blogs/cantor-phil-baron

Parashat Tazria/Metzorah
3 Iyar, 5777
Cantor Phil Baron

This week's parasha asks a challenging question: Is repentance alone enough to wipe away our wrongdoing, or is something more required of us?  And what is the nature of true repentance?

If you have ever demanded an apology from a young child, you know that reluctant repentance is far from adequate. I remember reminding my daughter that a...Read more...

Parashat Yitro
22 Sh'vat, 5777
Cantor Phil Baron

Our rabbis tell us that Moses was the humblest of men. After all, he tried to refuse God when asked to lead the Children of Israel. He was “slow of speech” by his own admission. He did not seem to have a very high opinion of himself.

Those who knew him well may have disagreed, as this week's parasha Yitro points out. There is a kind of ego-centrism that...Read more...

“Divine Noticing”
Cantor Phil Baron
Parashat Vayeitsei
10 Kislev, 5777

There is a new buzz word in our culture right now. The word is “mindfulness,” which is a term that I never heard until a couple years ago, although the concept is quite ancient. In fact, as this week's Torah portion demonstrates, it may have been invented by our ancestor Jacob.

Before getting into Jacob's story,...Read more...

Parashat B'chukotai
27 Iyar, 5776

We've all had the experience of attending a party or event we didn't want to go to. Sometimes you feel obligated, sometimes someone schleps you along. You'd rather do something else. You might be surprised and enjoy yourself, but more likely you'll be grumpy, and spend the evening checking your watch.  Still, you've fulfilled your obligation by going, and (you keep telling...Read more...

I'm writing today from a cantors' conference in Palm Desert. It's pouring rain, and we had an earthquake this morning.  But other than that, it's been great!  I've had a chance to participate in some of the most moving prayer services I've ever experienced.

People often ask what these conferences are like.  No, the earth doesn't always move like it did today, but it is an opportunity to take a deep breath and tune in...Read more...