Tehillah Talks: Recent Episodes
Rabbi Linda Shriner-Cahn - Congregation Tehillah
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we discuss:
- How we respond to rules and regulations
- What we should do with inexplicable rules
- How stories impact our responses to rules
- What helps us prepare for transitions
- Where it makes sense to be granular vs. open about rules
- How the Torah and the Talmud serve as a blueprint for the interaction of stories and rules
- How rules help us navigate transitions, interact and make the world a better place
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/congregationtehillah/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we discuss:
- Being in a heated conversation, what happens when you really listen?
- If you don’t know someone who disagrees with you, how do you find respect for them?
- How easy is it to hear other people’s stories?
- How hard is it to find commonality with someone with whom you disagree?
- What it means to be taught how to compromise
- How we can get out of our corners
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org andhttps://www.facebook.com/congregationtehillah/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we discuss:
- What is love?
- Can you command someone to love?
- How easy is it to love your neighbor as yourself?
- The challenges and benefits of connecting being a stranger in a strange land with loving your neighbor
- How looking at love as paying attention changes the transaction and focus
- How breaking bread with strangers can build connections
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org andhttps://www.facebook.com/congregationtehillah/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we discuss:
- How can you command people to listen
- What it takes to listen to and hear another person’s voice
- How God’s unity helps us listen to people we don’t agree with
- How to discern the biases in someone else’s viewpoint
- Using the Sh’ma as a context for listening to the world
- Taking time to listen before we talk
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/congregationtehillah/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we discuss:
- Why it matters to tell the story on Passover
- The desire to remember the story of the Holocaust and to forget it
- How objects connect us to story
- Our connections to our family stories
- How stories change as we reread them over time
- What stories may obligate us to do
- Story as a way in
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/congregationtehillah/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we discuss:
- Dressing in ridiculous costumes
- What roots us in our identity
- The tension between our public and private identity
- How to get beyond judgments that are based on appearance
- How to keep going forward in challenging times
- Fear vs. solidarity in response to a threat
- What holds us up during difficult moments
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/congregationtehillah/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we discuss:
- The definition of the word genesis
- Where we are in our own personal formation journey
- How the Joseph narrative may relate to our own transitions
- How we find a good starting point for something new
- How to find the positive amid negative messaging
- Communities we can turn to when we are feeling overwhelmed or struggling
- What we are grateful for that supports our transitions
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/congregationtehillah/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we discuss:
What does it mean to be a good person? Should we give Noah a bad rap? What does it take to get out of our places of comfort? Are we being trained to think before we act? What can we do differently to build positive impact?
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/congregationtehillah/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we discuss:
Why we have to mark beginnings Why we start with the same texts and stories at the beginning of every year How we highlight the importance of beginnings Our wishes for the New Year
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/congregationtehillah/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we discuss:
Why the environment has lost attention Learning about long-term impact The way values about our land are embedded in our Jewish texts How can we focus more on the communal and less on the individual How can we create a sense of urgency with the environment How can we make choices for the future where the environment fits in
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/congregationtehillah/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we speak about what Anti-Semitism means as a young person today.
We discuss:
What Anti-Semitism demands of us in relation to other groups under attack How we tell the story of Ant-Semitism without blinding ourselves to the suffering of others How our laws are embedded in our story, giving empathy a voice
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/congregationtehillah/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we speak about what Anti-Semitism means as a young person today.
We discuss:
What Anti-Semitism means from the vantage point of a 15- to 20-year-old The kinds of incidents we see and experience The connection between reactions to Israel policy and anti-Semitism How our laws are embedded in our story, giving empathy a voice
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/congregationtehillah/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we speak about how hard blessings are to offer and receive. We discuss:
Marking endings and beginnings How the notion of blessings can be a source of empowerment How we feel when we receive blessings Being taught how to speak up for ourselves Aligning our inner sense of self with how we are seen
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/Congregation-Tehillah-59324635843/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we discuss the connection between gratitude and:
Prayer Food Thanksgiving How others benefit us
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/Congregation-Tehillah-59324635843/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we explore transitions.
We discuss:
What it’s like to enter a new place What tools we have to ease the stresses of transition Adapting to new ways of working and living Whether change is a good thing How we can keep moving forward in the face of obstacles
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/Congregation-Tehillah-59324635843/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we discuss part two of our reflections of the last year.
We discuss:
What the year ahead will look like What will help us get through the next year How we have changed – or not
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/Congregation-Tehillah-59324635843/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we discuss part one of our reflections of the last year.
We discuss:
Adapting the Biblical parallels to a new reality Changing social dynamics Our very personal experiences of the last year
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/Congregation-Tehillah-59324635843/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we discuss mental illness and how it is viewed in society.
We discuss:
Stigma surrounding mental illness Lack of adequate mental healthcare The importance of therapy Biblical representations of mental health
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/Congregation-Tehillah-59324635843/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we reflect on how our lives and perspectives have changed in the past year. We discuss:
Our need for material objects What our display of material objects at the Passover seder means to us The meaning of “Let all who are hungry come and eat” How our memories of this year may lead to a reframing for us in the future Ways we want to think bigger this Passover
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/Congregation-Tehillah-59324635843/
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we discuss the power of history and telling the tale:
Why complain? The story of the Israelites crossing the Sea of Reeds How we relate to the complaints of the former slaves Remembering vs. telling the story
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/Congregation-Tehillah-59324635843/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we discuss:
Our reflections on 2020, as we conclude the book of Genesis and the calendar year Where we feel most compelled to invest our energy and resources in the next year What we have learned about what is important to us What we want to hold onto from the past year Our hope for the coming year
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/Congregation-Tehillah-59324635843/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we discuss:
What comes to mind when we think of Hanukkah How Hanukkah might be different during the pandemic How the meaning and imagery of Hanukkah help us with our current challenges How we can bring light into our community Why light and darkness are powerful for humans Some of the Hanukkah traditions that we follow Our acts of kindness and our wishes for Hanukkah
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/Congregation-Tehillah-59324635843/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we discuss:
Our experiences and feelings about online High Holiday services Some of the tools that we developed to enhance our online services Our reflections about Kristallnacht in the context of current world events The power of speech and how it affects our behavior
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/Congregation-Tehillah-59324635843/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we discuss the recent demonstrations, racism and our role as Jews and as people in pursuing justice.
We discuss:
How are teens are coping during the pandemic Our views about justice How to create real change Our responsibility as Jews to pursue justice
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/Congregation-Tehillah-59324635843/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we discuss Judaism as a guidepost to navigate coronavirus.
We discuss:
Culture wars and personal values How a crisis transforms our worldview How Judaism can be a guidepost for our behavior in a crisis Why we want purpose and meaning in a world where chaos is constantly emerging
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/Congregation-Tehillah-59324635843/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we discuss the impact of coronavirus on Judaism and our lives
We discuss:
How COVID-19 social isolation may impact the way we celebrate Passover How Passover themes relate to our current disruption and uncertainty How the image of Noah in the ark may help us What we imagine our lives will be like when social distancing restrictions start to be lifted
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/Congregation-Tehillah-59324635843/
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we have a conversation with an immigrant about her experiences coming to and growing up in America and becoming Jewish.
We discuss:
Coming to America Hiding who you are Assimilation Choosing to be Jewish
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/Congregation-Tehillah-59324635843/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we have a wide ranging discussion on the meaning of history within the frame of the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and Black History month.
We discuss:
History through a critical lens Why we tell the story beginning with Passover How history always has a point of view The challenge of action in the face of history
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/Congregation-Tehillah-59324635843/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we find ourselves at a crossroad at the beginning of a new decade.
We discuss:
The toxic nature of indifference Anti-Semitism and its resurgence How to respect differences in others Identifying our commonalities Grappling with what we can do to make a difference
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/Congregation-Tehillah-59324635843/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we look at “Love thy neighbor as thyself,” (Leviticus 19:18) and “If I am not for myself, who am I, and if I am only for myself, what am I, and if not now, when?”(Pirkei Avot 1:14),
We discuss:
What does it mean to love yourself even as you are changing? Does it mean you have to like everything about your neighbor? Do we treasure that which is unique about ourselves? How do we deal with obstacles? What is the danger of doing things too quickly? Uncoupling Thanks and Giving
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/Congregation-Tehillah-59324635843/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we discuss the beginning of the Torah and the relevance of the two creation stories
We discuss:
Unpacking the two creation stories The role of the first creation story in our liturgy Seeing imminence and transcendence from the very beginning The importance of being allowed to fail Was the story of Adam and Eve a set up?
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/Congregation-Tehillah-59324635843/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we read The Art of Blessing the Day, by Marge Piercy, as a jumping off point to talk about blessing and the upcoming High Holidays
We discuss:
Seeing blessing in the every day The challenge of appreciating and being in the moment Looking to young people for inspiration to act in the world Challenges of modern communication as it relates to missing the mark in the way we communicate, in particular in relation to Yom Kippur
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/Congregation-Tehillah-59324635843/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we say hello to new members of our conversation, Helena and Bernie. We continue to hear the voice of Julian.
We discuss:
The connection between Jewish values and agriculture Balance between economics and ethics Awareness of the interplay between humans and the environment The importance of taking small steps
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/Congregation-Tehillah-59324635843/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we say goodbye to our rabbinic intern Jay Stanton as he leads a conversation about growing up in an Interfaith family. We also welcome Gideon, age 9, to the conversation with our regulars Julian and Jasmine.
We discuss:
What it means to embrace your Jewish identity Having multiple identities How having a background that cannot be neatly defined is an asset, allowing access to the complexity of the world Breaking out of defined boxes, challenging norms How to own one’s identity
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/Congregation-Tehillah-59324635843/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we say goodbye to Jasmine as she gets ready for college.
We discuss:
Whether there is really such a thing as an ending or a beginning How endings prepare us for beginnings Why knowing who you are and what you believe in matters Acknowledging those who are different and really listening How the Torah gives us support and examples for change and transition
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/Congregation-Tehillah-59324635843/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we discuss mental illness and how it is viewed in society.
We discuss:
Stigma surrounding mental illness Lack of adequate mental healthcare The importance of therapy Biblical representations of mental health
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/Congregation-Tehillah-59324635843/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we discuss how we can relate to the seder and the Passover story.
We discuss:
How the seder can be interpreted to provide meaning in today’s world The implication of being chosen Why we need to take care of widows, orphans and strangers The seder as a didactic and dramatic event – shaped by the leader
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/Congregation-Tehillah-59324635843/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we discuss our understanding of community with Jasmine, Julian, Helena and Bernie.
We discuss:
What a community means to our teens and what it feels like to be part of our community The importance of inclusion; finding common ground across differences The difference between communities we choose vs. communities into which we are placed Circumstances that prompt people to build community How community can help address fear and work to overcome a common struggle How trust and unity build community
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/Congregation-Tehillah-59324635843/.
This is the second in this two-part episode of Tehillah Talks, where Jasmine and Julian ask Rabbi Linda about her path to become a rabbi.
We discuss:
What it’s like to be Jewish in a dominantly Christian culture When one feels the presence of the Divine What characterizes our Rabbi and Congregation How random acts of kindness can create powerful, intimate connections without words A woman’s perspective within spiritual leadership
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/Congregation-Tehillah-59324635843/.
We turn the tables in this two-part episode of Tehillah Talks, where Jasmine and Julian ask Rabbi Linda about her path to become a rabbi.
We discuss:
Rabbi Linda’s journey to the rabbinate Julian asks Rabbi Linda about her relationship to and understanding of the Divine
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/Congregation-Tehillah-59324635843/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, we reflect on being Jewish when violence is an everyday occurrence.
We discuss:
Examples of violence around us – in Pittsburgh and Kentucky How recent anti-Semitism seems the same and different from Kristallnacht With a legacy of oppression, why it is important to stand up for others Why it is easier to be part of a solution to oppression when we stand together as part of a Jewish community
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/Congregation-Tehillah-59324635843/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, in light of Thanksgiving, Jasmine and Julian share their thoughts on gratitude.
We discuss:
The importance of empathy and mindfulness How gratitude is part of the Jewish frame of reference How the act of giving and thanking are both intrinsic to gratitude How coming together as family, although not always simple, is a way of rooting oneself, thereby being a source of gratitude
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/Congregation-Tehillah-59324635843/.
On todays’ episode of Tehillah Talks, Jasmine and Julian share their Bar/Bat Mitzvah experiences, a true entryway into Jewish adulthood for both of them.
We discuss:
What’s it’s like to be the first on your family to celebrate your Bat Mitzvah Why your Bar Mitzvah does not have to look and feel like every one else’s celebration How a teenager can create his/her own meaningful Jewish experience How a Bar Mitzvah is a window for a parent to see into the future for his/her child
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/Congregation-Tehillah-59324635843/.
In this episode of Tehillah Talks, Jasmine and Julian share their personal responses to endings.
We discuss:
The importance of ritual to mark a transition Seeing Moses as a less-than-perfect exemplar of both leadership and succession Examples of transitions in the lives of our teens
Learn more about our community that is committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability and economic status at www.congregationtehillah.org and https://www.facebook.com/Congregation-Tehillah-59324635843/.