Tidbits of Torah

Sacred Connectors!

Posted on April 12, 2019

Dear Friends, What inspiration can reading Parashat Metsora impart to us…especially as we prepare for Passover and for the Passover Seder? Parashat Metsora reminds us that we must care for the vulnerable members of our communities.  The Metsora [person afflicted with something akin to Leprosy] is literally sent “outside” of the camp.  But, the kohen Continue Reading »

Spruce Up Your Seder (And, Pesah Tips for 5779)

Posted on April 5, 2019

Dear Friends, I hope you will join us at services this Friday night and Shabbat morning as we have the opportunity to meet a High Holiday Cantor candidate!  Cantor Luke Hawley will join us for services and looks forward to meeting as many of us as possible! Looking for ideas to spruce up your Seder? Continue Reading »

Remember, Renew, Refresh

Posted on March 22, 2019

 Parashat Tav Remember, Renew, Refresh!     March 23, 2019 – 16 Adar II 5779       Dear Friends,   The eternal light in the synagogue represents the sparkle of the human soul and the holiness of the spirit of life.  It flickers and it inspires. But, we need to remember to keep it glowing. We Continue Reading »

Tidbits of Torah

Posted on March 8, 2019

         Parashat Pekuday Who Gets the Credit?    March 9, 2019 – 2 Adar II 5779   Dear Friends,   We are used to giving people credit when they do the work.  And, that is only fair.  But, even when we do the work, doesn’t God get any credit for inspiring us?  For giving Continue Reading »

Tidbits of Torah

Posted on February 22, 2019

         Parashat KiTissa Cherub, Coin and Calf    February 23, 2019 – 18 First Adar 5779   Dear Friends,   Other than the letter “C” that stands at the beginning of the words: Cherub, Coin and Calf…What might connect these three words and, at the same time, reflect some of the wisdom of our Continue Reading »

Tidbits of Torah

Posted on February 11, 2019

         Parashat Terumah Purposeful Presence…   February 9, 2019 – 4 First Adar 5779   Dear Friends,   Our chumash translates the Hebrew name of our weekly Torah portion: “Terumah” as: “gifts.”  This is a fine translation, as long as one understands “gifts” as “contributions,” not simply “presents.” Our people were commanded to bring Continue Reading »

Tidbits of Torah

Posted on February 1, 2019

         Parashat Mishpatim Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh  I Know How You Feel….   February 2, 2019 – 27 Shevat 5779   Dear Friends,   How many times have we said to someone:  “I know how you feel….”?   This is such a simple phrase, yet so powerful.   When we say it in a heartfelt way, Continue Reading »

Tidbits of Torah

Posted on January 18, 2019

         Parashat B’Shalach Shabbat Shirah Faith, Fortitude and Freedom  January 19, 2019 – 13 Shevat 5779   Dear Friends,   MLK weekend coincides with Shabbat Shirah – the Shabbat when we read the amazing Song of the Sea!  Our people experienced the miracle of the parting of the waters.  Our people crossed the Red Continue Reading »

Tidbits of Torah

Posted on January 11, 2019

         Parashat Bo Inclusive Communities  January 12, 2019 – 6 Shevat 5779   Dear Friends,   The wonder of Torah is its eternal relevance throughout the generations. This week’s Parsha reminds us of just how important it is for us to support inclusiveness in our communities. When Pharaoh said to Moses: “Okay, you go Continue Reading »

Tidbits of Torah

Posted on January 4, 2019

         Parashat Vaera Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh  A True Test of Leadership  January 5, 2019 – 28 Tevet 5779   Dear Friends,   Whether we believe in miracles or not, and no matter how we define miracles, we are all aware that, for the most part, nature follows its “natural” course.  And, as part of Continue Reading »