Torah Tuesday
https://open.substack.com/pub/rabbisandra/p/the-harvest-of-humility-reflecting

"By supporting transgender people in their journey, we acknowledge that every soul is a reflection of the Divine and deserves to express that image in its fullest, most authentic form." https://open.substack.com/pub/rabbisandra/p/the-divine-image-in-every-person

@ACG2 it is. Sending love

I am working on an album with a producer. In the meantime, check out my homegrown recordings and follow me on Spotify to know when my album comes out.

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Ef6C2Hp2X3DQY9SJE4WDh

what does it mean to forgive someone who has harmed us?

https://open.substack.com/pub/rabbisandra/p/forgiveness-a-journey-not-a-destination

How often do we pause to inquire: How well am I taking care of myself?
https://rabbisandra.substack.com/p/how-well-am-i-taking-care-of-myself

"Elul: A Month of Preparation and Renewal" on Post at https://post.news/@/rabbisandra/2U4IpjTK9uDPMlQhVMaSLRhmDnD

Shavua tov
May this new week be filled with hope, joy, and abundance. May your path be guided by wisdom and your heart be filled with love. May you find strength in times of challenge and comfort in times of need. May you be surrounded by those who lift you up and support you. May your days be filled with blessings and your nights with peaceful rest. May you be a blessing to others and may you be blessed in all that you do.

Racism, Antisemitism, and the Intersectionality of Oppression https://open.substack.com/pub/rabbisandra/p/racism-antisemitism-and-the-intersectionality

There shall be no needy among you, but if there is...
https://open.substack.com/pub/rabbisandra/p/the-paradox-of-poverty-in-the-torah

Jewish law advocates praying three times a day, amounting to a daily recitation of 100 Berachot, or blessings. This may seem like an immense act of devotion, especially for those leading busy, fast-paced lives. Transitioning from occasional prayer — perhaps only within the synagogue — to a regimen of 100 daily blessings might appear daunting. So how might we simplify this process? By starting small. By choosing a single prayer and integrating it into our daily routine. https://open.substack.com/pub/rabbisandra/p/gratitude-as-a-spiritual-practice

My blackness precedes me, and people see my blackness before they get to know me. And my Jewishness can be perceived as threatening in our Christian-dominated society. Additionally, while some in the Jewish community readily celebrate my blackness, they often overlook or underestimate my Jewish identity. https://open.substack.com/pub/rabbisandra/p/blessings-of-the-body-and-soul-a

https://rabbisandra.substack.com/p/torah-opening-our-hearts-to-love

Whitewashing is a historical deception that downplays the realities of violence and oppression faced by Black people throughout our history and perpetuates a false narrative that hinders progress in our society. https://open.substack.com/pub/rabbisandra/p/unveiling-the-truth-preserving-black

This week's Torah portion, Va'etchanan, commences with Moses beseeching God, yearning to cross over and see the Promised Land beyond the Jordan (Deut. 3:23, 25). Although upset about God's decree that he wouldn't personally enter the Promised Land, Moses found some solace in God's allowance for him to climb Mount Pisgah, look around to every side, and drink in the view of the land he could not enter (Deut. 3:27).

https://open.substack.com/pub/rabbisandra/p/moses-and-dr-king-two-leaders-on

How ever you mark this holiday of Tisha B'Av, remember it's not just a commemoration of the past, but a moment to reflect on our present. Our history holds lessons of resilience and strength, and this day of reflection offers us an opportunity to put these lessons into action. May your day be meaningful and inspire you towards making a positive impact in your community and the world at large.

I knew little about my mother's childhood & very little about her daily life. My mother’s need for privacy kept many at a distance, including her children. All the good parts of me have come from the lessons I’ve learned from her. And I dedicate this video and song to her and what she taught me. She died on Tisha B'Av the saddest day of the Jewish calendar. Sometimes I like to think it was her way of making sure I would always remember the Jewish date of her death.
https://youtu.be/taed2yBEmrE

As Tisha B'Av begins tonight, we're reminded of the resilience of our people in the face of adversity. As we commemorate the Temples' destruction, let's also remember that from the fragments of the past, we build our future. #TishaBAv #JewishResilience #BuildingFromLoss

At the heart of Jewish teachings lies Rachamim, which goes beyond mere sympathy. Compassion, entails the ability to empathize with the feelings and experiences of others. Rachamim reminds us of the interconnectedness of humanity, urging us to break down the barriers that separate us from others. By cultivating compassion, we open ourselves to the struggles and suffering of marginalized communities, transcending the ignorance that often perpetuates racism.
https://open.substack.com/pub/rabbisandra/p/fighting-racism-with-jewish-values

Of course this is true. Black students have always made up a small number of students at these schools. But to hear some white people tell it Black people are some how keeping white people folks out. https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2023/07/24/1189443223/affirmative-action-for-rich-kids-its-more-than-just-legacy-admissions