My Review of the New Television Series "God Friended Me" - I Love It!

I stumbled on the pilot episode of "God Friended Me" last night and even though I fell asleep during part of the show (I always fall asleep in front of the TV), I just loved the show, so I tuned into Episode 2 on my Kindle Fire this morning and discovered I loved the show even more.

Here's a summary that I found online describing the show:

Miles Finer is an outspoken atheist whose life is turned upside down when he receives a friend request on social media from God and unwittingly becomes an agent of change in the lives and destinies of others around him. After repeated pokes by God, Miles' curiosity takes over, and he accepts the ultimate friend request and follows the signs to Cara Bloom, an online journalist. Brought together by the mysterious account, the two find themselves investigating God's friend suggestions and inadvertently helping others in need. Miles is set on getting to the bottom of what he believes is an elaborate hoax, but in the meantime, he'll play along and -- in the process -- change his life forever.

There is something very true about Miles' experiences in real life.  Social media is huge, but if used correctly, has this way of touching people.  Lives can be changed through the actions of others both online and in person. 

The people "God" suggests for Miles to meet need him. 

It is fun to see this in a modern television series since most of the TV series of today just don't hold my interest. 

It's funny, but I believe I live my life sort of like the story's main character!  I've committed myself to bringing happiness into the lives I touch wherever I go and in whatever I do online or in person.

I am very certain that "God Friended Me" too!

My Study Partner From Partner's In Torah Got to See My Son Joel Perform! 11-15-18

I have studied with Partners in Torah since 2002. My study partner Dena who has been my Partner in Torah all these years went to see my son Joel perform in Disney On Ice Mickey’s Search Party in Long Island this past Thursday 11/15/18. Dena has literally heard about my kids and their skating since they were very young. She said the show was amazing!

My Opinion On the Messianic "Rabbi" Loren Jacobs Praying at the Vice-President Mike Pence Rally

I am going to probably get in trouble and create a "heated discussion," but I want to comment on the Messianic "Rabbi" Loren Jacobs' presence and prayer at the Mike Pence rally on 10-29-18.

There is a lot of controversy about whether Jewish people who believe in Jesus are still Jewish, and in my opinion, it depends. The Jews who are "believers" in Jesus who are active church members, are Christians but also Jewish.  Then there are the Jews who go to messianic synagogues like the one that Loren Jacobs leads. They act a bit more Jewish than the church going Jews, but they are Christians too but also Jewish.

No matter what, nothing changes the fact that these people were born Jewish.  Believing that Jesus is the Messiah doesn't change their heritage.  Hitler didn't care and killed anyone who had any Jewish blood in their veins.

It has been stated publicly that "Rabbi" Loren Jacobs believes that the people killed at the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh have been sent to hell. His brother-in-law is the executive director of the Jews for Jesus organization by the way.  That organization's goal is to share the news that all Jews need to believe that Jesus is the only way to God and is supported by churches and Christians. 

Anyway....It is just wrong to have a messianic rabbi pray for the dead (in Jesus name) who were killed in the shooting that took place at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh on 10-27-18 and then pray for Republicans to win the election!

Note:  I am NOT a messianic Jew and don't believe in the "one way thing," but I am friends with quite a few messianic Jews because of my "crazy religious past."  Some of those friends are very nice people and we accept one another's beliefs.  Others are not really my friends.

Tears for the Jewish Community in Pittsburgh and Everywhere

In 2011, my daughter Rebekah celebrated a wonderful Bat Mitzvah when she was a bit older than most, at age 15. It was such a happy event.

We didn't hire a security guard as the current President of the United States says the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh should have. The very idea that he is blaming the people inside for not having more security before this horrible shooting makes me so mad! Does every church in the USA have a security guard? Of course not!

My father tells me about the anti-semitism he experienced as a child, but I have always tried to believe that things have changed, but they have not. I am glad we were safe on June 17, 2011. I am glad we were safe for my daughter Annabelle's Bat Mitzvah in 2014 and for my son Joel's that took place earlier in NYC.

I have cried so many tears for the Jewish community in Pittsburgh. What happened seems unreal.

I Attended a Joe Uveges Concert! 9-21-18

About three years ago, I fell off my bike and hurt my back. I was in tremendous pain, so I had multiple appointments at the physical therapist. The pain was so great, that regular medical massages were suggested.

It turned out that the person that did those medical massages was Joe Uveges.

During those massages we would talk.

I told Joe about my skating life and how much I enjoyed doing things outdoors like skiing, biking, hiking, and scootering. 

We talked about our families.  Joe must have mentioned he was a musician, but didn't tell me much more.

Then, at one of the medical massage appointments, I asked Joe about his music.  That is when I learned he was a composer and was a man of many talents who played both the piano and guitar and other instruments and that he traveled all over giving concerts.

And....eventually we became Facebook friends.

It was on Facebook one day that I learned that Joe's son Andrew had passed away.

I didn't know the circumstances, but I sent a card to the physical therapist's office and asked that they forward my sympathy card to Joe.  Later, I learned later that Joe's son was only 15 years old and that Andrew was adopted and had committed suicide.

I was surprised to find out that only a few weeks after his son's death, that Joe was back at work giving medical massages. The pain I was experiencing was not as great as before, but I still needed the massages.

At the first medical massage after Joe's son's death, I was glad to be able to give Joe a hug when we happened to meet in front of the office just as Joe drove up and as I rode my Razor Lux scooter up to the office parking lot.

 Joe was grateful for the sympathy card I sent, but I didn't want to say anything that would cause Joe more pain, so we didn't discuss his son's tragic death at future appointments. Eventually, I got better and I think Joe may have stopped giving medical massages.

I've always wanted to go to one of Joe's concerts, but I always seem to be away from Colorado when Joe sings locally; however, this last Friday night, 9-21-18, my husband, Dan, and I got to go to a concert Joe gave to help support One Simple Voice, a religious organization that holds retreats to help and encourage people. That organization has helped Joe get through losing his son.

At the concert, we were among people who all believe in different ways. Joe shared many different songs; some were about his belief in God and how he listens and hears God's voice, but others were just fun or beautiful.

I approached Joe during the intermission and he told me how much it meant to him that I had come to hear him share. He said he was grateful for each person that came.

Anyway, I feel honored to know Joe Uveges and I am so glad that he has found some peace since his son's tragic death.

 

Remember Me

I saw the movie Coco last week.  The theme of the movie is "Remember Me" which reminds me of the wonderful Jewish tradition of remembering those who have passed away.  By remembering our loved ones in our memories and our hearts, they stay alive!

For example, I never knew my grandfather Joseph Kadison, but my mother shared his photo with me since I was a child, so he is remembered.  Then, I was able to go to the gravesite of my great-grandfather Adolph Regenstreich, so his memory has been kept alive too.  More recently, a relative on my mother's side found a photo of my great-grandfather, Menachem Kadashon, so he is remembered too.

Of course, I think about my grandma Fannie all the time and my mother Edith Kadison Schneider who died in January 2011.  I was so close to both of them.  My memories and the memories of others in the family have kept them alive. 

 

I'm Shocked About Rabbi Mel Glazer's Passing

On the morning of April 23, 2018, I casually opened my email and learned that Rabbi Mel Glazer, who had been our family's rabbi at Temple Shalom in Colorado Springs, passed away on Sunday, April 22.  I was shocked and so was everyone who Rabbi Glazer touched.

Rabbi Glazer only just recently had left Colorado Springs and Temple Shalom.  He was the rabbi that conducted my daughter Annabelle's Bat Mitzvah and he was the rabbi that made me feel like I really belonged at Temple Shalom.  I enjoyed his Tuesday morning Torah study so much.  He even followed me on Facebook and was very impressed with my kids' skating and with my energy.

In previous years, I wrote a few blog posts about Rabbi Glazer.  The links to those posts are below.

• Book Review: A GPS For Grief And Healing by Rabbi Mel Glazer - January, 2014
• Words of Wisdom From Rabbi Mel Glazer (who just moved to Florida) - September, 2017
• Thoughts From a Local Rabbi - December, 2011

Temple Israel Retreat in Malibu, California! 4/13 -- 4/15/18

Temple Israel's 2018 retreat at Camp Hess-Kramer in Malibu was a wonderful and amazing experience!

At the end of the weekend, my dad told me he didn't want to leave.  It was great getting to know many of the young families that attend the temple's religious school and also it was fun to get to know some of the older people that are Temple Israel members better.

 Of course I couldn't resist bringing my mountain scooter and regular scooter and I enjoyed exploring the place on my scooters, but also on foot.

The food was wonderful too.  Also, celebrating Shabbat on Saturday morning outside was super cool.  It was neat to roast marshmallows around the campfire on Saturday night after Havdalah.  I enjoyed hiking on my own and exploring the path from the camp that went right to the beach!

And...the Sunday morning prayers while overlooking the ocean with the rabbi was so cool!

The best part of the retreat was making new friends and getting to know some of the people I've met at the temple better.  The closing circle on Sunday was a special time for everyone!

I also enjoyed showing off my "scooter ballet" skills at the Talent Show and seeing some really impressive talent from those who participated.

My dad and I hope to attend the retreat again and again!

 See the video below for wonderful views of Camp Hess-Kramer!