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In-Dependence Day Cantor Ilan Davidson cantor@bethelsp.org Every year on July 4, we, the United States of America, celebrate Independence Day. It wasn’t until my wedding day, 19 years ago, on the 4th of July, that I ever even started thinking of the meaning of Independence. And now, in 2020, I’m realizing this meaning even more. […]
Blessing of a Virtual Summer? Cantor Ilan Davidson cantor@bethelsp.org As I write this article, the sun is shining on a glorious Southern California spring day, my family is sleeping safely in their rooms, I’ve spent some wonderful time with friends and colleagues, and, while it’s virtual, our work at the Temple marches onward, serving the […]
Z’man Matan Torah, The Gift of Interpreting Torah Cantor Ilan Davidson cantor@bethelsp.org In ancient, more orthodox days of Judaism, when somebody wanted to understand what the Torah was teaching, they would ask the Rabbi. The Rabbi would then provide them “the” answer, and they would go home, satisfied (or perhaps not) that they were “told” […]
Music Speaks Louder Than Words Cantor Ilan Davidson cantor@bethelsp.org In 1983, Peter, Paul, & Mary recorded their song, Music Speaks Louder Than Words. In it, they professed that “it’s the only thing that the whole world listens to” and that “when you sing, people understand.” It never fails, when I visit somebody who is ill, […]
Four Mitzvah — No Waiting! Cantor Ilan Davidson cantor@bethelsp.org Every Jewish holiday is typically surrounded by customs, traditions, and mitzvot – commandments. Purim is no exception. On this festive holiday there are four mitzvot, or commandments that the Jewish people should fulfill. I know what you think they are – silliness, drunkenness, spieliness, and costumes! […]
Jewish Valentine’s Day? Cantor Ilan Davidson cantor@bethelsp.org As we enter into the month of February, it seems appropriate to discuss a little known holiday, the Jewish Valentine’s Day, Tu B’Av. Often, I’m asked if and how Jews celebrate Valentine’s Day. It’s right up there with Halloween on everybody’s list of questions regarding whether or not […]
Always Changing, Always Growing Cantor Ilan Davidson cantor@bethelsp.org In our liturgy, we read Shiru L’Adonai shir chadash—Sing unto God a new song. We read these words at least every erev Shabbat, which garners the question, “How can we read the same thing (or do the same thing) every day or week, and call it NEW?” […]
B’tzalel Cantor Ilan Davidson cantor@bethelsp.org Just last month, we had a wonderful visiting group of 8th graders from Temple Israel in Long Beach. During their visit, I invited them to ask me any questions they might have about Temple Beth El, or even about me. Of course, some took this as a challenge to try […]
Thanksgiving – Sukkot For The Masses Cantor Ilan Davidson cantor@bethelsp.org As I sit here, writing this article during the festival of Sukkot, I can’t help but ponder the similarities between OUR harvest festival and the one coming up at the end of November, for Americans. Do you know what our very first obligation is, after […]
The Torah of Our Lives Cantor Ilan Davidson cantor@bethelsp.org Jewish tradition teaches that Torah is a living document, always growing in meaning and depth, forever bringing meaning to our lives. How does this translate into our lives today? How can I make Torah alive for me? What is the Torah of my life? When we […]
