Posts by Cyril

They say that when someone speaks their last words, these are always the words that people pay attention to. Moses’ last oration at the end of Deuteronomy is one of the moments.  You can easily imagine the people inclining their ears wanting to glean every syllable.  I’m no Moses, but I am going to take…

In a way, this is the most well-known Naso is the most well-known Torah portion.  In fact, we quote it every week at the end of the service. We slow down for the Priestly Blessing — Yivarechecha Adonai v’yishmerecha — those beautiful words that offer our blessings upon each other. Yet, in some ways it…

Numbers is filled with challenging and inspiring narratives. And sometimes, it is filled with high drama. This week’s parasha is that high drama. You know the story: twelve men walked into the Promised Land. But these were not just any twelve scouts: the were the leaders of their tribes, chosen for their courage and their…

By Ronnie Lovler It was beshert, or quite simply, meant to be.  Rabbi Cy Stanway was looking for a synagogue where he could serve as an interim rabbi in the spring of 2025.   That was exactly when congregants at Temple Shir Shalom were seeking an interim rabbi after the synagogue’s first full-time religious leader, Rabbi Michael Joseph,…

WHEN I HEARD THAT BOZ DIED, I FELT A PROFOUND SADNESS FOR HER CHILDREN, STEVE, JOEL AND ADDIE AND ALL HER GRANDCHILDREN AND IN-LAWS. WITH HER DEATH COMES THE END OF AN ERA IN THE SWARTZ FAMILY. AND WHAT AN ERA IT WAS. BOZ WAS THE MATRIARCH OF THIS FAMILY. TOGETHER WITH HARRY OF BLESSED…

When Air BNB was founded, there was a buzz around the business concept of renting out your own private house for a short period of time. So many people saw dollar signs in their eyes and immediately made preparations to rent out their own places for a little income. Too many people found out the…

I am asking Judy to share my few words with the congregation this morning and I thank you all for indulging me just for a couple of minutes. You don’t know me but in one way or another I have been involved with Cantor Merel – I never, ever called him Shelly – for more…

DVAR TORAH FOR ANNUAL MEETING – GAINESVILLE AS YOU KNOW, ONCE PASSOVER BEGINS, WE BEGIN COUNTING THE OMER, THE SHEAVES OF BARLEY THAT RIPENED BETWEEN PASSOVER AND SHAVUOT.  WHEN WE GET TO THE 50TH SHEAF, WE HAVE LANDED ON SHAVUOT.  NOW, IT IS NOT THE SHEAVES THAT ARE PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT, NOR THE COUNTING. RATHER, WHAT…

In the heart of Parashat Emor, nestled among the laws of the priesthood, God commands something remarkable. He gives us time itself — not merely seasons, but Moadei Adonai, appointed meetings, sacred convocations. מִקְרָאֵי קֹדֶשׁ — holy callings. The word “Moed” shares its root with “ed,” a witness. Each festival is not simply a date…

GAINESVILLE Look around you for a moment. Really look. To your left, to your right, in front of you and behind you — there are people who were, not long ago, strangers to one another. Some of you are brand new to Shir Shalom, still learning where we keep the siddurs and which place in…