For the past few years, the North American Jewish community has declared February to be Jewish Disability Awareness Month. This effort to raise awareness and support for efforts to foster inclusion of people and families with disabilities in Jewish communities across the globe is recognized and supported by all of the Denominations as well as Continue Reading »
“What do I need the synagogue for? My children are already grown and out of the house.” This is a question that I hear all too often, and the short answer is that there is a very deep and powerful sense of meaning, purpose, wisdom, community, and holiness that a synagogue can offer regardless of Continue Reading »
This past Friday night, we had a wonderful interfaith celebration and Shabbat service as we gathered together to pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King spent his life in the pursuit of justice and equality for all, regardless of one’s religion, race, or background. He lived out the idea that everyone is Continue Reading »
This weekend brought tragedy to our country. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families and friends of all who lost their lives in the horrific shooting in Arizona. And we pray that Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and all who were injured experience a refuah shlemah, a complete healing. President Obama has called on Continue Reading »
Just over a month ago, The National Museum of American Jewish History opened its new building in the heart of historic Philadelphia- just a few steps from independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Founded in 1976, the mission of this National Museum of American Jewish history is to: …present educational programs and experiences that Continue Reading »
We know that the end of the year is coming when get daily requests via mail, e-mail, or Facebook from organizations encouraging us to make charitable contributions by the end of December. These requests come in time for us to consider the tax benefits of our donations, however, as Jews, we should look at these Continue Reading »
This was a wonderful weekend at Congregation Torat El. Our Shabbat services were inspirational, our comedy night was a hilarious success, and I was truly honored and humbled to be installed your Rabbi on Sunday afternoon. For those who were unable to be with us, below is a link to my remarks from the installation. Continue Reading »
This week I would like to share with all of you some information about an incredibly important organization of our community. “Project S.A.R.A.H,” a resource for Jewish women throughout New Jersey, seeks to aid victims of domestic violence, as well as educate and provide resources to the Jewish community at large that is frequently uncomfortable Continue Reading »
Hag Urim Sameach, Happy Hanukkah! One of my favorite things about Hanukkah in recent years is the number of entertaining and creative Hanukkah videos, songs, and sketches that can be found online and on TV. It is no surprise that everyone nowadays has something funny or entertaining to say or sing about Hanukkah, Continue Reading »
For a variety of reasons, Hanukkah has become the most widely celebrated Jewish holiday in America (Passover comes in a close second). This is partially because of the American custom to give gifts on Hanukkah, something that has become a central to many of our Hanukkah celebrations. Hanukkah is most traditionally related to very different Continue Reading »