
February 28, 2026
Sensual worship
Greetings friends
We have reached the time for a special holiday—one unlike any other, anywhere. Purim is a wonderful holiday, so make sure you show the world who you really are. You can take the mask you’ve worn off or put on the one that shows your truth. It is not the Jewish Halloween. The masks are more specific, and it is time for only one of those two masks. It is for adults and children a minor holiday with a major impact.
It is the holiday celebrating a genocide that did not take place, and it is something the Jewish people have faced for their entire existence. No people have been in forced migration longer, become major parts of more places and economies, and been forced to leave again and again and face constant hate, physical attacks, death, and extermination.
The entire history of the Jewish people is about such a series of migrations—country to country, world to world, life to life—always in search of peace, acceptance, freedom.
One would like to think the world progresses, but look around. The world is angrier, more divisive, and more fearful, and it is fueled by the mob and the now dangerous ability to disappear and blend in using social media, where we become part of “the group.”
There are no individual repercussions. Two of the plagues reminded us of the danger of the mob. Fight the “herd” mentality to be a part of something that is dangerous. Stand up for your freedom, your rights, and your ability to control your life in a loving and sharing way.
Purim is a reminder that we have fought not just for freedom but for survival, and they do go hand in hand. What life is there when there is no choice, no options, no exploration, no freedom? As I thought about the holiday and about this week’s reading on the great artifacts of worship, I thought back to those famous words of Pastor Martin Niemöller:
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
We are now and have always been great defenders.
We must speak out for those who cannot, and we must speak out for ourselves, and hope there are others who will speak for us also. There has been a lack of that in history, but it is never too late to change the course of humanity. Without realizing, you are close to everyone, a part of the same fabric of life—the same DNA, the same atoms, the same energy. We are all connected.
Enjoy the holiday with people everywhere tossing aside the mask that hides us and showing who we really are.
We are still at the mountain of G0d; we are getting the list of the rest of the items to be constructed – among them – the famous breastplate of Aaron – the breastplate of justice, with the four rows of stones representing the tribes of Israel and the mysterious Urim and Thummim, the tool that allowed direct questions to G0d, perhaps like our own magic 8 ball. These items are all part of the unification of art and science, emotion and intellect, male and female, balance to the tree of life, the tools that allow us to bring our senses to our spiritual practices, because we are sensual beings.
We are constantly reminded in our readings to help the needy, the alien, the widow, the orphan. We have been all and one day, when we finally realize we are all one, there will be none.
Keep practicing forgiveness, and use this time to continue to forgive those you need to forgive, and ask forgiveness from those you need to seek forgiveness from. Give thanks and celebrate your freedom and joy; do not succumb to fear. And please feel free to share this audio and video with anyone you think might enjoy it. And of course, enjoy all of our past audio and video episodes available on our YouTube channel. This episode will be posted on our channel. Click here to watch the Rabbi David Gellman Show in the 2026 cycle.
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Thank you all for allowing me into your homes, electronic devices, and into your hearts, as you are all with me in mine.
Be well, be happy, be healthy, be free, be kind, be forgiving, be compassionate, be independent of mind and deed, be mindful of your intentions, and be good to yourself. Continue to celebrate freedom of choice in your life, and do not give in to the fear that is so prevalent, and enjoy the peace that comes from acceptance. As always, if you have any questions, suggestions, or just want to say “hi,” please send me an email. I love hearing from you.
Remember, anytime you do not want to receive these anymore, please send me an email so I can remove you. And know that I truly appreciate you sharing your sacred time with me.
Enjoy and celebrate your life and the lives of others, and in doing so, be safe, my friends, be happy, and may you all sow the seeds of and reap the rewards of peace, love, and miracles. And make sure you also celebrate your unique individuality and your incredible awesomeness.
And remember, your world is what you make it. Just wish upon a star and continue to be a miracle in someone’s life, and light the light of love. May the year bring all your hopes, dreams, and wishes to fruition.
Blessings
RD
Respecting our past; Putting faith in your future.
Click to see newsletters and commentaries from the Rabbi:
- 02/21/2026 – Sacred donations
- 02/14/2026 – A welcome to the coming year of Ed
- 02/07/2026 – The ten words
- 01/31/2026 – The fire and the cloud
- 01/24/2026 – The plagues of life
- 01/17/2026 – A powerful introduction
- 01/10/2026 – The man with no name
- 01/03/2026 – And end to beginnings
- 12/28/2025 – The reveal
- 12/19/2025 – Seven years
- 12/12/2025 – The dream master
- 12/06/2025 – The family reunion
- 11/28/2025 – The ladder to heaven
- 11/22/2025 – Twins
- 11/14/2025 – The passing of the mantle
- 11/07/2025 – The ultimate relationship
- 10/31/2025 – Abraham’s journey begins
- 10/25/2025 – Universal connection
- 10/24/2025 – We begin again
- 10/17/2025 – Peace in our time
- 10/10/2025 – Our clouds, guests and lessons learned
- 10/04/2025 – Listen to the rhythm of life
- 09/26/2025 – Self examination
- 09/20/2025 – The look within
- 09/13/2025 – The key to prayer
- 09/06/2025 – Decency and dignity
- 08/30/2025 – True justice is for everyone
- 08/23/2025 – Learn to see
- 08/13/2025 – An introduction to choice and consequence
- 08/07/2025 – Pleading
- 08/02/2025 – Words – the origin of all
- 07/26/2025 – The temporary end of the line
- 07/19/2025 – Zeal, belief, and reward
- 07/12/2025 – Open your eyes
- 07/05/2025 – The changing of the guard
- 06/28/2025 – Rebellion
- 06/21/2025 – Land of the giants
- 06/14/2025 – The journey begins
- 06/08/2025 – Special vows, special laws
- 05/31/2025 – The journey begins
- 05/23/2025 – Two measures of time
- 05/17/2025 – The holiness code
- 05/10/2025 – You are holy
- 05/03/2025 – Purity and protection
- 04/25/2025 – Food, glorious food
- 04/19/2025 – The intermediate days of freedom
- 04/12/2025 – A new order
- 04/11/2025 – April News—
- 12/03/2024 – Happy Holidays
- 11/30/2024 – Who are you?
- 11/23/2024 – The seeds have been sown
- 11/16/2024 – The call to faith
- 11/09/2024 – The journey begins
- 11/06/2024 – Our true teachers—
- 11/04/2024 – Our true teachers
- 10/26/2024 – Beginnings
- 10/20/2024 – The welcoming of guests
- 10/12/2024 – When the rain comes
- 10/05/2024 – The Days of Awe
- 09/28/2024 – The finish
- 09/21/2024 – The formula
- 09/14/2024 – Desire and decency
- 09/07/2024 – Justice for all
- 08/31/2024 – Open your eyes and see—
- 08/24/2024 – The conditions of love
- 08/17/2024 – Only one
- 08/10/2024 – Words
- 08/03/2024 – The journey of life
- 07/27/2024 – Women’s rights
- 07/21/2024 – Unveil your eyes and see what you are missing
- 07/13/2024 – The law of change
- 07/06/2024 – Freedoms trials
- 06/29/2024 – Send in the clowns
- 06/22/2024 – The gift of blessing
- 06/14/2024 – The epiphany relived
- 06/08/2024 – The journey of life
- 05/30/2024 – All or nothing
- 05/25/2024 – In the mountain
- 01/26/2024 – January Newsletter
- 01/20/2024 – Concluding the introduction
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Respecting our past; Putting faith in your future
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