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My Personal Cantor

Where is God in Tragedy…How to find God in Our Darkest Hours

find God

Finding God in the most tragic events   I was in hell. As a Spiritual Leader in the Jewish community in South Florida, I went into crisis mode when news struck of last week’s tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL.  I immediately began checking in with all of MY PERSONAL families, … Read more

Interfaith Holiday Celebrations – My Thoughts

I turned the calendar page.  It’s December and that can only mean one thing. It’s holiday time. Personally, I love this time of year. Look around, people are smiling and making plans to spend time with their family and friends. I am no exception.  That said, interfaith holiday celebrations, something many members of my community have, … Read more

Shavuot – My Personal Observance

Shavuot - My Personal Observance

I am a teacher, a spiritual leader and steadfast believer in the values of faith. Maybe that is why Shavuot has always been special to me. Much less celebrated than the “big” holidays (Passover, Hanukkah, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur), Shavuot falls at a time of year where, in America (and specifically South Florida) it seems to get over looked.

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Facing your fears and the hero of Passover

Facing fears and the hero of Passover

Who do you think was the hero of Passover? I bet you anything you’ll say Moses, right off the bat, right? Well, it’s important to know the story of Passover and dig a little deeper, so I’m going to share my personal thoughts on a great Passover hero, Nachshon. I’m not saying Moses wasn’t a … Read more

On Losing Life Before It’s Time

when death and mourning come too soon

It’s so hard to comprehend death.. The hardest part about my job is when a young person asks me why G-d had to “take” someone so young, when it clearly wasn’t “time” for them to go yet. Today, I’m stricken with grief over 2 young FSU students who lost their lives heading back to school … Read more

Getting Ready For Passover….Preparing (and understanding) Your Seder Plate

Passover Seder Plate

Getting Ready for Passover – Preparing Your Seder Plate

Passover is one of the most symbolic of the Jewish holidays and the Seder plate is the centerpiece of our table. The Seder features the story of Exodus and at the heart of the Seder table is the Seder Plate.

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Another great-full year, welcome 5776!

Shema Koleinu with Cantor Debbi

I haven’t even begun to process the last 10 days, but I simply must express my heartfelt joy and appreciation for those who helped make it the most successful HiHo ever. Although I am completely exhausted, today, my heart is soaring. First and foremost – thanks go out to my Dad, Rabbi Stephen Spiegel, who gave … Read more