Happy New Year’s Eve: Words and Music
Dear Friends,
As we close out the year, I want to take a moment to thank each of you—1,706 subscribers! Wow! Your presence here means the world to me, and I am so grateful for the time you take to read, reflect, and share this journey with me.
I love being your rabbi. For me being a rabbi is about connection: bridging ancient traditions with modern life, weaving spiritual reflection into action, and creating moments of shared understanding. On my own journey, this has meant embracing all the tools I have—words, music, prayer, and the experiences that shape me—to connect with you.
This isn’t just what I do—it’s who I am. Whether I’m writing reflections, sharing a new song, or offering critiques of our culture, it all comes from the same place: a deep desire to engage through the lens of Jewish wisdom and values.
The Next Chapter of This Newsletter
I’m working on a project that I hope will become my first book—a book inspired by our daily psalms. Like many of you, I was deeply disappointed by the leadership choices our country has made. These decisions feel, to me, like a moral failing for which history will not judge us kindly.
After the election, I stopped watching the news and turned to our tradition for solace. In the daily psalms, I found comfort and reflection—texts that explore themes of gratitude, resilience, and hope, even in the face of harsh realities.
I want to invite you on this journey to help shape this book.
Each week, I’ll share an early draft of a chapter inspired by the daily psalm, along with a source sheet containing the full text. Each chapter will highlight a key insight and include a mindful practice to help bring the psalm’s teachings into your daily life. Your feedback—what resonates, will be invaluable in creating something truly meaningful.
This content will be available exclusively to subscribers, fostering a shared, intimate project within our community.
My Album Is Out!
I’m thrilled to share that my first studio album is officially out! It’s streaming whereever you stream music. The songs on the album explore themes of resilience, justice, and hope, with each track holding its own story—a moment, a feeling, or a prayer that brought it to life.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing the backstories behind these songs, exploring the inspiration behind the lyrics and the journey of creating the album. I also have more music in the works that I’m excited to share with you before its release.
These reflections will be available to paid subscribers only, much like how platforms like Patreon operate. You’ll also learn about the band, 'The Protestant White Boys.' The name might raise some eyebrows—and that’s intentional. It’s a playful nod to history, with a deeper commentary on identity and belonging.
I chose not to create a separate account on patreon because I want to keep everything connected—this Substack reflects a lot of my creative work as a rabbi, and I want it to stay that way. If a paid subscription isn’t in your budget, please reach out—I want this content to remain accessible to those who truly value it.
If you haven’t had a chance to listen yet, you can click the album release link or you can click the video above.
Also, if you listen to it on Spotify please like and save the album or your favorite song, it helps my music in the algoritm
Support This Work
This newsletter will always be free for general content. I believe in sharing reflections, songs, and teachings widely, without barriers.
But creating this work takes time, energy, and resources. If you find value in what I share, I invite you to support this work through a paid subscription. Paid subscribers help sustain the creative, spiritual, and communal projects I’m bringing into the world.
Why It Matters
I believe in the power of words, music, and prayer to inspire change, offer comfort, and build community. My work amplifies voices too often overlooked, bringing more diverse Jewish perspectives to the world and enriching our collective story.
Your support helps ensure these voices are heard and valued while also affirming that creative and spiritual labor deserves recognition. Thank you for being here, for your support, and for walking this path with me. I’m excited to continue this journey with you in the year ahead.
Happy Hanukkah, and wishing you a joyful and meaningful New Year!
R’ Sandra
Thank you, Rabbi. Appreciate you. I hope and pray for a blessed year, even in the face of harsh realities, like you said. I believe in good things even when the world goes for evil.
I love this song. Just at the right time, less than 6 hours left for this year.
Moving on
Peace, salaam, Shalom
Ben