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JFGSB Blog

Explore news and featured stories about Jewish Federation programs, volunteers, donors, special events and updates from our partners in Israel. Learn how you can become more in engaged with the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara.

Sep 10, 2021

A Sabbath Message: On Yom Kippur, the Gates Close – and We Let Go

“All vows – all promises and pledges – that we have made to ourselves.
And that no longer serve – for the good.
May their grip be loosened.
That we be present of mind and heart – to the urgency of the hour.”

– Creative Interpretation of Kol Nidre by Poet Marcia Falk

The fi…

Aug 27, 2021

A Sabbath Message: Selichot – Ready to Engage in Forgiveness

“At the conclusion of the day of rest, we come first to meet You. Incline Your ear from above, You who dwells amongst praise. To hear the song and the prayer.” 

– Poetic Text from the Selichot Liturgy

Sabbath arrives this week with our world continuing to struggle in so many ways…

Aug 20, 2021

A Sabbath Message: Continuing on the Journey of Elul

“Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world's grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.”

– The Talmud

As Sabbath approaches, we are all aware it has been a difficult week – the w…

Aug 13, 2021

A Sabbath Message: Looking Inward to Determine our Unfinished Business

“Where is this thing called Teshuvah – Repentance – located? the Torah asks…
Don’t look off in the distance, and don’t look outside yourself either, the Torah is telling us, to look at your own heart. Don’t look out the window; look at the window itself.” 

– Rabbi Alan …

Aug 6, 2021

A Sabbath Message: Month of Elul Dawns with Mindfulness & Self-Forgiveness

“Human, rise above, rise, because a fierce strength is part of you, wings of spirit animate you; the powerful wings of an eagle. Don’t deny your wings, seek them. Seek them, human, and they will be revealed to you, promptly.”

– Abraham Isaac Kook, “Rav Kook,” a father of Religi…