATED OVER BOMB THREAT Experts: Hatred links Jacksonville shooting, antisemitic displays in Central Florida Athens neighborhood targeted by anti-Semitic flyers NSA, FBI, and CISA Release Cybersecurity Information Sheet on Deepfake Threats CISA: Vulnerability Scanning for Water Utilities FBI PSA - Violent Online Groups Extort Minors to Self-Harm and Produce Child Sexual Abuse Material CISA Releases its Open Source Software Security Roadmap White House urging dozens of countries to publicly commit to not pay ransoms The world just sweltered through its hottest August on record; Both hemispheres saw record-warm seasons. Identity of NSA hacker behind cyberattack on China's leading aviation university identified; to be disclosed in due course China blacklists US defence companies over Taiwan arms sales US to revamp its aerospace forces as it faces China threat Speculation grows over whereabouts of China's Defense Minister Li Shangfu   Automotive Security: Stolen Auto Accounts: The $2 Price Tag on Your Car's Identity Nearly 15,000 accounts raided at automaker sites to harvest vehicle IDs, report says Car Hackers Are Out for Blood EU to probe ‘flood' of cheap Chinese electric vehicles, sparking trade war fears Have a SAFE ride – Cyber Threats in the Automotive Sector  

Second Baptist Church - Houston, TX | In chapter 3, Mark convincingly shows the extent and expansiveness of Jesus' authority: on the earth, over the earth, and in heaven: specifically, over the Sabbath, Synagogue, & Sanhedrin; over the Spirits and Satan; and over Sin and Salvation. 

Rabbi Rebecca Schatz's Rosh Hashanah Sermon at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, September 17, 2023. (Youtube)

Rabbi Adam Kligfeld's Erev Rosh Hashanah Sermon at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, September 15, 2023. (Youtube)

Rabbi-Cantor Hillary Chorny's Rosh Hashanah Sermon at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, September 16, 2023. (Youtube)

Rabbi Adam Kligfeld's Rosh Hashanah Sermon at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, September 16, 2023. (Youtube)

Vermont's oldest synagogue has been sold — and its new owner plans to turn it into a food hall and apartments. The nearly 140-year-old brick synagogue in Burlington's Old North End served as an important center for the city's Jewish community for decades. Now deteriorating physically, with its congregation mostly dwindled away, it has been sold to an entrepreneur who plans to redevelop the building.Host Sam Gale Rosen toured the historic building with the new owner and visited the nearby, newer synagogue that has now acquired many of the historic artifacts from the older location.On this episode of The Deeper Dig, we talk about the history at play, what's planned for the building and what happens when a space for spirituality becomes something else.

It's been one whole year since we stood before the open gates and prayed our way through the High Holy Days. Rabbi-Cantor Hillary Chorney reawakens the melodies that permeate the season, from the oldest nostalgic tunes to TBA specials and favorites. (Zoom) www.tbala.org

There are certain moments in history when everything changes. We all just lived through one of these world-changing times with the recent pandemic. On 9/11, we commemorate another day that profoundly changed our reality. The rabbis of the Talmud were likewise living through a major paradigm shift, trying to figure out how to live in a world without the Great Temple that had long been the center of Jewish life. Their response to the great catastrophe of their time can help us reflect more deeply on how we are responding to the calamities of our own age. This program was presented by Rabbi David Kasher, Director of HADAR West Coast, at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, on September 11, 2023, as part of TBA's Elul Learning series. (Zoom) www.tbala.org Special Guest: Rabbi David Kasher.

Rabbi Avi Havivi's siddur class at Temple Beth Am Los Angeles and via Zoom - September 12, 2023. Special Guest: Rabbi Avi Havivi.

Rabbi Danny Landes' special presentation at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, September 10, 2023. Rav Daniel Landes, born and raised in Chicago, attended the Jewish schools founded by his grandfather, Rav Menachem Sacks – The Menachem Tziyon. Following ordination from Rav J. B. Soloveitchik at Yeshiva University, he was a founding faculty member both at Yeshiva of Los Angeles teaching Talmud, as well as at its sister institution, The Simon Wiesenthal Center, as Director of Educational Projects. At the same time, he became Associate Professor of Jewish Law at Loyola Law School and Rabbi of the B'nai David Congregation, which he developed into a center for Orthodox halakhic innovation, social action, and spirituality. He made Aliyah with his family in 1995 to head the Pardes Institute, which he brought to a level of prominence through instituting its Educators Program, Kollel, and Seminars for lay people. After bestowing Orthodox Semikhah (ordination) to a number of outstanding men and women in 2016, he founded Yashrut in 2018. Yashrut offers Semikhah , as well as its Classic Talmud Program. Rabbi Landes is introduced by Rabbi Elliot Dorff. (Zoom) Special Guest: Rabbi Danny Landis.

Rabbinic Intern Ben Sigal's Shabbat Learning at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, September 9, 2023. (Youtube/Zoom) Special Guest: Ben Sigal.

Rabbi Matt Shapiro's (early) High Holiday Sermon at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, September 10, 2023. (Youtube) Special Guest: Rabbi Matt Shapiro.

Rabbi Adam Kligfeld offers up short bursts of meditation infused with imagery, wisdom, and the rhythms of our Jewish calendar, including selected verses from the Torah. Many of these meditations are performed in sitting positions; some standing. Simply find yourself a comfortable space and let Rabbi Kligfeld's voice and direction guide you into a world of serenity and tranquility.

#Israel: Threat to bomb a synagogue. Yoni Ben Menachem is a senior Middle East analyst for the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs. He is a veteran Arab affairs and diplomatic commentator for Israel Radio and Television, and served as Director General and Chief Editor of the Israel Broadcasting Authority. Malcolm Hoenlein @Conf_of_pres @mhoenlein1 https://jcpa.org/hizbullahs-increased-activity-among-arab-israelis-intensifies-the-security-risks-israel-faces/ https://www.timesofisrael.com/shin-bet-4-israelis-arrested-as-part-of-hezbollah-weapons-smuggling-ring/ https://jcpa.org/the-survival-of-the-pa-despite-the-failure-of-the-oslo-accords/ 1911 Kyiv

Rabbi Rebecca Schatz examines different elements of the High Holidays as well as Elul and how we have shifted those rituals into modern-day life, or how we might do so. From Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, September 7, 2023. (Zoom) www.tbala.org

Psalms and Wisdom: Psalm 35 Psalm 35 (Listen) Great Is the Lord Of David. 35   Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me;    fight against those who fight against me!2   Take hold of shield and buckler    and rise for my help!3   Draw the spear and javelin1    against my pursuers!  Say to my soul,    “I am your salvation!” 4   Let them be put to shame and dishonor    who seek after my life!  Let them be turned back and disappointed    who devise evil against me!5   Let them be like chaff before the wind,    with the angel of the LORD driving them away!6   Let their way be dark and slippery,    with the angel of the LORD pursuing them! 7   For without cause they hid their net for me;    without cause they dug a pit for my life.28   Let destruction come upon him when he does not know it!  And let the net that he hid ensnare him;    let him fall into it—to his destruction! 9   Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD,    exulting in his salvation.10   All my bones shall say,    “O LORD, who is like you,  delivering the poor    from him who is too strong for him,    the poor and needy from him who robs him?” 11   Malicious3 witnesses rise up;    they ask me of things that I do not know.12   They repay me evil for good;    my soul is bereft.413   But I, when they were sick—    I wore sackcloth;    I afflicted myself with fasting;  I prayed with head bowed5 on my chest.14     I went about as though I grieved for my friend or my brother;  as one who laments his mother,    I bowed down in mourning. 15   But at my stumbling they rejoiced and gathered;    they gathered together against me;  wretches whom I did not know    tore at me without ceasing;16   like profane mockers at a feast,6    they gnash at me with their teeth. 17   How long, O Lord, will you look on?    Rescue me from their destruction,    my precious life from the lions!18   I will thank you in the great congregation;    in the mighty throng I will praise you. 19   Let not those rejoice over me    who are wrongfully my foes,  and let not those wink the eye    who hate me without cause.20   For they do not speak peace,    but against those who are quiet in the land    they devise words of deceit.21   They open wide their mouths against me;    they say, “Aha, Aha!    Our eyes have seen it!” 22   You have seen, O LORD; be not silent!    O Lord, be not far from me!23   Awake and rouse yourself for my vindication,    for my cause, my God and my Lord!24   Vindicate me, O LORD, my God,    according to your righteousness,    and let them not rejoice over me!25   Let them not say in their hearts,    “Aha, our heart's desire!”  Let them not say, “We have swallowed him up.” 26   Let them be put to shame and disappointed altogether    who rejoice at my calamity!  Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor    who magnify themselves against me! 27   Let those who delight in my righteousness    shout for joy and be glad    and say evermore,  “Great is the LORD,    who delights in the welfare of his servant!”28   Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness    and of your praise all the day long. Footnotes [1] 35:3 Or and close the way [2] 35:7 The word pit is transposed from the preceding line; Hebrew For without cause they hid the pit of their net for me; without cause they dug for my life [3] 35:11 Or Violent [4] 35:12 Hebrew it is bereavement to my soul [5] 35:13 Or my prayer shall turn back [6] 35:16 The meaning of the Hebrew phrase is uncertain (ESV) Pentateuch and History: 1 Samuel 26 1 Samuel 26 (Listen) David Spares Saul Again 26 Then the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah, saying, “Is not David hiding himself on the hill of Hachilah, which is on the east of Jeshimon?” 2 So Saul arose and went down to the wilderness of Ziph with three thousand chosen men of Israel to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph. 3 And Saul encamped on the hill of Hachilah, which is beside the road on the east of Jeshimon. But David remained in the wilderness. When he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness, 4 David sent out spies and learned that Saul had indeed come. 5 Then David rose and came to the place where Saul had encamped. And David saw the place where Saul lay, with Abner the son of Ner, the commander of his army. Saul was lying within the encampment, while the army was encamped around him. 6 Then David said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Joab's brother Abishai the son of Zeruiah, “Who will go down with me into the camp to Saul?” And Abishai said, “I will go down with you.” 7 So David and Abishai went to the army by night. And there lay Saul sleeping within the encampment, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head, and Abner and the army lay around him. 8 Then Abishai said to David, “God has given your enemy into your hand this day. Now please let me pin him to the earth with one stroke of the spear, and I will not strike him twice.” 9 But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can put out his hand against the LORD's anointed and be guiltless?” 10 And David said, “As the LORD lives, the LORD will strike him, or his day will come to die, or he will go down into battle and perish. 11 The LORD forbid that I should put out my hand against the LORD's anointed. But take now the spear that is at his head and the jar of water, and let us go.” 12 So David took the spear and the jar of water from Saul's head, and they went away. No man saw it or knew it, nor did any awake, for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen upon them. 13 Then David went over to the other side and stood far off on the top of the hill, with a great space between them. 14 And David called to the army, and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, “Will you not answer, Abner?” Then Abner answered, “Who are you who calls to the king?” 15 And David said to Abner, “Are you not a man? Who is like you in Israel? Why then have you not kept watch over your lord the king? For one of the people came in to destroy the king your lord. 16 This thing that you have done is not good. As the LORD lives, you deserve to die, because you have not kept watch over your lord, the LORD's anointed. And now see where the king's spear is and the jar of water that was at his head.” 17 Saul recognized David's voice and said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” And David said, “It is my voice, my lord, O king.” 18 And he said, “Why does my lord pursue after his servant? For what have I done? What evil is on my hands? 19 Now therefore let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If it is the LORD who has stirred you up against me, may he accept an offering, but if it is men, may they be cursed before the LORD, for they have driven me out this day that I should have no share in the heritage of the LORD, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.' 20 Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth away from the presence of the LORD, for the king of Israel has come out to seek a single flea like one who hunts a partridge in the mountains.” 21 Then Saul said, “I have sinned. Return, my son David, for I will no more do you harm, because my life was precious in your eyes this day. Behold, I have acted foolishly, and have made a great mistake.” 22 And David answered and said, “Here is the spear, O king! Let one of the young men come over and take it. 23 The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness, for the LORD gave you into my hand today, and I would not put out my hand against the LORD's anointed. 24 Behold, as your life was precious this day in my sight, so may my life be precious in the sight of the LORD, and may he deliver me out of all tribulation.” 25 Then Saul said to David, “Blessed be you, my son David! You will do many things and will succeed in them.” So David went his way, and Saul returned to his place. (ESV) Chronicles and Prophets: Daniel 7 Daniel 7 (Listen) Daniel's Vision of the Four Beasts 7 In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel saw a dream and visions of his head as he lay in his bed. Then he wrote down the dream and told the sum of the matter. 2 Daniel declared,1 “I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea. 3 And four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another. 4 The first was like a lion and had eagles' wings. Then as I looked its wings were plucked off, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man, and the mind of a man was given to it. 5 And behold, another beast, a second one, like a bear. It was raised up on one side. It had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth; and it was told, ‘Arise, devour much flesh.' 6 After this I looked, and behold, another, like a leopard, with four wings of a bird on its back. And the beast had four heads, and dominion was given to it. 7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong. It had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. 8 I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. And behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things. The Ancient of Days Reigns 9 “As I looked,   thrones were placed,    and the Ancient of Days took his seat;  his clothing was white as snow,    and the hair of his head like pure wool;  his throne was fiery flames;    its wheels were burning fire.10   A stream of fire issued    and came out from before him;  a thousand thousands served him,    and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him;  the court sat in judgment,    and the books were opened. 11 “I looked then because of the sound of the great words that the horn was speaking. And as I looked, the beast was killed, and its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire. 12 As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time. The Son of Man Is Given Dominion 13 “I saw in the night visions,   and behold, with the clouds of heaven    there came one like a son of man,  and he came to the Ancient of Days    and was presented before him.14   And to him was given dominion    and glory and a kingdom,  that all peoples, nations, and languages    should serve him;  his dominion is an everlasting dominion,    which shall not pass away,  and his kingdom one    that shall not be destroyed. Daniel's Vision Interpreted 15 “As for me, Daniel, my spirit within me2 was anxious, and the visions of my head alarmed me. 16 I approached one of those who stood there and asked him the truth concerning all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of the things. 17 ‘These four great beasts are four kings who shall arise out of the earth. 18 But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, forever and ever.' 19 “Then I desired to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the rest, exceedingly terrifying, with its teeth of iron and claws of bronze, and which devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet, 20 and about the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn that came up and before which three of them fell, the horn that had eyes and a mouth that spoke great things, and that seemed greater than its companions. 21 As I looked, this horn made war with the saints and prevailed over them, 22 until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom. 23 “Thus he said: ‘As for the fourth beast,   there shall be a fourth kingdom on earth,    which shall be different from all the kingdoms,  and it shall devour the whole earth,    and trample it down, and break it to pieces.24   As for the ten horns,  out of this kingdom ten kings shall arise,    and another shall arise after them;  he shall be different from the former ones,    and shall put down three kings.25   He shall speak words against the Most High,    and shall wear out the saints of the Most High,    and shall think to change the times and the law;  and they shall be given into his hand    for a time, times, and half a time.26   But the court shall sit in judgment,    and his dominion shall be taken away,    to be consumed and destroyed to the end.27   And the kingdom and the dominion    and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven    shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High;  his kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom,    and all dominions shall serve and obey him.'3 28 “Here is the end of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts greatly alarmed me, and my color changed, but I kept the matter in my heart.” Footnotes [1] 7:2 Aramaic answered and said [2] 7:15 Aramaic within its sheath [3] 7:27 Or their kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey them (ESV) Gospels and Epistles: Luke 4:14–44 Luke 4:14–44 (Listen) Jesus Begins His Ministry 14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. 15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. Jesus Rejected at Nazareth 16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. 17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, 18   “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,    because he has anointed me    to proclaim good news to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives    and recovering of sight to the blind,    to set at liberty those who are oppressed,19   to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” 20 And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” 22 And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. And they said, “Is not this Joseph's son?” 23 And he said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘“Physician, heal yourself.” What we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well.'” 24 And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown. 25 But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heavens were shut up three years and six months, and a great famine came over all the land, 26 and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27 And there were many lepers1 in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” 28 When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. 29 And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff. 30 But passing through their midst, he went away. Jesus Heals a Man with an Unclean Demon 31 And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, 32 and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. 33 And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, 34 “Ha!2 What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 35 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. 36 And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” 37 And reports about him went out into every place in the surrounding region. Jesus Heals Many 38 And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon's house. Now Simon's mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf. 39 And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them. 40 Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. 41 And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ. Jesus Preaches in Synagogues 42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, 43 but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” 44 And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.3 Footnotes [1] 4:27 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13 [2] 4:34 Or Leave us alone [3] 4:44 Some manuscripts Galilee (ESV)

The Pittsburgh synagogue shooting in October 2018 was the deadliest attack on Jewish people in American history. For Adam Reinherz, award-winning journalist and senior staff writer at the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle, it was also something much more personal. In the years since the attack, Adam has reported on everything—from the tragedy to its fallout to the shooter's recent death sentence—across dozens of articles, for the sake of both his Jewish community and the larger world. In this week's episode, Adam and Yehuda Kurtzer discuss what it means to approach a story that holds both particular and universal resonance. A list of Adam's articles on the shooting can be found here. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS

This is the last in a series of 7 classes on The Poetry of Prayer conducted by Rabbi Joel Rembaum and presented by the Rembaum Institute for Adult Education and Family Programming:in preparation for this year's High Holy Days. The prayers and psalms that fill our Mahzor (High Holiday prayerbook) and Siddur (regular prayerbook) have been gathered together to form a vehicle for finding our own meaningful relationship with God and to teach us the basic principles of our faith in God. They are written either as poems or suffused with poetry. As such, they constitute a spiritual art form that calls upon each of us to find our own meaning in their words, structures, metaphors, and symbols — much as we would find our own meaning in a Shakespearian sonnet or a Chagall painting — recognizing, of course, that there is Kedushah (holiness) in the prayers that makes them unique. It is hoped that our study of key elements of the High Holiday Shaharit (morning) prayer service will aid us in making our Holy Day worship an enriching spiritual experience with which to begin the new year of 5784. This class was conducted via Zoom on September 5, 2023. Special Guest: Rabbi Emeritus Joel Rembaum.

With Jewish text and movement inspired by yoga, Rabbi Kerry Chaplin explores T'shuvah, soulful return, to and with our bodies. (Zoom) www.tbala.org Special Guest: Rabbi Kerry Chaplin.

Rabbi Avi Havivi's siddur class at Temple Beth Am Los Angeles and via Zoom - September 5, 2023 Special Guest: Rabbi Avi Havivi.

After Jesus left the synagogue, he entered the house of Simon. Simon's mother-in-law was afflicted with a severe fever, and they interceded with him about her. He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up immediately and waited on them. Luke 4:38–39If you wanted to share some important message with a group of people, you would first need to get their attention. This could be done through a variety of means, such as through a charismatic personality, a powerfully moving story, a heroic act of virtue, or anything else that leaves people impressed or even amazed. Once you have their complete attention, you can share the message you want to share. This is what Jesus did in today's Gospel.Jesus began His public ministry in Nazareth, but the people of his hometown rejected Him from their Synagogue. Therefore, He immediately traveled some 20 miles on foot to Capernaum, a town just north of the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus would spend much of His time. In this first visit to Capernaum, at the beginning of His public ministry, Jesus taught in their Synagogue, cast out a demon, and then went to the home of Simon (who eventually was given the name Peter) to perform His first recorded physical healing in Luke's Gospel. He cured Simon's mother-in-law, who suffered from a severe fever. Then, later that evening, many people brought to Jesus the sick and possessed, and Jesus “Laid his hands on each of them and cured them.” He certainly got their attention. And the next morning, as Jesus was preparing to leave Capernaum after this first visit during His public ministry, the people tried to convince Jesus to stay. However, Jesus said to them, “To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent.”Has Jesus ever gotten your complete attention? Though you most likely have never witnessed a miraculous healing first hand or seen a demon being cast out of one who was possessed, Jesus still wants your full attention. He wants you to be so amazed at Him and so impressed by Him that you find yourself seeking Him out so as to be more fully fed by His divine teaching.Some people give their full attention to our Lord after a powerful experience on a retreat. Others are struck by a powerful sermon. And there will be countless other ways by which Jesus has gotten your attention so as to fill you with a desire to listen to Him and be with Him. Such experiences lay a wonderful foundation by which we are continually invited to turn to our Lord. If this is not an experience to which you can relate, then ask yourself the question “Why?” Why haven't you been amazed by our Lord to the point that you fervently seek Him out so as to listen to His nourishing Word? Reflect, today, upon this initial way by which our Lord got the attention of the people of Capernaum. Though some would eventually turn from Him, many did become faithful followers on account of these personal experiences.Reflect upon any way that you have encountered our Lord powerfully in the past. Have you allowed that experience to become an ongoing motivation for you to seek Him out? And if you cannot point to any such experience, beg our Lord to give you an interior drive to desire more of Him and to be fed by His holy Word and divine presence. My miraculous Lord, I know that You desire my complete attention in life. And I know that I am often distracted by many things that compete with You. Give me the grace I need to become so amazed by You and by Your action in my life that I fervently seek You out so as to be continually nourished by Your holy Word and divine presence in my life. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2023 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

They were all amazed and said to one another, “What is there about his word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” And news of him spread everywhere in the surrounding region. Luke 4:36–37Jesus had just encountered the wrath of many in His hometown of Nazareth, so He left there and traveled about 30 miles to Capernaum, a town just north of the Sea of Galilee. This was to become His new home during His public ministry. The reaction He received in Capernaum was much different than that which He received in Nazareth. As He taught in the Synagogue in Capernaum, a man with a demon came to Him, Jesus rebuked the demon and cast it out, and the people were amazed. Word spread about Jesus quickly. After this, Jesus performed many other miracles, and the people continued to be in awe of Him.What was it that impressed the people of Capernaum? In part it was the “authority and power” with which Jesus spoke and acted. But it was not only this, since Jesus had done so also in Nazareth where the people failed to believe in Him. In Capernaum it wasn't that Jesus was different, it seems that the people were different. Jesus won over many hearts in Capernaum because the people were open to the gift of faith. In fact, when Jesus was preparing to leave from Capernaum, the people begged Him to stay. Though eventually Jesus would also encounter resistance from the people there, their initial reaction was one of faith.Do you want Jesus to act powerfully in your life? Do you want Him to act upon you with authority and power? Many people, from time to time, can feel as though their lives are somewhat out of control. They experience weakness, confusion, a lack of direction and the like. For that reason, true spiritual “authority and power” is very welcome. What sort of authority and power do you need Jesus to exert over your life today?Think of a small child who is frightened. When this happens, the child turns to a loving parent for comfort and security. The embrace of a parent immediately helps to dispel the fear and worry of the child. So it is with us. We must see Jesus as the source of calm in our lives. He is the only one Who is capable of ordering our lives, freeing us from the attacks of the evil one, bringing peace and calm to our disordered emotions and clarity to our questions and doubts. But this will only be possible if we are open. His power never changes, but it can only enter our lives when we change and when we recognize our weakness and our need for Him to take control.Reflect, today, upon the infinite spiritual authority and power of our Lord. It is a power beyond anything else we could imagine. He wants to exercise this authority in your life out of love. What is hindering Him from taking greater control of your life? What sin or temptation does Jesus want to rebuke in your life? From what oppression does He want to set you free? Reflect upon yourself being a member of the town of Capernaum who fully welcomes Jesus, is amazed at Him and desires Him in your life. His working in your life depends upon you and your response to Him. Call on Him and let Him in. My most powerful Lord, You and You alone are able to take authority over my life and bring order and peace. Please remove any doubt and stubbornness from my heart so that I can open myself to You and Your grace. Take authority of my life, dear Lord, and lead me into Your most holy will. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2023 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went away. Luke 4:28–30It's hard to believe that those people who knew Jesus, those from the town in which He had been raised, reacted in such a severe way to our Lord. Jesus had just entered the Synagogue and read from the Prophet Isaiah who stated that “the Spirit of the Lord” was upon him and that he had come to “proclaim liberty to captives.” Jesus' mission was clear. He was the Messiah, sent from the Father, in fulfillment of the teachings of the prophets, and yet Jesus was rejected to the point that the people drove Him out of the town and tried to throw Him off a cliff near the town to kill Him. Again, it's hard to comprehend the extreme emotions that people experienced in regard to Jesus. Some came to love Jesus with the deepest passion, others were outraged at Him and sought His life.One thing that these extreme emotions experienced by many should tell us is that we cannot remain indifferent to Jesus when we truly listen to His words. Indifference comes when Jesus is ignored. But when He is heard and understood, it is clear that His message demands a response. If we do not fully accept Him as we listen to His message, then we will be tempted to reject Him and all that He speaks.Jesus wants to do the same with us. He wants a response from us. First, He wants us to hear Him, to understand the radical nature of His message, and then to make a choice. He wants us to follow Him with passion and zeal, to believe in everything He teaches, and to radically change our lives as a result. And if we will not change, then Jesus' words will challenge us and evoke a response.One example of this that is common today is the strong response that sometimes comes from a teenager or young adult when a loving parent confronts them when they begin to go astray. When confronted in love and with the truth, emotion is often evoked and stirred up. But that is not always bad. The temptation on the part of the parent is to back off and compromise. But that's not what Jesus did with the townspeople. He spoke the truth in love and accepted their response. So it is with those in our lives. At times we must speak the hard but loving truth others need to hear even if we know they will lash out. In the end, challenging them with compassion and truth may ultimately win them over. We do not know what ultimately happened to those townspeople who tried to kill Jesus that day out of anger, but it is entirely possible that the extreme emotion they experienced eventually led them to the truth.Reflect, today, upon the courage and love Jesus had as He directly confronted and challenged His own townspeople for their lack of faith. Try to understand that Jesus' challenge of them was a mercy He offered them to move them from indifference. In your life, are there ways in which you need to be challenged? Are there things you have reacted strongly to and even with a form of rage? Try to see yourself as one of those townspeople who became enraged by our Lord. Be open to any way that you have reacted negatively to that which Jesus has spoken to you. Consider, also, any ways that Jesus may want to use you to speak His clear message of love to another, even if you know it may not immediately be received. Pray for courage, compassion, clarity and love so that you will be able to imitate Jesus as He sought to move those of His own hometown out of the indifference they were experiencing.My challenging Lord, You desire that all Your children turn to You with their whole heart. Your chastisements are acts of mercy meant to move us out of indifference. Please speak to me the truths that I need to hear this day and use me to share Your holy word with others, especially those of my own family. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2023 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

In today's podcast episode, Elyse Rivin takes listeners on a journey through the Jewish history of France, visiting key sites from Paris to Provence. The podcast highlights the cultural contributions and challenges faced by Jewish communities, from Roman times to the modern day. Synagogues like the one in Carpentras, operating since 1367, and museums like the Museum of Jewish Art and History in Paris, are explored. Despite a history marked by both acceptance and anti-Semitism, Jewish communities remain an integral part of France's cultural fabric, particularly concentrated in cities like Paris, Marseille, and Toulouse. The episode also touches on other topics such as the end of scooter rentals in Paris, Annie's new electric car day-trips, and the French back-to-school season, "C'est la rentrée." Table of Contents for this Episode Today on the podcast Annie's tours and services Magazine: scooters in Paris, new service, and back to school Funny podcast name story Jewish Art and history in Paris Synagogue in Cavaillon and Carpentras Carpentras, the oldest synagogue, 1367 Marmoutier, a museum of Alsacian Jewish life. 448 synagogues in France Roman times in France, proof of jewis existance in France Jews and the Visigoth Jewish Doctors Jews under Charlemagne: 700s- 800s First 1000 years of Jewish History in France Terrible times for Jews in France Jews forced to live in “carrières” Expelling and robbing the Jews The Pope's Jews Mordecai Judaica Giving Jews full citizenship in France Jews in France under Napoleon Adolphe Cremieux and Jean Jaurès Jews become French citizens in French colonies The Dreyfus Affair The 1930s and WWII Simone Weil Since WW2 Thank you Patrons New patrons this week Zoom meetings with patrons New Collections tab in Patreon Join Us in France services available Personal Itinerary Consultant GPS self-guided tours Day Trip with Annie – New Service No more scooter rentals in Paris C'est la rentrée, mes amis! Sign up for associations Next week on the podcast Copyright

Synagogues were places for community gatherings and reading of the word, which began to spring up following the destruction of the Temple. Galilee, a place Jesus ministered and taught in, had an abundance of synagogues. In the excavations at Capernaum, you can stand above the foundation of the synagogue where Jesus preached in Mark 1:21-27. Yet Capernaum was one of three Galilean towns condemned by Jesus for unbelief in the face of miracles (Matthew 11:20-24). The ruins at Capernaum remind us that Jesus is the only sure foundation of faith and salvation. 

Shabbat Teaching with Rabbinic Intern Nico Losorelli at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, September 2, 2023. (Youtube/Zoom) Special Guest: Nico Losorelli .

Rabbi Elliot Dorff's Shabbat Teaching at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, September 2, 2023. (Youtube) Special Guest: Rabbi Elliot Dorff.

Rabbi Adam Kligfeld offers up short bursts of meditation infused with imagery, wisdom, and the rhythms of our Jewish calendar, including selected verses from the Torah. Many of these meditations are performed in sitting positions; some standing. Simply find yourself a comfortable space and let Rabbi Kligfeld's voice and direction guide you into a world of serenity and tranquility.

‘We sustain ourselves through stories and our stories sustain us. Rabbi Matt Shapiro examines traditional and contemporary frameworks for exploring this important and nuanced topic and how it is central to our tradition, and offers a practical framework for how we can share our own stories in a way that both provides sustenance to others and helps to sustain each of us." (Zoom) Special Guest: Rabbi Matt Shapiro.

In this episode we learn about the psychology of Robert Bowers, how to survive a mass shooting, and the psychology of mass shooters.To donate to the Tree of Life rebuilding fund, send a check to T of L Inc, RRR campaign                                                                                                                                                          0 Woodland Rd                                                                                                                                                           Pittsburgh, PA 15232Follow this link to become a Teacher's Pet:https://www.buzzsprout.com/1662730/supportE-mail me at Pugmomof1@gmail.com; visit me on Instagram as True Crime University_Donate via PayPal to help me keep the show going: bullymom7@yahoo.com  True Crime University is part of the Morvid Collective Podcast Network. Visit all our podcasts at morvidcollective.com References:   Wikipedia, deathpenaltyinfo.org, cnn.com, bbc.com, npr.org, justice.gov/United States vs Robert Bowersadl.org, triblive.com, cnn.com, jamanetwork.com, theviolenceprogram.org, Psychology Today, alicetraining.com, simplypsychology.orgMy music is "Motivational Day" by AudioCoffee from Pixabay MusicSupport the show

The Line of Fire Radio Broadcast for 08/31/23.

This is the sixth in a series of 7 classes on The Poetry of Prayer conducted by Rabbi Joel Rembaum and presented by the Rembaum Institute for Adult Education and Family Programming:in preparation for this year's High Holy Days. The prayers and psalms that fill our Mahzor (High Holiday prayerbook) and Siddur (regular prayerbook) have been gathered together to form a vehicle for finding our own meaningful relationship with God and to teach us the basic principles of our faith in God. They are written either as poems or suffused with poetry. As such, they constitute a spiritual art form that calls upon each of us to find our own meaning in their words, structures, metaphors, and symbols — much as we would find our own meaning in a Shakespearian sonnet or a Chagall painting — recognizing, of course, that there is Kedushah (holiness) in the prayers that makes them unique. It is hoped that our study of key elements of the High Holiday Shaharit (morning) prayer service will aid us in making our Holy Day worship an enriching spiritual experience with which to begin the new year of 5784. This class was conducted via Zoom on August 29 2023. Special Guest: Rabbi Emeritus Joel Rembaum.

Rashi Class, a weekly exploration of Torah featuring a deep dive on the text and lively conversation focused on an 11th-century French commentary, conducted by Rabbi Adam Kligfeld at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, this week beginning with Shemot/Exodus 8:5. (Facebook/Zoom)

It is always hard for us to be in the company of, let alone talk with, and support, friends, and family who suffer from a terminal, irreversible illness. In this session with Rabbi Elliot Dorff, we will talk about why and how to visit such people, the use of ethical wills in that process, and other ways in which those of us who are well can help those who will never be well again. The session is moderated by Rabbi Rebecca Schatz. (Zoom) www.tbala.org Special Guest: Rabbi Elliot Dorff.

Rabbi Matt Shapiro's Shabbat Teaching at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, April 26, 2023. (Youtube/Zoom) Special Guest: Rabbi Matt Shapiro.

Guest Darshan Joe Goldman is the Community Engagement Director for the Western Region at HIAS, the world's oldest – and only Jewish – international humanitarian agency serving refugees and asylum seekers of all backgrounds. He mobilizes activists, organizations, and lawmakers across California to ensure that displaced people are treated with the dignity they deserve. He will share critical updates on the impact of TBA's service and advocacy for refugees locally, as well as on the unfolding crisis in Sudan too few are discussing, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and beyond. (Youtube) Special Guest: Joe Goldman.

Are faith and doubt in essential conflict? Or are they intimate friends, elevating and refining one another? Should a religious life, focused on faith in God, be one blessedly free from the existential doubt that can plague those who live without religion in their lives? Or should faith in God, which can so easily be pushed to the extreme, and harnessed for nefarious purposes, be tempered with healthy doses of doubt and uncertainty? We explore such questions, through traditional texts and through what is present in our own minds and hearts, as we get ready for a very faith-focused season in the Jewish calendar. (Zoom/Facebook) www.tbala.org

Rabbi Adam Kligfeld offers up short bursts of meditation infused with imagery, wisdom, and the rhythms of our Jewish calendar, including selected verses from the Torah. Many of these meditations are performed in sitting positions; some standing. Simply find yourself a comfortable space and let Rabbi Kligfeld's voice and direction guide you into a world of serenity and tranquility.

Presented at: 2016 Temple on Mount Zion ConferenceSaturday, November 5, 2016https://interpreterfoundation.org/conferences/2016-temple-on-mount-zion-conference/ Conference Proceedings: Sacred Time, Sacred Space, & Sacred Meaning at https://interpreterfoundation.org/books/sacred-time-sacred-space-sacred-meaning/ Listen to an audio recording of this talk:   Download audio recording   The post Conference Talks: Jerusalem Temple Imagery in Late Ancient Synagogue Ritual, Art, and Architecture first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

This is the fifth in a series of 7 classes on The Poetry of Prayer conducted by Rabbi Joel Rembaum and presented by the Rembaum Institute for Adult Education and Family Programming:in preparation for this year's High Holy Days. The prayers and psalms that fill our Mahzor (High Holiday prayerbook) and Siddur (regular prayerbook) have been gathered together to form a vehicle for finding our own meaningful relationship with God and to teach us the basic principles of our faith in God. They are written either as poems or suffused with poetry. As such, they constitute a spiritual art form that calls upon each of us to find our own meaning in their words, structures, metaphors, and symbols — much as we would find our own meaning in a Shakespearian sonnet or a Chagall painting — recognizing, of course, that there is Kedushah (holiness) in the prayers that makes them unique. It is hoped that our study of key elements of the High Holiday Shaharit (morning) prayer service will aid us in making our Holy Day worship an enriching spiritual experience with which to begin the new year of 5784. This class was conducted via Zoom on August 22 2023. Special Guest: Rabbi Emeritus Joel Rembaum.

Rashi Class, a weekly exploration of Torah featuring a deep dive on the text and lively conversation focused on an 11th-century French commentary, conducted by Rabbi Adam Kligfeld at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, this week beginning with Shemot/Exodus 8:4. (Youtube)

Sometimes when you walk into a Jewish home you are immediately confronted by a portion of the wall that is incomplete. Why is that? In today’s episode the Maggid of Melbourne explores this tradition, discussing the reason for it, and … Read the rest The post Episode 16: Unfinished Synagogues first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Episode 16: Unfinished Synagogues at Elmad Online Learning.

Photo:  1907 Carthage No known restrictions on publication. @Batchelorshow #IndianaHoenlein and the 2,000 year Lost Synagogue on the Black Sea. Malcolm Hoenlein @Conf_of_pres @mhoenlein1@ThadMcCotter @theamgreatness https://www.archaeology.org/news/11688-230817-russia-black-sea-synagogue

Getting started with our yearly spiritual accounting can feel a little bit like sitting on the 405 during rush hour. Where do we even begin? How do we move this forward? Together we will navigate a few rabbinic sources, excerpts from Rabbi Alan Lew's "This is Real and You are Completely Unprepared" and more, to help us set up our Elul route! (Zoom) www.tbala.org Special Guest: Nico Losorelli .

Ezra/Nehemiah linking to many other books; Common (misunderstood) theme in the bible; Pharisee syndrome; Misunderstandings producing false doctrine; Saving ourselves?; "Confess"; Things we DO; Meanings of words in context; "Done away with"?; "Corban"; First fruits; Levites; Social welfare snare; Goats?; Sacrificing on altars; "Nissi" goddess; Society's sickness; Debating existence of God; His Holy Church Internet presence; Living Network; The table of Caesar; Trust law; Robbing widows and orphans; Inflation; Income tax; Social Security; Gen 15:9; She-goat = "strong"; Turtledove = "piece of your estate"; Honor = "fatten"; "Nethinim"; Mere servants?; Forced offerings = bondage of Egypt; God not hearing you; "gods"; ayin-zayin; Hewing stones; "Leaven"; Milk and meat; Red heifer; Gregory's background; Weakening the people; Socialism; Learning the teachings of Moses and Christ; Lev 7:23; Christ's instructions; Seek His kingdom FIRST; Gather in Tens, Hundreds and Thousands; Share; Synagogues; Walking by faith and the perfect law of liberty; Holy Spirit; Divine inspiration; Christ's "seventy"; Setting men free; Loving the light; Spirit and truth; Being doers of the word; Nakedness and breeches?; Owning your responsibility; "Micro"; Burning Bush Festival - Camping event; Leve 7:23 - eating no fat?; Sophistry; Intentional ambiguity; Organizing yourselves; Power remaining with the people; Free assemblies; Symbolism; shin-vav-resh; Meaningful letters; Separating lies from truth; Joseph's inspiration; Reassigning meaning of words; Legal robbery; Sanhedrin; "scapegoat"; Being strong; "zayin" = service, nourish, setting men free; "ayin" = divine providence; Wrath of God; Loving neighbor; Helen Keller story; Kindness; How to be a part of God's kingdom; Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, Zealots; Making the word of God to effect; Chasing goats?; Limiting your biblical understanding; Practicality; Do the will of the Father.

Authorities are still trying to work out exactly how many people are missing in Hawaii, as families wait for news. A CNN investigation has found evidence of a gruesome massacre in Sudan. Officials say more than 100-thousand asylum seekers have come through New York City since last spring. Authorities are investigating a series of fake bomb threats targeting synagogues across the US. Plus, there are reports the USNWT coach has resigned.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Old Testament: Esther 1–2 Esther 1–2 (Listen) The King's Banquets 1 Now in the days of Ahasuerus, the Ahasuerus who reigned from India to Ethiopia over 127 provinces, 2 in those days when King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne in Susa, the citadel, 3 in the third year of his reign he gave a feast for all his officials and servants. The army of Persia and Media and the nobles and governors of the provinces were before him, 4 while he showed the riches of his royal glory and the splendor and pomp of his greatness for many days, 180 days. 5 And when these days were completed, the king gave for all the people present in Susa the citadel, both great and small, a feast lasting for seven days in the court of the garden of the king's palace. 6 There were white cotton curtains and violet hangings fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rods1 and marble pillars, and also couches of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and precious stones. 7 Drinks were served in golden vessels, vessels of different kinds, and the royal wine was lavished according to the bounty of the king. 8 And drinking was according to this edict: “There is no compulsion.” For the king had given orders to all the staff of his palace to do as each man desired. 9 Queen Vashti also gave a feast for the women in the palace that belonged to King Ahasuerus. Queen Vashti's Refusal 10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha and Abagtha, Zethar and Carkas, the seven eunuchs who served in the presence of King Ahasuerus, 11 to bring Queen Vashti before the king with her royal crown,2 in order to show the peoples and the princes her beauty, for she was lovely to look at. 12 But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king's command delivered by the eunuchs. At this the king became enraged, and his anger burned within him. 13 Then the king said to the wise men who knew the times (for this was the king's procedure toward all who were versed in law and judgment, 14 the men next to him being Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the king's face, and sat first in the kingdom): 15 “According to the law, what is to be done to Queen Vashti, because she has not performed the command of King Ahasuerus delivered by the eunuchs?” 16 Then Memucan said in the presence of the king and the officials, “Not only against the king has Queen Vashti done wrong, but also against all the officials and all the peoples who are in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus. 17 For the queen's behavior will be made known to all women, causing them to look at their husbands with contempt,3 since they will say, ‘King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him, and she did not come.' 18 This very day the noble women of Persia and Media who have heard of the queen's behavior will say the same to all the king's officials, and there will be contempt and wrath in plenty. 19 If it please the king, let a royal order go out from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes so that it may not be repealed, that Vashti is never again to come before King Ahasuerus. And let the king give her royal position to another who is better than she. 20 So when the decree made by the king is proclaimed throughout all his kingdom, for it is vast, all women will give honor to their husbands, high and low alike.” 21 This advice pleased the king and the princes, and the king did as Memucan proposed. 22 He sent letters to all the royal provinces, to every province in its own script and to every people in its own language, that every man be master in his own household and speak according to the language of his people. Esther Chosen Queen 2 After these things, when the anger of King Ahasuerus had abated, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what had been decreed against her. 2 Then the king's young men who attended him said, “Let beautiful young virgins be sought out for the king. 3 And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom to gather all the beautiful young virgins to the harem in Susa the citadel, under custody of Hegai, the king's eunuch, who is in charge of the women. Let their cosmetics be given them. 4 And let the young woman who pleases the king4 be queen instead of Vashti.” This pleased the king, and he did so. 5 Now there was a Jew in Susa the citadel whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, son of Shimei, son of Kish, a Benjaminite, 6 who had been carried away from Jerusalem among the captives carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away. 7 He was bringing up Hadassah, that is Esther, the daughter of his uncle, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman had a beautiful figure and was lovely to look at, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter. 8 So when the king's order and his edict were proclaimed, and when many young women were gathered in Susa the citadel in custody of Hegai, Esther also was taken into the king's palace and put in custody of Hegai, who had charge of the women. 9 And the young woman pleased him and won his favor. And he quickly provided her with her cosmetics and her portion of food, and with seven chosen young women from the king's palace, and advanced her and her young women to the best place in the harem. 10 Esther had not made known her people or kindred, for Mordecai had commanded her not to make it known. 11 And every day Mordecai walked in front of the court of the harem to learn how Esther was and what was happening to her. 12 Now when the turn came for each young woman to go in to King Ahasuerus, after being twelve months under the regulations for the women, since this was the regular period of their beautifying, six months with oil of myrrh and six months with spices and ointments for women—13 when the young woman went in to the king in this way, she was given whatever she desired to take with her from the harem to the king's palace. 14 In the evening she would go in, and in the morning she would return to the second harem in custody of Shaashgaz, the king's eunuch, who was in charge of the concubines. She would not go in to the king again, unless the king delighted in her and she was summoned by name. 15 When the turn came for Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his own daughter, to go in to the king, she asked for nothing except what Hegai the king's eunuch, who had charge of the women, advised. Now Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her. 16 And when Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus, into his royal palace, in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign, 17 the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown5 on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. 18 Then the king gave a great feast for all his officials and servants; it was Esther's feast. He also granted a remission of taxes to the provinces and gave gifts with royal generosity. Mordecai Discovers a Plot 19 Now when the virgins were gathered together the second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate. 20 Esther had not made known her kindred or her people, as Mordecai had commanded her, for Esther obeyed Mordecai just as when she was brought up by him. 21 In those days, as Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, became angry and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. 22 And this came to the knowledge of Mordecai, and he told it to Queen Esther, and Esther told the king in the name of Mordecai. 23 When the affair was investigated and found to be so, the men were both hanged on the gallows.6 And it was recorded in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king. Footnotes [1] 1:6 Or rings [2] 1:11 Or headdress [3] 1:17 Hebrew to disdain their husbands in their eyes [4] 2:4 Hebrew who is good in the eyes of the king [5] 2:17 Or headdress [6] 2:23 Or wooden beam or stake; Hebrew tree or wood. This Persian execution practice involved affixing or impaling a person on a stake or pole (compare Ezra 6:11) (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 40 Psalm 40 (Listen) My Help and My Deliverer To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. 40   I waited patiently for the LORD;    he inclined to me and heard my cry.2   He drew me up from the pit of destruction,    out of the miry bog,  and set my feet upon a rock,    making my steps secure.3   He put a new song in my mouth,    a song of praise to our God.  Many will see and fear,    and put their trust in the LORD. 4   Blessed is the man who makes    the LORD his trust,  who does not turn to the proud,    to those who go astray after a lie!5   You have multiplied, O LORD my God,    your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;    none can compare with you!  I will proclaim and tell of them,    yet they are more than can be told. 6   In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted,    but you have given me an open ear.1  Burnt offering and sin offering    you have not required.7   Then I said, “Behold, I have come;    in the scroll of the book it is written of me:8   I delight to do your will, O my God;    your law is within my heart.” 9   I have told the glad news of deliverance2    in the great congregation;  behold, I have not restrained my lips,    as you know, O LORD.10   I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;    I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;  I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness    from the great congregation. 11   As for you, O LORD, you will not restrain    your mercy from me;  your steadfast love and your faithfulness will    ever preserve me!12   For evils have encompassed me    beyond number;  my iniquities have overtaken me,    and I cannot see;  they are more than the hairs of my head;    my heart fails me. 13   Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me!    O LORD, make haste to help me!14   Let those be put to shame and disappointed altogether    who seek to snatch away my life;  let those be turned back and brought to dishonor    who delight in my hurt!15   Let those be appalled because of their shame    who say to me, “Aha, Aha!” 16   But may all who seek you    rejoice and be glad in you;  may those who love your salvation    say continually, “Great is the LORD!”17   As for me, I am poor and needy,    but the Lord takes thought for me.  You are my help and my deliverer;    do not delay, O my God! Footnotes [1] 40:6 Hebrew ears you have dug for me [2] 40:9 Hebrew righteousness; also verse 10 (ESV) New Testament: Luke 4 Luke 4 (Listen) The Temptation of Jesus 4 And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness 2 for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” 4 And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.'” 5 And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, 6 and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. 7 If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” 8 And Jesus answered him, “It is written,   “‘You shall worship the Lord your God,    and him only shall you serve.'” 9 And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10 for it is written,   “‘He will command his angels concerning you,    to guard you,' 11 and   “‘On their hands they will bear you up,    lest you strike your foot against a stone.'” 12 And Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'” 13 And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time. Jesus Begins His Ministry 14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. 15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. Jesus Rejected at Nazareth 16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. 17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, 18   “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,    because he has anointed me    to proclaim good news to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives    and recovering of sight to the blind,    to set at liberty those who are oppressed,19   to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” 20 And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” 22 And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. And they said, “Is not this Joseph's son?” 23 And he said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘“Physician, heal yourself.” What we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well.'” 24 And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown. 25 But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heavens were shut up three years and six months, and a great famine came over all the land, 26 and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27 And there were many lepers1 in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” 28 When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. 29 And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff. 30 But passing through their midst, he went away. Jesus Heals a Man with an Unclean Demon 31 And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, 32 and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. 33 And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, 34 “Ha!2 What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 35 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. 36 And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” 37 And reports about him went out into every place in the surrounding region. Jesus Heals Many 38 And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon's house. Now Simon's mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf. 39 And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them. 40 Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. 41 And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ. Jesus Preaches in Synagogues 42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, 43 but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” 44 And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.3 Footnotes [1] 4:27 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13 [2] 4:34 Or Leave us alone [3] 4:44 Some manuscripts Galilee (ESV)