I was recently asked become a respondent on “Jewish Values Online,” a Q & A website that has rabbis from different denominations comment on a range of interesting questions. Some examples of topics and questions asked on this site include: When there is a conflict between “siding” with one’s spouse vs. one’s parents- is there Continue Reading »
I am back! Last week, I had the amazing opportunity to be a part of a cross denominational group of rabbis, executive directors, and other Jewish professionals from across the United States, Canada, England, and South America, who participated in a week long leadership seminar through the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. The Continue Reading »
In just a few days we will be celebrating Thanksgiving! Surrounded by food, family, and friends, most of us have an abundance of blessing in our lives. There are others who are less fortunate. As you sit down to your Thanksgiving table, the following are a few suggestions to bring some Jewish meaning to your Continue Reading »
A few weeks ago I read an interesting article about the apparent lack of innovation in synagogue culture. In particular, the article highlighted the challenge of reaching out to young Jewish adults in the ever-lengthening life-stage between college graduation and the time of parenting school-aged children. The article began by discussing the most recent release Continue Reading »
At my former congregation we were privileged to host Rabbi Gershom Sizomu prior to his ordination from the American Jewish University. Rabbi Sizomu is the spiritual leader of the Abayudaya Jews in Uganda. I will never forget that incredible weekend and the inspiration that I felt as Rabbi Sizomu reminded us of the amazing Jewish Continue Reading »
October 31st is a busy day on the American calendar, especially for families with young children. Here are two interesting articles that explore a Jewish approach to Halloween. http://www.myjewishlearning.com/holidays/About_Holidays/Non-Jewish_Holidays/Halloween/Jewish_Halloween.shtml http://www.jewishtimes.com/index.php/jewishtimes/news/jt/cover_story/jews_and_the_halloween_dilemma/27372 Do you want to find out more about the Jewish perspective on magic and the supernatural? Check out the following link And Continue Reading »
Over the past year United Synagogue, the national umbrella organization of Conservative congregations, has been working to re-invent itself-from re-organizing its leadership structure, to crafting a new mission statement to creating a new strategic plan. United Synagogue is working to ensure that it stays relevant and productive. One noticeable improvement is a fully revamped website Continue Reading »
Before this morning’s message, I wanted to share a few brief reminders: 1) The annual CTE Sisterhood Supper in the Sukkah is tonight at 5:30. Please join us! 2) Please note that my Monday night Adult Ed class, “Can You Believe She Said That? The Jewish Take on Gossip” does not start tonight. Continue Reading »
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are now behind us and Sukkot is quickly approaching. Sukkot is one of the most joyous times in this holiday season! Check out the following Sukkot resources and be sure to RSVP to the many Sukkot happenings at Congregation Torat El Great Video about Sukkot and the wisdom of Continue Reading »
Shana Tova! I hope you all had an enjoyable Rosh Hashana experience, and I look forward to seeing you this Friday night as we begin Yom Kippur. Here are a couple of suggestions to help you prepare for the holiday: 1) I highly recommend a wonderful book entitled, All These Vows: Kol Nidrei, a Continue Reading »