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As Shabbat fades into the new week, Havdalah reminds us that endings are never just endings—they are also beginnings. May the renewal of this moment carry us forward with light and intention.

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Black history is not separate history—it is the foundation of America’s story. We honor those who paved the way and those still fighting for justice.

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Parashat Mishpatim reminds us that holiness is in how we treat each other. Justice, fairness, and dignity aren’t ideals but daily acts. Are we building just communities? Are we taking action? Holiness isn’t separate from justice—it is justice. Prayer is not enough. Justice must be lived.

submitted 3 days ago • 0 comments

Zeh hayom asah Adonai, nagilah v’nism’chah bo. “This is the day that God has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” We taught, every day creation is a new. Today is a brand new day, rejoice.

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At the airport heading to St. Louis, second half of my flight delayed. Not ideal, but choosing gratitude—for the journey, the people I’ll meet, and the work ahead. Even in waiting, there’s a chance to pause, breathe, and reflect. May we all find something to be grateful for today.

submitted 6 days ago • 1 comment

Yitro reminds us that liberation is just the beginning—what comes next is building a just society. At Sinai, the Israelites receive the Ten Commandments, a moral framework for freedom. But before that, Yitro teaches Moses that true leadership means sharing responsibility, ensuring justice for all.

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Yitro the Torah of resilience

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This week’s Torah portion, Yitro, teaches resilience. Moses learns that true strength isn’t carrying every burden alone—it’s knowing when to seek support. May we lean on others, embrace wisdom, and stand strong in the face of uncertainty. Shabbat Shalom.

submitted 8 days ago • 1 comment

"Black history isn’t a separate history. This is all of our history, this is American history, and we need to understand that" - Ketanji Brown Jackson Black history isn’t an elective. It’s not a side note or a footnote. It’s American history and we cannot tell the story of this country without it.

submitted 8 days ago • 1 comment

“Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly." - Langston Hughes Dreams keep us moving forward. Without them, we’re stuck. Langston Hughes knew that holding on to dreams is an act of survival.

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Doggie school is in session. The older pups are helping to train Stella.

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We say Boker Tov and you say Boker Or open.spotify.com/track/5cvuvV...

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So Google maps changes the name of the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America because Trump signed an executive order but internationally it’s still the Gulf of Mexico. Trump cannot override international law or reality.

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Gratitude is a practice

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"The time is always right to do what is right." Dr. Martin Luther King Jr No waiting, no hesitation—do it now. ✊🏾

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The Jewish New Year for Trees open.substack.com/pub/rabbisan...

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Gratitude is a practice. The Talmud asks, Eizehu ashir? Ha’sameach b’chelko—Who is rich? The one content with what they have (Pirkei Avot 4:1). Take a moment to notice the gifts in front of you—the breath in your lungs, the love in your life, the small joys that sustain you. Be grateful.

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Shirley Chisholm didn’t wait for permission—she made her own way. If the table isn’t built for you, pull up a chair and change the conversation. 🪑

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Black Tiktok is always on time I opened the app and this popped up I am dying 🤣🤣🤣🤣 www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2kcwRSS/

submitted 13 days ago • 1 comment

"If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." - Shirley Chisholm Shirley Chisholm didn’t wait for permission—she made her own way. If the table isn’t built for you, pull up a chair and change the conversation. 🪑

submitted 13 days ago • 1 comment

Boker tov. Today I’m grateful for music, for words, for the people who show up. For quiet mornings, strong coffee, and moments of joy even in hard times. The world is messy, but there is still light. What are you grateful for today?

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It’s Black History Month and I’m resharing this piece I wrote almost two years ago on the dangers of whitewashing history open.substack.com/pub/rabbisan...

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I’m writing more creative writing pieces in my newsletter under the heading “Words that Wander” rabbisandra.substack.com/s/words-that...

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The Israelites sang at the sea before they reached the other side. Sometimes, faith means finding joy and gratitude even when the future is uncertain. On this Shabbat, may we pause, breathe, and embrace the peace of the moment, knowing that the journey continues.

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A Shabbat message from this week’s Torah portion https://youtu.be/nbciVJ7nsb0?si=jVG09RB9WSmG4dpZ

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Shabbat is coming, and I’m holding onto gratitude. This week had its challenges, but I’m choosing to end it with rest and renewal. What are you carrying into Shabbat (or the weekend) that brings you joy?

submitted 15 days ago • 2 comments

Honoring Black Voices: Beyond the Rhythm "In a place where there are no humans, strive to be a human." I return to this teaching often. It speaks to the responsibility to stand firm in dignity and justice, even when others act in ways that lack integrity." open.substack.com/pub/rabbisan...

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White women have benefited most from affirmative action and DEI, yet many now push to dismantle them. The same policies that opened doors for them are deemed unfair when they help Black, Indigenous, and other marginalized groups.

submitted 16 days ago • 3 comments

"In a place where there are no humans, strive to be a human." (Pirkei Avot 2:5) When kindness is absent, be the one who shows it. When justice is ignored, be the one who speaks up. Judaism calls us to embody humanity, even when others don’t.

submitted 16 days ago • 0 comments

Midweek can feel heavy, and Psalm 94 meets us in that weight. It speaks to injustice and struggle but also reminds us that we are not alone. Even when our steps falter, we are steadied; when worries multiply, comfort is near.

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This is great I wonder what the boys will do now? www.nytimes.com/2025/02/03/u...

submitted 17 days ago • 4 comments

We made it to another day, another work week. That alone is something to be grateful for.

submitted 19 days ago • 1 comment

The book of Exodus is an entire blueprint for liberation. From breaking free of oppression to the struggles of building a just society, Exodus teaches that freedom isn’t just about escape—it’s about responsibility, faith, and community. Liberation is a journey, not a single moment in time

submitted 20 days ago • 1 comment

Shavua Tov! A tweet from @hakeem-jeffries.bsky.social is going around saying something like, “Presidents come and go, but God is consistent.” I’m not sure if that’s the exact quote, but I agree.

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A Blessing for Black History Month ritualwell.org/ritual/a-ble...

submitted 21 days ago • 0 comments