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Sefer HaChayim – The Book of Life Cantor Ilan Davidson cantor@bethelsp.org Each year, as we navigate our way through the liturgy of the High Holy Days, I am often asked about different troubling texts in our prayers. Texts like Unetane Tokef, speaking of who shall live and who shall die, or Avinu Malkeinu, referring to […]
Marathon, Shmarathon Cantor Ilan Davidson cantor@bethelsp.org As the month of August begins, I can’t help but spend time thinking about longevity. You see, during this month, I will celebrate a momentous birthday. Now, I totally understand that I am nowhere near some of the tremendously significant birthdays of some of my dear friends, so they […]
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 […]
