By Rabbi Nicole Guzik on
April 3, 2020
I was taking a walk and out of the blue, a congregant on the other side of the street called out, “You know, you’re essential, right? Thank you for what you do.” His words shook me. “You are essential.” And while I know he was speaking about my “work” as a rabbi, I don’t think he realized that his message speaks to the core of every human being. God created us to be essential. To give back and be partners in the ongoing creation and evolution of this world. Even in a time in which we are…
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By Rabbi Nicole Guzik on
March 27, 2020
Why is this night different from all other nights? We sing this chorus over and over again, listing answers as to how the night is unique. We only eat matzah. We consume bitter herbs. We dip our food twice. We recline. These answers persuade our minds to travel back in time, connecting us to a people enslaved, a people with the taste of liberation barely on their lips. But this year, the question pervades everything else. Why is this night different from all other nights? Why will this Passover feel different from all other Pesach celebrations we have…
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By Rabbi Nicole Guzik on
March 20, 2020
I went to Ralph’s and above the bread section were the following words: LIMITS… Due to the huge increase in demand and to ensure that more of our valuable customers have the opportunity to purchase, we are limiting bread to 2 packages per customer. There were signs like this all over the store. Yet, all I could see was that word, “Limits.” Yes, limit the amount of food and supplies in taking what we need. But the idea of limits extends far beyond the grocery store. In order to live within the unknown, our minds and…
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By Rabbi Nicole Guzik on
March 13, 2020
A special message from Rabbi Nicole Guzik I understand that many of us feel afraid. But, what exactly do we fear? No answers. An inability to know when this will end. It is the unknown that feels shaky. Living with so much doubt is what causes a sinking ship; unable to navigate the murky waters set before us. But we have lived through uncertain times. We have walked on thorny paths. It is knowing that we are not alone that gives us hope and bolsters our strength. Jews have lit Shabbat candles for thousands of years, connecting us…
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By Rabbi Nicole Guzik on
March 6, 2020
I recently led a few discussions, asking, “When was a time you hid something about yourself?” I found myself hearing the following responses: -I hide that people hurt my feelings because I don’t want to upset anyone. -I hide how sensitive I am because I don’t want others to see my emotion. -I hide what is really happening at home because I don’t want people to think that something might be wrong. I led these discussions with women. Women of all ages, all stages of life. We explored the idea that in the story of Purim, everything changes…
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By Rabbi Nicole Guzik on
February 28, 2020
It’s been a busy week. Programs, meetings, teachings, a chaotic schedule. All of which leads to late nights, writing emails and rushed dinners. As I settled into the couch, ready to play catch up with my computer, an eight year old voice called out, “Mom, want to play Go Fish?” Truthfully, I groaned. Go Fish? A game that never ends because there’s always a conversation that ensues…”Mom, one more round? Mom, just one more game?” It’s a never-ending cycle. And full disclosure: I’m competitive. I always want to win, no matter if the competitor is a 40 year…
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By Rabbi Nicole Guzik on
February 21, 2020
It is common for a rabbi to be familiar with death. When someone in the synagogue passes away, our hearts grow heavy, for community becomes akin to family. We discuss mourning rituals, theology, and ways to help loved ones connect to the souls of those that have continued to the world beyond. But when a rabbi’s classmate, another rabbi dies, it almost feels as if the world has tilted. Everything is a bit off balance. Someone that has spent his life comforting, mentoring and teaching others is no longer with us and it just doesn’t seem right. It…
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By Rabbi Nicole Guzik on
February 14, 2020
We try to read with our children at night. Each kid chooses a book and as part of the bedtime ritual, we wind down with stories about dinosaurs or Lego characters. For the very first time, our kindergartner said, “Let me read the book to you.” Did he get every word? No. Did he understand the entirety of the story? Not even close. But our hearts soared because it was as if he took a key, unlocked a door, and started walking towards the edge of an entirely new world. A world of imagination, discovery, creativity, possibility and wonder. When…
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By Rabbi Nicole Guzik on
February 7, 2020
Around this time of year, the secular world prepares for an influx of chocolates, palettes of red and pink, roses, and a scurrying to secure both a date and restaurant reservation for February 14th. While we remember that Valentine’s Day originated as a pagan holiday, one can’t help asking the question, “What’s love?” Is love receiving heart-shaped cards with corny rhymes? Is love proclaiming the auspicious words, “I love you” before the other person has a chance to say it first? Is love getting breakfast in bed, a plate adorned with flower petals and champagne flutes? Maybe. Maybe Not. …
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By Rabbi Nicole Guzik on
January 30, 2020
This week, I met with a bar mitzvah family to discuss the upcoming simcha. In the middle of our conversation, we were interrupted by running feet and talkative voices coming through the wall. I explained that my office is adjacent to the hallway. Come 3pm, the hallway is like a subway station. Students, teachers, parents, strollers, laughter, high fives, and embraces come from every direction. It is understood that from about 3-3:30pm, the synagogue and garage are packed with people of all different ages. The father of the bar mitzvah smiled and said, “I actually can’t think of a better…
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