By Rabbi Nicole Guzik on
December 17, 2023
It is easy to extinguish one’s flame. Think of how many times we experienced an uplifting day only to be quashed by one person’s negative words or insults. In receiving a job evaluation, we tend to focus only on suggested improvements instead of words of praise. Our tendency is to allow our light to go out. Be it from comments or mood, we allow someone else to determine how bright our light will shine. And yet, our tradition encourages the nourishment of one’s own inner spirit. We control whether someone else dims our spark. Instead, we can choose to ignite the flames within.
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By Rabbi Nicole Guzik on
December 7, 2023
Everyone is asking, “How does one show up for Israel?” This year, be their light.
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By Rabbi Nicole Guzik on
November 30, 2023
I spent the last three days visiting Israel on a solidarity mission with the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles and the Board of Rabbis. Through the gut wrenching experience of witnessing atrocities at Kfar Aza, learning about horrific ordeals endured by IDF soldiers at Shura Base where they identify and ready bodies for burial, and speaking with evacuees about their personal October 7th stories, it’s hard to leave Israel with a sense of optimism. For Israelis, it is a confusing time of betrayal and loss.
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By Rabbi Nicole Guzik on
November 27, 2023
In these frightening times, it may feel difficult to see our blessings.
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By Rabbi Nicole Guzik on
November 16, 2023
We are entering the darkest moment of the year. The sun sets in mid-afternoon, temperatures drop, and a rainy season has begun in California.
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By Rabbi Nicole Guzik on
November 9, 2023
The Torah teaches that Avraham was blessed in all things. However, the Torah doesn’t specify with what.
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By Rabbi Nicole Guzik on
November 3, 2023
This week, we met with a new member of Congress. She is graciously reaching out to clergy members to check in on the Jewish community. We shared our fears as to how Hamas is striking terror across the world. Vowing to wipe Israel and the Jewish people off the global map. She listened to our horror and witnessed our grief.
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By Rabbi Nicole Guzik on
October 27, 2023
A poem written in unity with the 224 hostages being held captive in Gaza
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By Rabbi Nicole Guzik on
October 20, 2023
When the Torah was given at Mount Sinai, the Jews famously said, “Naaseh v’Nishmah.” We will do and we will listen.
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By Rabbi Nicole Guzik on
October 12, 2023
As a result of Adam and Eve eating fruit from the tree of knowledge, the Torah tells us that “the eyes of both of them were opened….” They were stripped of their blissful naïveté, aware of their nakedness and vulnerability.
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