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
Wow, has more than a month already gone by since we gathered as a community in the beautiful Miramar Cultural Center to celebrate the High Holidays 5778? I can’t believe it; but, it has. To be honest, September and October have flown by and, in my mind, are a combination of a blur of activity … Read more
Shema Koleinu – 7 Magical Years 7. The number 7 carries tremendous significance in both the Bible and in numerology. 7 represents completion, rest, and an opportunity to review that which we created. Today, my heart soars as I celebrate #7 with my Shema Koleinu unaffiliated Jewish community in South Florida, with my father, Rabbi Steve, … Read more
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
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
Happy New Year! While on a weekend away with my son, I saw the following Brad Paisley quote on Facebook: “Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one.” I stopped for a moment – appreciated the inspiration, and realized this sentence encompasses what I do professionally each and … Read more
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
High Holiday Worship Services with Cantor Debbi Ballard Begin for the first time 7 years ago, I performed my first wedding. 6 years ago, I performed my first Bat Mitzvah. Today, I am so proud to announce the official launch of “Shema Koleinu“, our non-profit synagogue-like organization that provides outreach to South Florida’s Jewish and … Read more
You would think it takes sheer genius, or a miracle, or a huge revelation, to truly cause a shift in someone’s life, right? Not so much. Try a simple, single act of giving, and see what that does – not only for the person receiving your gift, but for you – when you take part … Read more
I just came across a well-written post by a Reform Rabbi in Washington, DC, in response to the recent NYT article that seems to be hitting a lot of nerves around the world. While I recognize that some of my colleagues provide this as a fast track, meaningless way to substantiate a monstrous party – … Read more
