This week’s Parsha is at the heart of the Book of Deuteronomy. The Parsha is called Re’eh, meaning "See". It is an imperative addressed to each individual “See, I am giving you today a blessing and a curse…” as the people see before them the Land of Promise.
Read MoreAnyone watching the House Hearings yesterday had to be moved by the testimonies of the four officers. These hearings took too long in coming. Let’s hope these slow turning wheels of justice will result in an outcome that can restore and, hopefully, help heal this nation.
Read MoreLast week many Jews commemorated Tisha B’Av, a day marking several tragedies in Jewish history. Each of those tragedies, whether the destruction of Jerusalem, the expulsion from Spain, pogroms and the adoption of the Final Solution (August 2, 1941) have caused untold suffering to our people. But, yet, mir zeinen do, we are still here. Choose life, teaches our Torah! What is the source of our resilience?
Read MoreThis Shabbat, we begin anew the Book of Deuteronomy, D’varim, and listen to the farewell addresses given by Moses before the Israelites enter Canaan. D’varim is a review of the journey of the Israelites and a review of the laws and teachings that have been the foundational teachings of the Jewish people since.
Read MoreThis Shabbat we conclude the Book of Numbers with great emphasis on the seriousness of vows and how we use our words. Dramatically, the Parsha also describes the battles with forces that threaten the new nation and her unique mission. The verses of the Torah describe the “holy war” to crush the Midianites. A Hassidic master, the Ishbitzer, noted how the word Midian shared the same letters as the Hebrew word for illusion, Dimyon.
Read MoreFirst of all, our hearts go out to all the victims of the collapsed Champlain Towers in south Florida. Our deepest concern for all those who are suffering through the terrible heat wave in the northwestern U.S. So much suffering continues around the globe due to Covid, especially, in India, Africa and Brazil.
Read MoreBilaam is a desert prophet, a monotheist, trying his best to minister to the nations. However, when Balak, king of Moab, felt threatened by the Israelites passing through his country on the way to Canaan, he bribes Bilaam to curse them. Bilaam saddles his donkey and sets out on the mission, but experiences, in a strange, the wrongness of his mission. Can a prophet of God bend to political pressure?
Read MoreWe’re midway through June and the June Appeal. While we are most grateful for the gifts and support that we have received so far, we are concerned about our goal, our “promised land.” In order to serve you and fulfill our mission in the larger community we need to reach $40,000.
Read MoreBy the time you receive this newsletter I will have returned from a demonstration on the Mall near the Capitol. I’m not planning on getting arrested this time. This gathering of more than 100 faith leaders called on Congress to pass the American Jobs Plan. As you know, the Plan has bold investments in energy & transportation, a 100% clean energy standard, and a commitment to environmental justice.
Read MoreThis week's Parsha, Shlach, is about the return of the descendants of Abraham and Sarah to the Land of Canaan, the Land of Israel. The people, gathered in the Sinai, are ready to embark on the journey of Return according to the biblical narrative.
Read MoreThe recent Shavuot festival should remind us of the commitment our ancestors made and renewed throughout the generations to be a Covenantal People, committed to certain values and the pursuit of peace and justice. Sadly, if we review the Ten Statements of Principles, ( the Ten Commandments), our people are not doing well. The government of Israel and Jewish organizations that support the continued violations of humans rights and the violence are desecrating our heritage and not respecting our ancestors.
Read MoreToday is Rosh Chodesh Sivan. On the Muslim calendar it is Eid al-Fitr, the last day of Ramadan and, traditionally, a joyous festival. Both religions follow the lunar calendar. A new moon is about to emerge. But, today, the sky is dark, especially darkened by the war clouds, fighting and deaths in Israel and in the Palestinians territories.
Read MoreOur nation is engaged in a battle right now over President Biden’s economic program to redistribute trillions of dollars of resources to address economic disparity, social inequity and to fight climate change. He has been compared to FDR and LBJ in this regard. I also believe his vision is of biblical and prophetic magnitude!
Read MoreThe announcement today from the CDC that those who are fully vaccinated can go maskless outside except for crowded outdoor events is welcome news!
Read MoreI just returned from a few days In Florida visiting family and friends. It was awkward being in airports and flying on airlines, but, all in all, it felt safe to see loved ones again.
Read MoreThere is a terrible spiritual malaise afflicting our country. News of racism, gun violence, and human suffering is increasing. This is a spring of great struggle and, also, one of great opportunity.
Read MoreThese weeks between Pesach and Shavuot are filled with special opportunities for learning. Our weekly Parshiot, Torah readings, focus on the ways we become a more conscious and sacred community. This week’s Parsha, Shmini, focuses on the dietary practices of the community of Israel. While not specifically using the word Kashrut, these teachings become part of the foundation of Kashrut.
Read MoreEver since I was a kid, I was enamored by the meaning of Passover. I loved its celebration of family, history and the spring. For many, Pesach is primarily about gathering with loved ones for the Seders.
Read MoreThe month of Nisan is, traditionally, a month of renewal and hopefulness. In many Jewish communities it was the custom to not recite the usual Tachanun or supplication liturgy during this time. With this is mind I chose last week to plant a pear tree at Sanctuary to complete our Sephirot Garden of ten trees.
Read MoreAre we ready for Pesach? Our Festivals of Freedom and Spring are fast approaching. Some of us are feeling the need to do some prep. One age old tradition is in the form of a spring cleaning, especially to rid our homes of Chametzdike products. We can also put our leavened products in a box and during the holiday, store in the basement or a closet. Many “sell” their Chametz to a non-Jewish person who is happy to help in this Mitzvah.
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