Parashat Acharey Mot The “Light” Response to Antisemitism Shabbat Machar Chodesh Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh May 4, 2019 – 29 Nisan 5779 Dear Friends, The name of our weekly Parsha, Acharey Mot literally means: “After the death of….” How did Aaron, the Kohen HaGadol [the High Priest] respond after the sudden, shocking, unsettling death of two Continue Reading »
Dear Friends, I share with you my free translation of the contents of my son’s recent text message which contained an excerpt of the testimony of Ben Gurion in 1946. It is great food for thought and for discussion for Passover…. In 1946 Ben Gurion testified (as head of the Jewish Agency) before a Continue Reading »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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