Craig Taubman

05/21/2026

Tomorrow evening begins — the holiday that celebrates receiving the . It comes seven weeks after , the holiday that celebrates . Shavuot asks the question: Now that we’re free, who do we wish to be?

THE PRACTICE: Stay up all night. Study Torah. Read the Book of Ruth. Eat blintzes. Hear the 10 Commandments.

THE HEART: Freedom alone is never enough — it requires something of us.

THE CHALLENGE: Holiness is defined by how we show up in the world and how we use our freedom.

Pursue justice. Love your neighbor. Honor your creator. Be kind.

Pico Union Project Studio City Sound

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05/18/2026

Heartbroken and horrified by the shooting today at the Islamic Center of San Diego - ICSD. Another tragic day - searching for words — searching for something to do - sick to my stomach.

In moments like these, perhaps the most important thing we can do is to see each other in our pain, to acknowledge the fear and grief, and to remind each other that no community should feel alone — to love our neighbors as we ourselves would wish to be loved.

If someone comes to mind today, reach out. A simple message of love or solidarity can mean more than we know.

Pico Union Project Craig Taubman

05/16/2026

Good news. In the days since posting about the importance of pursuing justice and truth, more people have responded with nuance, thoughtfulness, and restraint rather than personal attacks. I’m especially grateful to the handful who suggested I stick with music. It could be good for business.

In other good news, Haaretz.com reported that violence toward during this year’s Day celebration was down. Sha’alu Shalom Yerushalayim — “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” (Psalm 122:6)

And in other news, President Trump announced this as “ . I understand some are uneasy about anything that feels like a mixing of and . But from where I hang my kippa, encouraging people to pause for a day of rest, reflection, and family — doesn’t strike me as the worst thing happening in right now. Shabbat Shalom

I think it’s important to choose our battles wisely. Otherwise, we end up dancing on the tip of a needle — which sounds painful. If every message becomes a five-alarm moral emergency, eventually every message loses its meaning.

Sha'alu by Craig Taubman featuring spoken word by Jason Chu.

05/14/2026

I began reading this two-year independent investigation, documenting the atrocities committed by Hamas. The dignity and memory of the victims deserve to be preserved accurately and truthfully. I pray that the victims and their families can find comfort and healing.

The Civil Commission on October 7 Crimes Against Women and Children documents and raises international awareness of the war crimes and gender-based violence committed during the October 7 attacks and in captivity. Led by Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy, the Commission works to give voice to victims while ad...

05/14/2026

I was disappointed, though not surprised, by many of the comments to yesterday’s post. I understand that these stories and reports are difficult to process. But I had hoped more people would take to heart my call for moral courage.

Question the sourcing. Challenge the reporting. Demand corroboration. All fair and important. But focusing on the messenger rather than seriously engaging the allegations — and the broader pattern of abuse being reported — is dangerous.

Again, I understand the fear and trauma of October 7 and the rise in antisemitism. But moral courage requires a willingness to confront difficult truths, especially when doing so feels threatening to our sense of identity, safety, or solidarity.

The true measure of moral courage is not how harshly we judge others, but how honestly we are willing to confront ourselves.

If not now, when?

05/12/2026

In the last 48 hours I read 3 deeply unsettling reports: Nicholas Kristof in the New York Times on sexual violence against Palestinian prisoners; a piece by Sarah Tuttle-Singer on the beating of an Israeli-Palestinian lawyer in Be’er Sheva; and an Israeli television piece showing soldiers violently confronting Palestinians in the West Bank.

What troubled me most was not just the violence, but how easily it was explained away. I understand fear, trauma, October 7, and rising . But means little if it only appears when it is safe or convenient.

The true measure of moral is not how harshly we judge others, but how honestly we are willing to confront ourselves.

Body cam footage leaked to Haaretz appears to show police officers pouncing on lawyer within seconds of entering Beersheba apartment

05/05/2026

Grateful to Cantor Rachel Brook for commissioning this setting of Psalm 90:17 honoring Rabbi Michael Siegel on his retirement after 40 years at Anshe Emet Synagogue. A true Mench!

May the work of our hands
shape the life that we live.
May the seeds that we sow
be the love that we give.

I’m excited to share this demo, the first of what I hope will become a collection of 13 commissioned works.

Laurence Juber Pico Union Project United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism CLUE: Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice

05/01/2026

Jonathan Zasloff wrote this week, after the closure of :

“There is something deeply unwell about a community where one billionaire can spend $15 million on a Super Bowl ad… raise $40 million in days, yet Jewish day schools close for lack of funding.”

He’s right. We’ve become exceptional at funding fear, security, and political influence—and dangerously bad at sustaining the essence of Jewish life—peoplehood, memory, and responsibility for one another.

Why? Because fear is urgent and measurable, while building a meaningful Jewish life is slow, generational, and requires faith.

A community isn’t measured by what it protects, but by what it keeps alive. If we don’t invest in what gives people a reason to belong, there will be nothing left to defend.

Keep the . It’s what brought us here.

Union Project

04/29/2026

Every generation believes its challenges are the greatest. History suggests otherwise. What matters is not the moment—but how we meet it. I believe kindness and integrity make the difference.
We must speak with one another, not about one another—especially across differences.
Because every time we push someone out, our world grows smaller—and so do we. Step outside your political box—whatever it is—and listen. Not for agreement, but for wisdom. For heart.
The call of leadership transcends partisan divides. These voices are a place to begin.
If you choose to comment, stay in the spirit of this post and speak with one another, not about one another.

Stewart Brand — long-view thinking
https://www.instagram.com/reels/DXiB5S7CkVF/
Jane Goodall — humanity and hope
https://fb.watch/GNbM3dBuxQ/
Ben Sasse — responsibility and work
https://www.facebook.com/reel/938411029089061
Jimmy Carter — moral courage
https://www.reddit.com/r/Presidents/comments/1nuuo3w/president_jimmy_carter_shatters_all_of_our/

04/25/2026

In tradition there is a phrase: bein hashmashot — “between the suns.” The time between sunset and nightfall, when the old day is ending and the new day has not yet begun.

This has been an extraordinary year of in-betweens.

This space between certainty and mystery has defined my year: my dad’s death, my son’s engagement, my daughter’s marriage, the tail end of four retinal surgeries in nine months, and the shift from a 24/"8" presence at the Pico Union Project to God knows what. Through all of it, my wife has been my support, my steady hand, and yes — my driver.

I am floating “between the suns.” and I am blessed.

I am also 3 songs into my first recording in too many years. This is the beginning of #4. I’d love to hear your thoughts and feelings!