Rosh Hashanah is right around the corner. Last week I had the privilege of teaching many of the children at our JCC about the shofar. As I passed around the shofar, I loved watching the joy in their eyes and the smiles on their faces. And I was reminded that, while Rosh Hashanah is serious business, it Continue Reading »
The new year is almost upon us and these are very difficult days for Israel. I know that many of us are concerned about the Palestinian Authority’s campaign for recognition by the UN. I am deeply concerned as well which is why I wanted to send you a few resources. This is a bit longer Continue Reading »
On this day after the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, I hope you will take a moment to read the following excerpt from an article written by Chancellor Arnold Eisen of the Jewish Theological Seminary. As the 10th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, I’ve been thinking a lot about the words Continue Reading »
Last week we began the new month of Elul. It is during Elul that we begin the process of cheshbon hanefesh, self introspection, as we begin to focus on ourselves, our relationships, and what we can do to bring more purpose, holiness, and meaning into our daily lives. Elul is a month of opportunity, a Continue Reading »
Barukh attah Adonai, eloheinu melekh ha-olam, ha-gomel l’chayvim tovot, she g’malani kol tov. Praised are you Adonai, Sovereign of the universe, who graciously bestows favor among the undeserving, even as He has bestowed favor upon me. This is the blessing that we say when we have escaped from a dangerous situation- a blessing Continue Reading »
I have spent many hours unpacking during the course of our move from one building to another. Last week, as I was looking for a place to put my various Jewish magazine subscriptions I came across one of my favorite publications- Sh’ma Magazine. Sh’ma magazine is monthly “journal of Jewish responsibility” filled with interesting Continue Reading »
Synagogues are always interested in attracting Jewish families. But what is a Jewish family? This week, I came across a very interesting and thoughtful article written by a fellow Conservative rabbi, Elianna Yolkut. Her article encourages the Jewish community to think broadly and creatively when it comes to reaching out to Jewish families. Here Continue Reading »
Tonight marks the beginning of Tisha B’av (the ninth of Av), a holiday commemorating the destruction of both the First and Second ancient Temples, both of which were believed to have been destroyed on this very date (in 586 BCE and 70 CE respectively). Throughout Jewish history there have been numerous other catastrophes that occurred Continue Reading »
Shalom. I hope everyone is having a terrific summer! I am delighted to return to my Monday Morning Message and our weekly virtual conversation. Earlier this summer, Chancellor Arnold Eisen of the Jewish Theological Seminary began a blog entitled: Conservative Judaism: A Community Conversation. Eisen describes his reasons for starting this weekly blog with Continue Reading »
Do you every feel over-stressed? Do you ever wish you could just “power down” for a while and disconnect? Are you looking to create more balance in your life, and a deeper sense of connection to family, friends, and community? Do you wonder how your life might become more spiritual? Check out the following Continue Reading »