TNT's Podcast

Yom Kippur Afternoon Self-Paced Offerings

Yom Kippur Self-Paced OfferingMidrash is the art of expanding the world of a story by adding detail. Art functions in the same way. What did the whale look like that swallowed Jonah? How did Jonah feel sitting outside the walls of Nineveh? Come learn the story of Jonah and here how great artists throughout time have interpreted these details and more. 

Yom Kippur Self-Paced OfferingsEach Yom Kippur afternoon we commemorate those who gave their lives for a greater cause. Though traditionally we mark the day by remembering those victims of persecution, ancient and modern, this year we mark the day by acknowledging our modern day martyrs, those individuals who risked and gave their lives in the fight against COVID.  

Video Available: www.nertamid.org/ForgivenessDiscussion Questions: (PDF available: www.nertamid.org/ForgivenessDQ)How have you seen “cancel culture” playing out in the public square? How about your life? Rabbi Katz spoke about the fact that “canceling” can be an important tool of the less powerful. Do you agree? When should it be used? And when might it be taken too far? What would a public figure have to do to prove to you that they deserve to come back into the spotlight? Pick a figure that you have stopped paying attention to because of their politics, worldview, or public statements? When might you be ready to forgive them? How does the current climate foster or impede your own willingness to engage in debate and speak out on controversial issues?

Video Available: www.nertamid.org/AddressingRaceDiscussion Questions: (PDF available: www.nertamid.org/AddressingRaceDQ)When you look around at racial injustice, what specific problems give you pause? What does it mean to be an ally? When it comes to racial justice, when should we lead and when should we listen?What resources (books, movies, podcasts) have you encountered over these past months that have shaped your view on race and why? What can we do as a community to make TNT the most embracing and open to Jews of Color in and around our community? As Rabbi Katz reminds us, we own this problem. What role do you play in creating a world of justice and safety for all?

Video Available: www.nertamid.org/VotingDiscussion Questions: (PDF available: www.nertamid.org/VotingDQ)What is your history with voting? When have you voted consistently and when not? If not, what stood in your way? Why are you voting this year? Why does voting matter to you? How does your Judaism inform your approach to civic engagement? What will you do to ensure that as many people who want to / are eligible can vote this year?

For those who wish to take part in the ritual of Tashlikh "to cast off" at home. 

Video Available: www.nertamid.org/FriendshipDiscussion Questions: (PDF available www.nertamid.org/FriendshipDQ)How have you seen the nature of your friendships change during Covid? Between friendships of utility, pleasure, companionship, and virtue, which are the most represented in our life? Which are the easiest and the hardest for you to cultivate?What friendships in your life have helped you grow into a better person? When you are feeling lonely, what are the things that bring you comfort and reprieve?

Video Available: www.nertamid.org/ResiliencyDiscussion Questions: (PDF found at www.nertamid.org/ResiliencyDQ)What parts of your life have you felt were “on pause” over these past number of months? What does the word “resilience” mean for you? When have you felt a sense of resilience over these past number of months? Rabbi Katz wrote:  “The current state of the world makes it very difficult to be optimistic. There is too much unknown to have a rosy picture of the future. But nevertheless, I have hope. I believe that however much this current moment is difficult, I have within me the answers to make it, at least, a little better.”What are your sources of hope? And what answers lie within you at this time to make things a little better? When have you been a source of strength and hope for others? When have you helped them find their own wellspring of resolve?

Elul Inspired Music for Your SoulPrayer by Shlomo CarlebachCantor Meredith Greenberg on Vocals and DjembeEd Alstrom, TNT Accompanist, on Piano and Guitarwww.nertamid.org/HHD2020