With spring around the corner, crocuses and daffodils peaking through, hope is in the air. We can also breathe a little more easily, with million of others, with the passage of the COVID Relief Stimulus Bill.
Read MoreThis week's Parsha, Ki Tisa, is a confusing Parsha. Chronologically, it contains another two ascensions of Moses up Sinai. After the first ascent and the receiving of the Torah and numerous civil laws, the Tabernacle is built and the priestly class is consecrated.
Read MoreDid you hear the news?! The Israeli government and the PA have agreed to the terms for creating a Palestinian state! Check out the Washington Toast tomorrow morning!
Read MoreAnother great Parsha! Called Terumah, it’s about creating The Mishkan, the Tabernacle, the indwelling space for the Divine Presence.
This Parsha is a radical departure from the previous sedrah which outlines in detail the social covenant within the community.
Read MoreIt’s now coming up on one year since the beginning these covid restrictions on our lives. For many, the response has been to adapt how we live, to be with loved ones, and to be in community with others.
Read MoreThis past Shabbat, known as Shabbat Shira, we learned of the death of Flory Jagoda, a modern day Miriam who lead her people in song for decades. She was 97. Here are some of the words I spoke at her funeral this past Monday morning at King David Cemetery:
Read MoreThe sap is beginning to rise in the trees! We are beginning to hear once again voices of freedom and songs of redemption. There is renewed hope with vaccinations on the way and that the masks on our mouths will be removed.
Read MoreThings are coming to a head this week in the government: the stimulus bill, recalcitrant and vindictive leadership and the further erosion of democracy. In Israel, as well, I just learned of the failure of the Coalition and a call for new elections.
Read MoreTu Bishvat is coming! The New Year of the Trees! What fabulous timing! A week after reflections on the vision of MLK Jr and the Inauguration of President Biden and Vice President Harris, we can feel the spirit of renewal.
Read MoreWe did it! You did it! With a recent $1000 pledge, we reached and even surpassed our December Appeal goal of $40,000! Many thanks to the dozens of friends, followers and fans that made this possible. In a dark and changing world you have made it possible for us to be a light and a voice for peace and Tikkun Olam.
Read MoreWe very much appreciate our members, friends and readers. May this coming year be a blessed one for us all. Our December Appeal, so necessary for Am Kolel to exist, is still short of reaching our goal. We’re close. Our major donors have been most generous. So many of you, members and friends, have donated. For those who have not, there is still a window. It’s okay if we receive your gift after January 1.
Read MoreFifty years ago tomorrow, on the eighth night of Hanukah in 1970, twelve men and one woman, mostly members of Jewish for Urban Justice, were arrested at the former Soviet Union Embassy. We were protesting the trial of some 16 Jewish Refuseniks faced with capital punishment and/or many years of imprisonment for attempting to hijack a plane to escape from Russia. They had been refused exit visas.
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