It’s hard to believe that Passover is nearly here! In one week we will be sitting around our tables, participating in our Seders as we attempt to bring the lessons and values of the Exodus experience into our lives. But just how do we do this? The key is to personalize the experience and Continue Reading »
Last week I had the privilege of attending the Rabbinical Assembly convention in Las Vegas. It was a wonderful to learn with and from so many colleagues and friends. The theme was “Conservative Judaism: ‘Out of the Box’” and I am pleased to say I came home from the conference reenergized and hopeful on many Continue Reading »
Shalom from Las Vegas, where I am spending the week learning from and with hundreds of my colleagues at the annual Rabbinical Assembly convention. I look forward to sharing some of my experiences with you this coming Shabbat, and will post some reflections about the conference in next week’s Monday Morning Message. In the Continue Reading »
This week I wanted to call your attention to a unique and innovative organization within the American Jewish community, Mechon Hadar. A recent article from the NJ Jewish Standard called, “Torah Belongs to Jews, Not Denominations,” gives an interesting profile of the organization and its leader, Rabbi Ethan Tucker (a link to the article is Continue Reading »
This past week I was privileged to serve on an admissions committee of the Jewish Theological Seminary’s Rabbinical. As I sat and listened to these young adults interested in dedicating their life to the Jewish people, I was, quite simply, inspired. I remember very well when I first applied to rabbinical schools- the nervousness and Continue Reading »
In two weeks we will celebrate Purim, a holiday marking the victory of an assimilated Diaspora Jewish community over the wicked Haman. Purim is all about having fun and laughing in the face of challenge and adversity. Check out this whimsical & entertaining musical version of the Purim Megillah on You Tube- a video filled Continue Reading »
To paraphrase from one of my favorite movies, The Field Of Dreams: “If we build it, they will come.” Many of us have spent the past six months talking about building a kehillah kedosha, a holy community, here at Congregation Torat El. But how exactly do we do this? What are the practical steps Continue Reading »
As a Jewish leader I often hear concerns about how “the younger generation” needs to learn how to step up and support the Jewish community like their parents and grandparents before them. This sentiment is heard in synagogues, JCC’s and Federations across the country. Recently a classmate and colleague of mine, Rabbi Rachel Nussbaum*, published Continue Reading »
I once heard a colleague quip that the Conservative Movement it “the ever-dying movement.” It often seems that the Jewish world is criticizing our movement or questioning our purpose, vision, and direction. Over the past few years, our movement has been shrinking in numbers yet we have simultaneously been involved, on regional and national levels, Continue Reading »
Just a few days ago, we celebrated the new month of Adar. The Rabbis teach that as the month of Adar begins and leads up to the holiday of Purim, we are supposed to increase our joy and laughter: Mi Shenichnas Adar, Marbim be’simcha (Babylonian Talmud, Taanit 29a). Jews love to laugh. I once heard Continue Reading »