Forgot the Words But Singing! – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
What connects us to the Egyptian exodus so many thousands of years after the actual event? Even when we forget the words, the "Song of Songs" continues to thread music and cadence within the Jewish soul.
Starting Over: Jewish Circle of Life – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
Goodbye for now to family and friends in Johannesburg: Will the year be, merely, business-as-usual or can we experience deeper, more meaningful relationships and personal growth? And why doesn't Andrea wear tefillin/phylacteries? All this and more as we celebrate the beginning of a new year!
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS – Pull Up A Chair [audio]
Andrea speaks with Idele Ross of CHI-Co-Housing Israel about the high housing costs in Israel, creative alternatives to senior housing, and what the government is willing to do in support of this irrefutable trend . . . .
Dispelling Darkness – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
It is getting ugly out there and for Jews, it's getting downright dangerous. An 'open season' for anti-Jewish/anti-Israel hate speech and unexpected violence. What can individuals do to make the world safer, kinder and less strident? Hints abound in both this weeks Torah portion and the retelling of the powerful story of the Chanukah miracles.
Rooted or Rootless – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
Celebrating the 26th anniversary of her arrival in Israel, Andrea reflects on people, places and experiences that infuse this continuing journey with magic and holiness.
How Much Does a Word Weigh? – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
Commitment, honesty, candor and kindness. Do we hold different standards of expectation for ourselves and God? Given choices, holiness can be practiced by all!
Uncomfortable Truths: Turning a Blind Eye – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
Whether we sit right or left of the respective aisle, can we have different views on some topics than our co-lemmings? Can one support gay marriage, protect the environment, despise-or-love gun control and still oppose abortion on demand? The dumbing-down of independent thought has increased stridency to the point of severing friendships and compromising jobs and relationships. What does the Torah say about the sanctity of human life before, during and even AFTER death? An uncomfortable show for those who are brave enough to utter the words, "I. Don't Know."
Prep for the Prep – Pull Up A Chair [audio]
Summertime, and the living is easy. So easy, in fact, that we are likely to ignore the thread that ties us to Heaven.
Why a Rainbow? – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
Judaism confers unique obligations regarding "nature." Is a rainbow merely a rainbow or something more profound?
From “Oy” to “Joy” – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
Jews have survived by practicing "simcha shel mitzvah", finding joy in Torah observance. For thousands of years, despite the darkness that we constantly face, Jews light up the world with full faith in God's and determination to bring blessing to His world.
Unity: Chosen or Ordained? – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
What makes someone 'Jewish'? Isn't it enough to be a good person, pay one's taxes and practice kindness? Man-made laws and cultures-of-the-month hasten the demise of Jewish survival.
Countdown to Blessings – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
Covid has knocked the world into a malaise. Tisha B'Av dealt us an additional whammy! Andrea maintains that August is a perfect time to begin the mind, heart and soul work necessary to for the upcoming Season of Healing.
Tisha B’Av: Gateway to Redemption – Pull Up A Chair [audio]
In the Nine Days that precede the weighty Tisha B'Av commemoration, much time is spent on remorse and reflection. But is there light at the end of the bleak tunnel, illuminating our path toward greater redemption?
Testing God, Testing Self – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
Did the spies have to enter the Promised Land? Who gave them that assignment and did the punishment fit the 'crime'? Also: Is happiness or negativity a produce of nature or nurture? Sensitivity to others is a habit that, for many, requires vigilance and honing.
The Chametz Purge – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
'Spring-cleaning' or 'soul cleansing'? Removing chametz refers to more than cookie crumbs and pasta. Arrogance, entitlement and other ego-fueled mindsets block the path to humility and holiness.
The Maccabee Within – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
The Children of Israel carry the DNA of warriors, scholars, healers and leaders. We reflect the light of Chanukah, shining light and holiness throughout the world.
Fresh Canvas: Start Painting! – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
Closing days of the Jewish new year give offer unprecedented opportunities for (re)creating a world rife with love, acceptance and miraculous adventure. Are we ready for the challenge?
Inching Toward “Awe” – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
Despite Covid, it's all good or, indeed, as good as we make it! With the High Holy Days in sight, Andrea visits tales of goodness, outreach and where/what/how we can tether our aspirations to tomorrow's blessings.
Thanks & Leadership – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
The double-edged sword of leadership: Wisdom and strategy tempered by flesh-and-blood fallibility. Are today's leaders any wiser than our forefathers or the Roman generals who shaped history? Powerful thoughts to ponder at both the Thanksgiving and Shabbat tables!
Everybody Hurts: What’s God Got to Do With It? – Pull Up a Chair...
Too much noise in our lives.
Spiritual Resilience – Pull Up A Chair [audio]
What is the secret to Jewish existence? Is there something inherently holy -- or magical -- to our continued presence, despite the efforts of our eternal enemies?
I’m a Good Person: Isn’t That Enough???? – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
It has been said that the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. Is it possible that we are both architects of, and complicit in our own demise?
Road Slaughter of a Jew – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
What is your reaction to the latest terror attack?
As Heaven Weeps – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
Has conferring wide-brush status of "Victim" upon the Have Nots elevated their status and diminished initiative and accountability? And what does the Torah have to say about the connections between 'word' and 'deed'?
Over the Rainbow – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
Kudos to Noach? What does political-correctness have to do with the flood and the destruction of the world? Also: Snapping back to routine after a month of holiness!
An Ex-Pat in Jerusalem! – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
A proud American who happens to live in the Holy Land.
14NOV2024 – Pull Up A Chair [audio]
Pull Up a Chair
ELUL: A Love Story – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
This traditional time of personal stock-taking - chesbon nefesh - has gotten a bad rap! Let's embrace this period to both repair and deepen our relationship with God.
Taking ‘Control’! – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
Even under siege, we have controls in our lives. Keeping relationships holy/refined; selecting the moral high-ground in business and interpersonal arenas present abundant opportunity to profoundly alter the uncertain events that unfold daily.
What Price Leadership? – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
If your enemy says he wants to kill you, believe him! And, yet, many Jews are drawn to causes and leaders who aspire to destroy both Jews and the Jewish state. And why was Moses - modest, speech-impeded, identifiably Egyptian - drawn to fight for the underdog? What does it take to defy authority and, indeed, 'become' a Moses?
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