Author Archives: kherzogcohen

It’s dark outside, just before 5am. I’ve been trying to sleep for the past hour but the steroids from yesterday’s infusion are making that challenging. I have now officially begun phase 2 of chemo, which entail weekly infusions — and if all goes well with my ability to tolerate the frequency and amount, I will,Continue reading “Dawn”

*abridged sermon, Parashat Korach June 23, 2023/4 Tamuz 5783 In the days leading up to our children’s departure for sleepaway camp, the first summer they’ve been away for such a length of time, there were a series of minor rebellions. A particular one I won’t forget went like this: Amidst the natural nerves of delvingContinue reading “Opening the Door”

*sermon for Shabbat Be’ha’alotecha, delivered June 9th, 2023 On this Shabbat, as we so often do, I want to begin with gratitude. Since I shared with you at the end of March that I am undergoing breast cancer treatment, my family has been held with such loving care. The notes, the delicious meals and offersContinue reading “Lifted Up”

This past Shabbat we read from Parashat Naso. In the portion there are laws detailing the custom of a Nazarite, an Israelite who takes on specific vows. For example, a Nazarite abstains from cutting his hair, and it is this particular vow that stood out for me. In contrast to the Nazir, I’ve been preparingContinue reading “Beauty”

When the Israelites received Torah at Sinai, a moment we will celebrate this Thursday evening and Friday with the holiday of Shavuot, the gift of Torah included everything—the prose and poetry, the minutia descriptions, and the seemingly mundane details. It occurred to me today that I haven’t included in any of my reflections the detailsContinue reading “Details”

I started chemo the week we began reading the Book of Numbers, called in Hebrew “Bamidbar” — trans, “in the wilderness.” I have not met a wilderness quite like this. Phase I of chemo will be the most challenging and the time frame runs roughly within this fourth book of Torah, hopefully concluding in earlyContinue reading “Wilderness”

*I’ve decided to name my chemo port, which will be “placed” this coming Monday. My port will be named Ludlow. Port Ludlow, WA has been a sacred place for me and my family for two decades. A place of healing, growth, and joy. I pray each drip of the chemo through Ludlow, will “kick cancerContinue reading “A prayer for Ludlow*”

Two weeks since surgery. Day 29 of the Omer. The dimension and practice of endurance (netzach) has taken up residence in my mind and heart this Omer counting season. I’ve always been drawn to movement—water cascading, the surge of social change from those who once considered themselves powerless, the masterminding of complex family/work schedules and,Continue reading “Endurance”

Making each day count is a valuable lesson which adopting the practice of counting the Omer reinforces. Counting each of the days of the Omer reminds us that all of our days are numbered, and it is our responsibility to make each day count. The deliberate way in which the Torah numbers the days ofContinue reading “Counting Up”

Parashat Tzav 5783 *sermon delivered at Temple Emanu-El on 3/31/23 Oh, how I long for the Torah portions of Exodus! Exodus holds the majesty of revelation and drama of liberation, the birth of our people. Exodus holds the foundational story we will recall on Wednesday and Thursday evenings at our Passover tables. We’ve just begunContinue reading “Currents of Light”