I need human help to enter verification code (office hours only)

Sign In Forgot Password

What if Creativity, Innovation, and Transformation were added to our  vocabulary?

In Pirke Avot, Ethics of our Fathers, Shimon HaTzadik  says, "On three things the world stands: on the Torah, on the service (Avodah), and on acts of kindness."

In the language of strategic planning, Shimon HaTzdik's  adage would be "our future  depends upon  Creativity, Innovation, and Transformation."

Torah is the story of creation and of our obligation to be partners in the continuous acts of creation. We need to encourage creative activities around developing Jewish literacy.

From Avodah, which encompasses service/prayer/worship, we learn about the  stream of innovations throughout history - from animal sacrifice to communal worship, to revisions of the prayer book, to expansion of our digital presence.

Acts of kindness lead to  transformative initiatives of communal activities and participation in the non-profit world.

Torah yields Creativity

Jewish literacy through classes taught by Rabbi Rachel Alexrad start with the 22 foundational letters of the Hebrew Alphabet and include study for adult Bar and Bat Mitzvah. Jewish literacy includes learning the methods of interpretation known as Midrash, and the application of the arts as they expand into Visual Midrash. 

From the Torah  scroll we learn creativity:

“The scroll of the Torah is [written] without vowels, in order to enable man to interpret it however he wishes…as the consonants without the vowels bear several interpretations, and [may be] divided into several sparks. This is the reason why we do not write the vowels of the scroll of the Torah, for the significance of each word is in accordance with its vocalization, but when it is vocalized it has but one single significance; but without vowels man may interpret it [extrapolating from it] several [different] things, many marvelous and sublime.” 

Moshe Idel, Absorbing Perfections, p86, quoting from R. Bahya be Asher’s Commentary on the Pentateuch

Avodah yields Innovation

Avodah (עֲבוֹדָה) has the broad meaning of "work," "service," or "worship," and can also refer to the specific Temple ritual described in the Yom Kippur Musaf prayer service. In a broader Jewish context, it signifies a seamless integration of work and worship, suggesting that daily tasks and sacred acts are all forms of service to God.

Because the meaning and usage of the Hebrew word avodah has changed over time, it could be an example of innovation as Jewish life  moved from an agricultural environment  to communal worship and the printed prayer book.

Desert Outreach Synagogue takes its place in the stream of innovations in Jewish life as it live-streams its services over the internet, develops its web-site  and stays in touch with its members through the attractive "e-blast" weekly emails.

Gimilut Hasadim yields transformation

.

It is not enough to be creative and innovative. Judaism teaches us that we need to apply these concepts  to make the world a better, life affirming place for ourselves and those around us, in our homes, and for our fellow citizens of the world.

Desert Outreach Participates in organizations such as

Sat, October 4 2025 12 Tishrei 5786