Podcasts about synagogues

Rabbi-Cantor Hillary Chorny's Shabbat Teaching at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, July 2, 2022. (Youtube/Zoom)

In this podcast, Marie interviews Jack Weinstein, the president of the board for the Augusta Jewish Museum, about how the oldest standing Synagogue in Georgia was saved from demolition and is being turned into the Augusta Jewish Museum. If you would like to learn more about this museum and tour their virtual exhibits you can do so here:   www.augustajewishmuseum.org This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Morning: Job 16–18 Job 16–18 (Listen) Job Replies: Miserable Comforters Are You 16 Then Job answered and said: 2   “I have heard many such things;    miserable comforters are you all.3   Shall windy words have an end?    Or what provokes you that you answer?4   I also could speak as you do,    if you were in my place;  I could join words together against you    and shake my head at you.5   I could strengthen you with my mouth,    and the solace of my lips would assuage your pain. 6   “If I speak, my pain is not assuaged,    and if I forbear, how much of it leaves me?7   Surely now God has worn me out;    he has1 made desolate all my company.8   And he has shriveled me up,    which is a witness against me,  and my leanness has risen up against me;    it testifies to my face.9   He has torn me in his wrath and hated me;    he has gnashed his teeth at me;    my adversary sharpens his eyes against me.10   Men have gaped at me with their mouth;    they have struck me insolently on the cheek;    they mass themselves together against me.11   God gives me up to the ungodly    and casts me into the hands of the wicked.12   I was at ease, and he broke me apart;    he seized me by the neck and dashed me to pieces;  he set me up as his target;13     his archers surround me.  He slashes open my kidneys and does not spare;    he pours out my gall on the ground.14   He breaks me with breach upon breach;    he runs upon me like a warrior.15   I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin    and have laid my strength in the dust.16   My face is red with weeping,    and on my eyelids is deep darkness,17   although there is no violence in my hands,    and my prayer is pure. 18   “O earth, cover not my blood,    and let my cry find no resting place.19   Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven,    and he who testifies for me is on high.20   My friends scorn me;    my eye pours out tears to God,21   that he would argue the case of a man with God,    as2 a son of man does with his neighbor.22   For when a few years have come    I shall go the way from which I shall not return. Job Continues: Where Then Is My Hope? 17   “My spirit is broken; my days are extinct;    the graveyard is ready for me.2   Surely there are mockers about me,    and my eye dwells on their provocation. 3   “Lay down a pledge for me with you;    who is there who will put up security for me?4   Since you have closed their hearts to understanding,    therefore you will not let them triumph.5   He who informs against his friends to get a share of their property—    the eyes of his children will fail. 6   “He has made me a byword of the peoples,    and I am one before whom men spit.7   My eye has grown dim from vexation,    and all my members are like a shadow.8   The upright are appalled at this,    and the innocent stirs himself up against the godless.9   Yet the righteous holds to his way,    and he who has clean hands grows stronger and stronger.10   But you, come on again, all of you,    and I shall not find a wise man among you.11   My days are past; my plans are broken off,    the desires of my heart.12   They make night into day:    ‘The light,' they say, ‘is near to the darkness.'313   If I hope for Sheol as my house,    if I make my bed in darkness,14   if I say to the pit, ‘You are my father,'    and to the worm, ‘My mother,' or ‘My sister,'15   where then is my hope?    Who will see my hope?16   Will it go down to the bars of Sheol?    Shall we descend together into the dust?”4 Bildad Speaks: God Punishes the Wicked 18 Then Bildad the Shuhite answered and said: 2   “How long will you hunt for words?    Consider, and then we will speak.3   Why are we counted as cattle?    Why are we stupid in your sight?4   You who tear yourself in your anger,    shall the earth be forsaken for you,    or the rock be removed out of its place? 5   “Indeed, the light of the wicked is put out,    and the flame of his fire does not shine.6   The light is dark in his tent,    and his lamp above him is put out.7   His strong steps are shortened,    and his own schemes throw him down.8   For he is cast into a net by his own feet,    and he walks on its mesh.9   A trap seizes him by the heel;    a snare lays hold of him.10   A rope is hidden for him in the ground,    a trap for him in the path.11   Terrors frighten him on every side,    and chase him at his heels.12   His strength is famished,    and calamity is ready for his stumbling.13   It consumes the parts of his skin;    the firstborn of death consumes his limbs.14   He is torn from the tent in which he trusted    and is brought to the king of terrors.15   In his tent dwells that which is none of his;    sulfur is scattered over his habitation.16   His roots dry up beneath,    and his branches wither above.17   His memory perishes from the earth,    and he has no name in the street.18   He is thrust from light into darkness,    and driven out of the world.19   He has no posterity or progeny among his people,    and no survivor where he used to live.20   They of the west are appalled at his day,    and horror seizes them of the east.21   Surely such are the dwellings of the unrighteous,    such is the place of him who knows not God.” Footnotes [1] 16:7 Hebrew you have; also verse 8 [2] 16:21 Hebrew and [3] 17:12 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain [4] 17:16 Or Will they go down to the bars of Sheol? Is rest to be found together in the dust? (ESV) Evening: Acts 9:1–22 Acts 9:1–22 (Listen) The Conversion of Saul 9 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. 10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened. Saul Proclaims Jesus in Synagogues For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. 20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ. (ESV)

Diablo: Immortal has raked in a reported $24 million in its first two weeks as a free, downloadable game. However, some people say their business model tricks users into spending money. Polygon's Maddy Myers joins us. And, a law, that takes effect on June 6 in Florida that bans most abortions after 15 weeks, is being challenged on religious grounds by a Jewish synagogue in Palm Beach County. They say Florida's law violates the right to freedom of religion and privacy in Florida's Constitution. Former Congressmen Rabbi Barry Silver joins us.

Rabbis Matt Shapiro and Rebecca Schatz lead a discussion of the most interesting stories, verses and themes in the weekly parasha. This discussion was conducted at Temple Beth Am Los Angeles via Zoom on June 24, 2022 Special Guest: Rabbi Matt Shapiro.

We are ending this season just as we started it: with Ruth going solo behind the mic. This time, she recaps Bowen's 8 concepts, with particular emphasis on differentiation, encouraging us to reflect on what is ours to do in this work. Then, she shares about Bowen's undeveloped 9th concept about spirituality, including some of her own ideas about the topic. What are the spiritual resources that will help us in this work of recognizing our anxiety and bringing a calm presence to our leadership? We close with a poem from our beloved Ted Loder.   Mentioned in this Episode: Guerrillas of Grace: Prayers for the Battle by Ted Loder   Steve Cuss Resources: Steve's website Managing Leadership Anxiety, Yours and Theirs by Steve Cuss   General Resources for Systems Theory: Season 9 Episode 6 of the Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership Podcast Season 9 Episode 7 of the Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership Podcast Family Systems and Congregational Life: A Map for Ministry by R. Robert Creech Lombard Mennonite Peace Center Generation to Generation: Family Process in Church and Synagogue by Edwin H. Friedman Extraordinary Relationships: A new Way of Thinking about Human Interactions by Roberta M Gilbert Music Credit: Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist Anthem (from Music in Solitude) Chasing Butterflies (from Music in Solitude) Support the podcast! This season, patrons will receive exclusive bonus content that includes conversations with Ruth and Steve that delve into episode topics a little deeper. Our next Patreon episode will be a special Ask Ruth episode all about this season of the podcast. Submit your questions to podcast@transformingcenter.org. Become a patron today by visiting our Patreon page!   The Transforming Center exists to create space for God to strengthen leaders and transform communities. You are invited to join our next Transforming Community:® A Two-year Spiritual Formation Experience for Leaders.  Delivered in nine quarterly retreats, this practice-based learning opportunity is grounded in the conviction that the best thing you bring to leadership is your own transforming self!

This morning we are continuing through the book of Acts, the story of the early church. In the first chapters, Jesus has risen from the dead, ascended to heaven, and sent His Holy Spirit to be the presence and power of God inside each believer. Since then, the transformed disciples have been boldly sharing about Jesus' death for their sins and his resurrection and triumph over death, calling people to turn from their sin and self-centeredness to faith in Jesus, and thousands of people are coming to faith in Jesus. A multi-ethnic community has formed in Jerusalem that is growing like crazy, devoted to following Jesus and caring for everyone's needs. But they have also experienced persecution, corruption, and leadership challenges as they try to follow Jesus and bring the good news to their community and world. In the last section, they chose seven godly men to take on the task of meeting the needs of the widows that their church was caring for. One of them, Stephen, will be the focus of today's passage. Beginning in verse 8:  8 Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.  9 Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)-- Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen,  10 but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.  11 Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, "We have heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God."  12 So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin.  13 They produced false witnesses, who testified, "This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law.  14 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us."  15 All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.  Then the high priest asked him, "Are these charges true?"  What is going on here? The Jewish religious and political elite are unhappy with Stephen's ministry, because they do not want people believing that Jesus is the Messiah. They attempt to argue with him theologically, but can not out-argue him or quiet him, and so they resort to slander. They falsely accuse of him of speaking against the temple and against God's law, and they stir up opposition against him. Unfortunately that works, and Stephen is brought before the Sanhedrin, the supreme court in Israel, made up of 70 men and the high priest.

Pastor Marc Sharp continues with Part 17 of the current series that is an epic journey through the New Testament Gospel of Mark, verse by verse. The book of Mark was most likely the first one written, and is generally attributed to John Mark, a close associate of Peter, and also of Paul and Barnabas. The Gospel of Mark is all about Jesus and the good news (Gospel) of the kingdom of God. Who was Jesus really, and why exactly did he come? In the last several weeks we have heard how Jesus proved his divine nature and his authority over sickness and death, learning about his redemptive work. In today's message, Jesus visits the Synagogue in Nazareth, and the people react to him with astonishment, offense, and unbelief. Why? If you would like to view the video of today's special Father's Day service, as well as previous videos, go to: https://www.facebook.com/northridgelife/videos/ (copy and paste into your web browser address bar). For additional information, you may also visit the church website, www.northridgelife.org, and Facebook page, www.facebook.com/northridgelife/.

Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/48909625Following Jesus is hard. Staying with Jesus, obeying him, loving him through thick and thin, listening to him, is really hard. Jesus says things and teaches things that are offensive to every culture, every era and basically every person. So we should not be surprised when Jesus makes us uncomfortable. In fact, if Jesus isn't offending us, isn't challenging us, we probably just are not listening very well. Jesus will offend you. That is honestly part of his strategy to help grow your understanding of the kind of kingdom he is bringing. The wonderful paradox of the Christian faith is that as we deny self we become our real selves. It's important, to be sure, whether or not you can follow Jesus. Don't just ask “can I afford to follow Jesus?” Ask also, “If not Jesus, then who?”22.06.26

Outline of Podcast

Several other mosaics, including Babel, and the Red Sea are also depicted. God bless you and thank for listening! Please subscribe and share! Please leave a five star review!

Cours Halakha Time du Dimanche 26 Juin 2022 (durée : 7 minutes) donné par Rav Emmanuel BENSIMON.

Comment entrer dans une Synagogue ?

Rabbi Adam Kligfeld's Shabbat Sermon at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, June 25, 2022. (Youtube/Zoom)

Rabbi Aaron Leibowitz Shabbat Sermon at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, June 25, 2022. (Youtube/Zoom) Special Guest: Rabbi Aaron Leibowitz.

A question arose regarding instructing a non-Jew to carry on Shabbat. The custom is to have a special Seudah on the Shabbat Hatan. All of the rabbis and guests come to the house of the family for the meal and sing the special Pizmonim in honor of the Hatan. What is the Halacha if the father of the Hatan forgot to bring the Pizmonim booklets to his home before Shabbat? Most of the guests don't know the songs by heart, and a Seudat Hatan without the Pizmonim significantly detracts from the Simcha. The problem is that the books are in the synagogue, and the route to the house transverses a major thoroughfare, which most probably constitutes a Reshut HaRabim (public domain). Thus, carrying the booklets would seem to be an Issur D'oraita (Torah prohibition). Even though using a non-Jew to carry reduces the prohibition to a D'rabanan (rabbinic) level, the Halacha does not permit this, even for the sake of a Misva.Nevertheless, upon closer analysis, it is possible that the route via the Reshut HaRabim is not an Issur D'oraita, after all. In this case, the non-Jew would begin in a Reshut HaYahid (private domain), the synagogue, and end in a Reshut HaYahid, the house of the Hatan. He is only passing through the Reshut HaRabim, without stopping. Although Tosafot (Shabbat 96) hold that even this is an Issur D'oraita, the Rashba, Ritva and Ran argue and hold that passing through a Reshut HaRabim, without stopping, is only a D'rabanan. The Taz and Hazon Ish hold this to be Halacha. Accordingly, instructing the non-Jew to carry the books would constitute a lenient case of Shevut D'shvut (double rabbinic prohibition). First, instructing the non-Jew is always D'rabanan; second the act he is being asked to do is also only a rabbinic violation. Therefore, in a case of L'sorech Misva, especially for the sake of a Hatan, the Halacha is lenient. Moreover, the status of our busy streets, such as Ocean Parkway, as Reshut HaRabim is questionable. Maran, in one place, implies that today such a thoroughfare does not even exist. However, even if it is a Reshut HaRabim, the non-Jew may bring the books, based on the Taz and Hazon Ish, as long as he is instructed not to stop in the Reshut HaRabim. In the event he does stop, it is not a problem, since he did it of his own accord. Also, effort should be made to explain to questioning bystanders the reason for this leniency.SUMMARYIt is permissible to instruct a non-Jew on Shabbat to bring books from one private domain to another, via a public domain, for the sake of a Misva and to honor a Hatan.

(1) Joy of the redeemed. (2) The Lord accepts Aaron's offering.(3) The conversion of Saul. Saul proclaims Jesus in Synagogues. Saul escapes from Damascus.Saul in Jerusalem. The healing of Aeneas Dorcus restored to life.

An American rabbi is mounting a legal challenge against Florida's new abortion laws, on the grounds of religious freedom. Rabbi Barry Silver leads the Palm Beach County synagogue, and is suing the state because he says the restrictive laws will prohibit Jewish women from practicing their faith.

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, June 22, 2022, this week beginning with Shemot/Exodus 5:16. (Facebook/Zoom)

A religious institution argues in favor of abortion rights. Florida reverses decision not to preorder COVID-19 vaccines for kids amid a surge in cases. Several Miami restaurants earns high marks from the prestigious Michelin restaurant ratings.

We're nearing the end of our season on Systems Theory and leadership anxiety! In this last episode with Ruth and Steve together, the two give really practical help with concrete tools that can help diffuse anxiety. These tools range from personal to relational, and they are rooted in deep care for the soul of the leader. Finally Ruth and Steve discuss how Systems Theory informs and aids transformational leadership. Next week, Ruth will wrap up the season with one final solo episode of closing thoughts and wisdom on this important topic. Steve Cuss Resources: Steve's website Managing Leadership Anxiety, Yours and Theirs by Steve Cuss   General Resources for Systems Theory: Season 9 Episode 6 of the Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership Podcast Season 9 Episode 7 of the Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership Podcast Family Systems and Congregational Life: A Map for Ministry by R. Robert Creech Lombard Mennonite Peace Center Generation to Generation: Family Process in Church and Synagogue by Edwin H. Friedman Extraordinary Relationships: A new Way of Thinking about Human Interactions by Roberta M Gilbert Music Credit: Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist   Support the podcast! This season, patrons will receive exclusive bonus content that includes conversations with Ruth and Steve that delve into episode topics a little deeper. This week Steve takes control of the mic and asks Ruth and last week's guest, Tina Harris, what systems theory looks like within the culture of the Transforming Center. Become a patron today by visiting our Patreon page!     The Transforming Center exists to create space for God to strengthen leaders and transform communities. You are invited to join our next Transforming Community:® A Two-year Spiritual Formation Experience for Leaders.  Delivered in nine quarterly retreats, this practice-based learning opportunity is grounded in the conviction that the best thing you bring to leadership is your own transforming self!

Rabbi Adam Kligfeld's Shabbat Teaching at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, on June 18, 2022. (Youtube/Zoom)

Rabbi Rebecca Schatz's Shabbat Sermon at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, June 18, 2022. (Youtube/Zoom)

Rabbis Matt Shapiro and Rebecca Schatz lead a discussion of the most interesting stories, verses and themes in the weekly parasha. This discussion was conducted at Temple Beth Am Los Angeles via Zoom on June 17, 2022 Special Guest: Rabbi Matt Shapiro.

For generations, interfaith families were made to feel like they had no place in American Jewish society. But times have changed. In today's landscape, many Synagogues are rightfully embracing these modern Jewish families as important members of the community whose uniqueness is a strength, not a threat.On this episode Rabbi Pont welcomes Dr. Keren McGinity, consultant and interfaith specialist for the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, for an honest conversation about her work as a champion for interfaith families in our communities.

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas' website.Scriptural study: Mark 1:21-28Jesus and his first followers enter Capernaum, Jesus' adopted hometown (v.21).Notice the word “immediately," showing us the broad impact of Christ, and in a staccato manner relating his baptism, temptation, preaching ministry, calling of the first disciples, exorcism, healings, and cleansing of a leper.This is going to be the first miracle, and exorcism, of Mark's gospel.All are amazed at his teaching (v.22; also v.27) – like Matt 7:28-29. More compactNotice what day it is: the Sabbath. (More on this in Mark 2:27-28.)Responding to the proclamation and supernatural knowledge of the demon (v.24), Jesus tells the demon to be quiet—this is unwanted publicity (v.25). His disciples aren't ready to handle Jesus' identity until Mark 8 (at the earliest).This is an unclean spirit—demonic possession is a form of impurity.On the Sabbath—reinforcing the point that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.Convulsion: just leprosy? See Matt 4:24.Loud! And Jesus had told him to "be silent." (Though it's probably the demon's trumpeting of Jesus' divine identity that Jesus wants to shut down.)Authority over the invisible, spirit world? This can only be divine authority.His fame spreads (v.28), even without assistance from the man who was exorcized.This miracles sets the stage for Mark's gospel: Jesus as divine Son of God, with authority over the spiritual world.Freeing the crazy man in the synagogue from his unwanted "house guest" mirrors the cleansing and transformation God offers us!ApplicationGod's compassion includes healing (though not for everyone—the Word-faith and Signs & Wonders people are wrong).God wants to remove any uncleanness—demonic or otherwise—from our life!God can powerfully transform lives—free us from the power of the Evil One—and quickly!What is it that the Lord wants to expel from my life? Materialism? Sexual sin? Laziness? Inward focus? Lack of commitment to the body of Christ? Lack of evangelism? Hatred? Bitterness? Anything else?And let's not miss something highly obvious: Jesus is awesome. His deeds are awesome. Let's keep our focus on him, and we will be purified as we do so (1 John 3:2-3)!

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, June 15, 2022, this week beginning with Shemot/Exodus 5:14. (Facebook/Zoom)

Rabbi Avi Havivi's siddur class at Temple Beth Am Los Angeles via Zoom - June 14, 2022 Special Guest: Rabbi Avi Havivi.

I Want to Be Like JesusPastor Trinity Opp Acts 6:8-15 Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people.But one day some men from the Synagogue of Freed Slaves, as it was called, started to debate with him. They were Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and the province of Asia.None of them could stand against the wisdom and the Spirit with which Stephen spoke.So they persuaded some men to lie about Stephen, saying, “We heard him blaspheme Moses, and even God.”This roused the people, the elders, and the teachers of religious law. So they arrested Stephen and brought him before the high council.The lying witnesses said, “This man is always speaking against the holy Temple and against the law of Moses.We have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy the Temple and change the customs Moses handed down to us.”At this point everyone in the high council stared at Stephen, because his face became as bright as an angel's. Acts 7:51-60 “You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That's what your ancestors did, and so do you!Name one prophet your ancestors didn't persecute! They even killed the ones who predicted the coming of the Righteous One—the Messiah whom you betrayed and murdered.You deliberately disobeyed God's law, even though you received it from the hands of angels.”The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen's accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage.But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God's right hand.And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God's right hand!”Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at himand dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul.As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don't charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died. Living as Jesus would live. (6:8-15)The message of Jesus is countercultural. (7:51-54)Living for Jesus is spiritually rewarding. (7:55-56)Living like Jesus is personally demanding. (7:57-60) Challenge: May we be able to look beyond our enemies, obstacles, problems, and perils in life and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Regardless of our situation or circumstances, we must be ready to respond with godliness to the ungodly, even when it means losing comfort, reputation, friends, freedom, or even our very lives. 2 Timothy 1:7-8 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord.” Supporting Texts:Acts 7:1-531 John 2:6Luke 21:12-18

This week we invited two additional guests to tackle this tender and challenging topic. Ruth and Steve are joined by Pastor Tina Harris, a former pastor and lawyer and currently Transforming Center's Cultivator of Community and Connection, and Pastor Marvin Williams, the pastor of Trinity Church in Lansing, MI, and a doctoral candidate doing his work in Systems Theory in Non- Majority spaces. These four pastors and teachers sit down to discuss whether Systems Theory is just a white person thing. They touch on code switching as it pertains to differentiation and the difference between chronic anxiety and real trauma, particularly generational racial trauma. They wonder what happens when majority culture is spreading an anxiety that non-majority culture has to carry, and how can System Theory help us to manage our anxiety and do better in the conversations around race that we so desperately need to have right now? This conversation is honest, challenging, and ultimately, hopeful.   Steve Cuss Resources: Steve's website Managing Leadership Anxiety, Yours and Theirs by Steve Cuss   General Resources for Systems Theory: Season 9 Episode 6 of the Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership Podcast Season 9 Episode 7 of the Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership Podcast Family Systems and Congregational Life: A Map for Ministry by R. Robert Creech Lombard Mennonite Peace Center Generation to Generation: Family Process in Church and Synagogue by Edwin H. Friedman Extraordinary Relationships: A new Way of Thinking about Human Interactions by Roberta M Gilbert Music Credit: Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist   Support the podcast! This season, patrons will receive exclusive bonus content that includes conversations with Ruth and Steve that delve into episode topics a little deeper. This week Ruth and Tina will continue the conversation with thoughts about Systems Theory across gender and race. Become a patron today by visiting our Patreon page!     The Transforming Center exists to create space for God to strengthen leaders and transform communities. You are invited to join our next Transforming Community:® A Two-year Spiritual Formation Experience for Leaders.  Delivered in nine quarterly retreats, this practice-based learning opportunity is grounded in the conviction that the best thing you bring to leadership is your own transforming self!

The Spirit Explodes Part 7 of 22 - The Martyrdom of Stephen (Acts 6:1 – 8:3) by Roger Kirby Luke, probably guided by Paul's memories of what happened, sees the teaching and death of Stephen as a major turning point in the progress of the Gospel. To this point opposition has come from the ruling classes in Jerusalem; the common people had approved of what was happening. From here on the believers lost the support of everybody. Consequently the focus of the Gospel is about to move outside Jerusalem. First: the background in Acts6:1–7. The “Grecian Jews” of the NIV probably means Greek speaking Jews who had retired to Jerusalem mainly in order to die there; “Hebraic Jews” probably means long term Aramaic speaking residents of the city. Each would have worshipped in a synagogue where their most familiar language was spoken. When some of each became Christian tensions arose. The seven chosen men are often called deacons but only because the Greek word for “waiting on tables” is diakonia. Their responsibilities do not match those described in the later NT letters. However we can learn useful lessons from them. Question 1: What were the criteria for choosing the seven? Can we relate these to our situation? All seven names are Greek. What does that tell us about the principles used in the fellowship? They were chosen purely on the basis of their spiritual depth. I don't know what happens where you are but all too often men and women are chosen for positions in the church on the basis of their practical qualifications. Their spirituality is the least of the attributes considered. That all of them were Greek speaking suggests that great care was taken to resolve the problems as quickly as possible. In Acts 6:8 – 7:1, which outline the nature of the problem, Stephen faced. The troubles started in one particularly radical synagogue, the Synagogue of the Freedmen. This included some from Cilicia, which is where Paul came from so he was probably a member of this meeting. Now we come to the long speech of Stephen, the longest in the book of Acts. It is not at all easy to see how what he said related to the charges against him, and what upset them so much and caused him to be lynched, so I will interrupt my wife's reading of the speech as we go along to try and explain it. Stephen starts his speech by referring back to God's promise to Abraham. What he says is standard Jewish thinking and quite unobjectionable, but he is starting to emphasise the way that Abraham had no firm roots in any place. Read Acts 7:2 – 8. Isaac and Jacob were uninteresting to Stephen because they had secure roots in Israel. So he moves on to Joseph who did not have secure roots. He also points out that Joseph was rejected by those who should have supported him, his brothers. Read Acts 7:9 – 19. Next comes Moses, again a wanderer on the face of the earth, as Stephen is careful to emphasise. He also emphasises that Moses too suffered rejection by his own people on more than one occasion. Read Acts7:20 – 43. He continues to trace the history of his people beginning to emphasise the tabernacle as the place where God dwelt. Although David enjoyed God's favour he did not get building the temple. Read Acts 7:44 – 47. He has now set the scene for what he wants to say. He has also by his strong emphasis on Moses effectively rebutted the charge that Jesus was going to change the customs of the law. Remembering how the apostles had been treated by these people he probably had decided he was likely to die anyway and he was not going to do so without making his points. So he continues by making two points: 1) the temple was not as important as they thought it was as all these great men had lived without it, being prepared to meet and worship God anywhere they happened to be. Even if Jesus had said he would destroy the temple (as he hadn't) it would not have mattered; 2) many of these true prophets of old had been rejected by the people, as Jesus was. They, his hearers, had acted wrongly, but that was nothing new. Read Acts 7:48 – 53. He was not exactly diplomatic in the way he put it! The reaction was overwhelming. The veiled argument behind the history is that God is not limited to any one place, in particular the temple. He is therefore not under the control of the Sanhedrin. Their power is finished. The true next step in the purposes of God is with Jesus and his people. Read Acts 7:54 – 8: 1a. Question 2: What are the practical implications today of there being no particular place where the Lord is to be worshipped? In what ways do people wrongly contradict that fact? Cathedrals, and the like, can be wonderful places but they don't really fit into the scene Stephen paints. The idea that the temple in Jerusalem should be rebuilt, as advocated by some people, also falls before Stephen's argument. It doesn't matter where we gather and worship. The important things are gathering and worshiping. Question 3: Stephen was obviously a vigorous personality who was not prepared to keep quiet, even if he was also full of the Holy Spirit! Such people are not always comfortable to live with. What place should such people have in the present day church? There ought to be room for every personality type in every fellowship. It is important that the leadership of every group uses to the full the best attributes of everyone while curbing their less useful attributes, whether that be making too much noise or too little! Probably it was when Stephen said that he saw the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God that his fate was sealed. Jesus said something similar when he said that the Son of Man would be seated at the right hand of God and that was the point at which they decided to kill him. Both were referring to Daniel 7 where one like a Son of Man approached the Ancient of Days and was given authority, glory and sovereign power. Question 4: Why were these statements taken so amiss? These were the clearest possible statements that Jesus was the Messiah and that he would be given the authority and power they (the members of the Sanhedrin) so much enjoyed. Beware the love of power! Read Acts 8: 1 – 3 And so the purposes of God were fulfilled in the persecution and scattering of the church. Right Mouse click or tap here to download episode 7 as an audio mp3 file

Rabbi-Cantor Hillary Chorny's Shabbat Teaching at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, on June 11, 2022.

Rabbi Adam Kligfeld's Shabbat Sermon at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, June 11, 2022. (Youtube/Zoom)

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.

This week our old friend The Rabbi teaches a class on chain fisting. Yep, it's what it sounds like. How to do it and how to do it safely. At the end of this class, you can say you will never break the chain. This is as usual an audio podcast, so use your imagination and share in the room's energy. https://www.kinkycast.com/archive/2022-archive/437---the-rabbi---chain.html

Rabbi Adam Kligfeld sits down with acclaimed professors David Myers and Nomi Stolzenberg to discuss their new book about Kiryah Joel, the Satmar Hasidic, Yiddish-speaking village that emerged from the town of Monroe, NY, part of the extended community Rabbi Kligfeld served for nine years before coming to Temple Beth Am. (Zoom) Special Guests: David Meyers and Nomi Stolzenberg.

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, June 8, 2022, this week beginning with Shemot/Exodus 5:14. (Youtube/Zoom)

Rabbi Avi Havivi's siddur class at Temple Beth Am Los Angeles via Zoom - June 7, 2022 Special Guest: Rabbi Avi Havivi.

Mark's Gospel contains some interesting literary style and in today's passage we'll see how one story (Cookie #1) is interrupted by another story (the filling), and then the wrap-up to the first story becomes Cookie #2. We'll see how Jesus displays his compassion and authority by helping a Synagogue official and a woman who had suffered for twelve years from a medical condition that no doctor could cure. This message was preached by Clark Cothern on June 5th, 2022. Web: www.lw-cc.org Email: office@lw-cc.org

Rabbi Rebecca Schatz's Yizkor Sermon at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, June 6, 2022. (Youtube/Zoom)

Sometimes our greatest anxieties can surround areas of stuckness, places where we know what we are doing isn't working, but we can't seem to find our way out. This week, Ruth and Steve will discuss second order change and how we can recognize and dissolve our stuck patterns. How does paying attention to process over content help us with this? And how can changing our own behaviors actually change the behaviors of others? Find out all this and more in this episode.   Helpful to this episode: Everything Isn't Terrible by Dr. Kathleen Smith   Steve Cuss Resources: Steve's website Managing Leadership Anxiety, Yours and Theirs by Steve Cuss   General Resources for Systems Theory: Season 9 Episode 6 of the Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership Podcast Season 9 Episode 7 of the Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership Podcast Family Systems and Congregational Life: A Map for Ministry by R. Robert Creech Lombard Mennonite Peace Center Generation to Generation: Family Process in Church and Synagogue by Edwin H. Friedman Extraordinary Relationships: A new Way of Thinking about Human Interactions by Roberta M Gilbert Music Credit: Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist   Support the podcast! This season, patrons will receive exclusive bonus content that includes conversations with Ruth and Steve that delve into episode topics a little deeper. This week we will offer a conversation about universal sources of anxiety. Become a patron today by visiting our Patreon page!     The Transforming Center exists to create space for God to strengthen leaders and transform communities. You are invited to join our next Transforming Community:® A Two-year Spiritual Formation Experience for Leaders.  Delivered in nine quarterly retreats, this practice-based learning opportunity is grounded in the conviction that the best thing you bring to leadership is your own transforming self!

Rachel Green's Shavuot Sermon at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, on June 6, 2022. (Youtube/Zoom) Special Guest: Rachel Green.

Rabbi Adam Kligfeld and Rabbi-Cantor Hillary Chorny welcome Rabbis Noah Farkas, Michelle Missaghieh and Adam Greenwald at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, on June 4, 2022. (Youtube/Zoom)

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.

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, June 1, 2022, this week beginning with Shemot/Exodus 5:12. (Facebook/Zoom)

Rabbis Matt Shapiro and Rebecca Schatz lead a discussion of the most interesting stories, verses and themes in the weekly parasha. This discussion was conducted at Temple Beth Am Los Angeles via Zoom on May 27, 2022. Special Guest: Rabbi Matt Shapiro.

This week, Ruth and Steve are talking about differentiation. What is differentiation and how does it differ from individualism? Steve shares his framework of the Four Spaces and explains how paying attention to these spaces can help us differentiate and understand what is happening in a group. As we wrapped up, Steve shared a few practices that can help us with differentiation.   Mentioned in this episode: CODA (Apple +)   Steve Cuss Resources: Steve's website Managing Leadership Anxiety, Yours and Theirs by Steve Cuss Calm, Aware, Present Journal kickstarter campaign   General Resources for Systems Theory: Season 9 Episode 6 of the Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership Podcast Season 9 Episode 7 of the Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership Podcast Family Systems and Congregational Life: A Map for Ministry by R. Robert Creech Lombard Mennonite Peace Center Generation to Generation: Family Process in Church and Synagogue by Edwin H. Friedman Extraordinary Relationships: A new Way of Thinking about Human Interactions by Roberta M Gilbert Music Credit: Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist   Support the podcast! This season, patrons will receive exclusive bonus content that includes conversations with Ruth and Steve that delve into episode topics a little deeper. This week we will offer a conversation about universal sources of anxiety. Become a patron today by visiting our Patreon page!     The Transforming Center exists to create space for God to strengthen leaders and transform communities. You are invited to join our next Transforming Community:® A Two-year Spiritual Formation Experience for Leaders.  Delivered in nine quarterly retreats, this practice-based learning opportunity is grounded in the conviction that the best thing you bring to leadership is your own transforming self!

Rabbi-Cantor Hillary Chorny's Shabbat Teaching at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, May 28, 2022. (Youtube/Zoom)

Ruth and guest Steve Cuss continue to explore Systems Theory. This week they look at leadership, anxiety, and the false self. What are some examples of false selves and false beliefs and how do they relate to anxiety? What is the calm presence? Ruth and Steve's conversation covers all this and more, including an invitation to participate in the practice of the Welcoming Prayer. Steve Cuss Resources: Steve's website Managing Leadership Anxiety, Yours and Theirs by Steve Cuss Calm, Aware, Present Journal kickstarter campaign   General Resources for Systems Theory: Season 9 Episode 6 of the Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership Podcast Season 9 Episode 7 of the Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership Podcast Family Systems and Congregational Life: A Map for Ministry by R. Robert Creech Lombard Mennonite Peace Center Generation to Generation: Family Process in Church and Synagogue by Edwin H. Friedman Extraordinary Relationships: A new Way of Thinking about Human Interactions by Roberta M Gilbert Music Credit: Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist   Support the podcast! This season, patrons will receive exclusive bonus content that includes conversations with Ruth and Steve that delve into episode topics a little deeper. This week we will offer some thoughts on the Welcoming Prayer. Become a patron today by visiting our Patreon page!     The Transforming Center exists to create space for God to strengthen leaders and transform communities. You are invited to join our next Transforming Community:® A Two-year Spiritual Formation Experience for Leaders.  Delivered in nine quarterly retreats, this practice-based learning opportunity is grounded in the conviction that the best thing you bring to leadership is your own transforming self!