Charles E. Savenor, at The Blogs

Charles E. Savenor

May 30, 2025, 1:15 AM

When grief suspended time, her courageous – and surprising – response set me back on track to take my first steps towards healing

Apr 18, 2025, 9:16 AM

From Egypt to Paul Revere’s Ride

'The Battle of Lexington,' by William Barnes Wollen, 1910. (Wikipedia)

This year, the conclusion of Passover coincides with a significant American milestone: the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution in Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, on April 19, 1775. “The shot heard ’round the world” ignited a struggle...

Oct 25, 2023, 11:28 AM

The view from the door – Lech Lecha 2023

Human beings are fascinated with journeys. Almost every culture has a way of showcasing the unforeseen experiences awaiting us beyond the horizon. One example is the classic Chinese proverb: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single...

Aug 8, 2023, 12:53 PM

Rosh Hashanah 2023 – Reflecting on Our Constitution

Rosh Hashanah is as much a temporal milestone as a moral invitation to introspection. The process of reflection, repentance, and renewal compels us to ask ourselves about who we are, who we want to be, and what type of...

May 12, 2022, 7:21 AM

‘A desperate cry for help’

Three years ago, as Spring finally arrived in New York City, my wife and I went for a walk in Riverside Park. Enjoying our first Shabbat afternoon stroll of the season, we noticed a group of boys on bikes...

Apr 29, 2022, 2:57 PM

‘After the loss’

This week’s Torah portion, Achrei Mot, begins with a reference to the passing of Aaron’s sons. Some commentators believe that the laws that follow in the parsha governing where, when, and how the priests present themselves to God explain...

Jan 28, 2022, 5:12 PM

The connective power of a single letter

“And these are the laws that you will set before them.” (Exodus 21:1) At first glance, the opening verse of this week’s Torah portion seems straightforward. God gives Moses laws to instruct the Children of Israel on how...

Jan 11, 2022, 4:12 PM

Listening is leading

Every time we listen to another human being, we show that they matter.

Dec 29, 2021, 7:50 PM

Cultivating Gratitude

With the Jewish people suffering in servitude, Moses confronts Pharaoh and demands, "Shelach et Ami!/“Let me people go!” These words commence a ten-round fight between God and Pharaoh punctuated with plagues, intended to elicit a change of heart. God aims...

About Me

Rabbi Charlie Savenor is the Executive Director of Civic Spirit. A graduate of Brandeis, JTS and Columbia University's Teachers College, he blogs on parenting, civics, and Jewish education. He serves on the Nefesh B'Nefesh Board of Directors and the international board of Leket Israel. He is writing a book called "What My Father Couldn't Tell Me."

Contact Me