There is no halachah, no legal structure to define Tu Bishvat. For this reason, its position in Jewish practice wavers between two opposing poles, which can be understood by reference to two important Jewish leaders of the 20th Century: the modern orthodox scholar Rabbi Irving Greenberg and the last Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Schneerson. According Continue Reading »
Our tradition teaches us that the deeds we do for the deceased are among the greatest kindnesses possible. Clearly our sages had in mind that such acts are untainted by thoughts of self-service, since there is nothing the dead can do to requite us. A recent experience, however, helped me see a deeper dimension to Continue Reading »
It has been a busy fall for Social Action at Temple Beth-El. We worked closely with Rabbi Gluck preparing for the Many Faiths, One Home interfaith event on October 29, which is focused on caring for our world. One of the initiatives stemming from that event is a decision to become a founding member of Continue Reading »
We are now in the Jewish month of Cheshvan, also called “mar” or “bitter” Cheshvan by the ancient rabbis because there are no holidays during this month. Modern day cantors tend to think of it in other terms. But this Cheshvan, I and my Cantorial Concert Committee, led with hard work, dedication, and so much Continue Reading »
One of the things I enjoy most about being part of the leadership of Temple Beth-El is the opportunity to speak to our young people on the morning of their bar or bat mitzvah. On each such occasion, I make sure to emphasize that as young Jewish adults, they will have a different and increased Continue Reading »
Thank you to the many of you who have already made a promise to include Temple Beth-El in your estate plans. Your generosity will strengthen Temple Beth-El for years to come. To those of you who are still considering whether to leave a legacy gift to Temple Beth-El, or if this idea is totally new to Continue Reading »
You may stop by Cafe Beth-El, Temple Beth-El’s bagel cafe, on Sunday mornings only once in a while, or you may be a die-hard regular. Either way, did you know that buying your morning bagel and coffee is a mitzvah for our congregation? That’s because all the proceeds go to supporting the religious school, which Continue Reading »
What do these religious groups have in common? Sathya Sai Baba Organization (followers of the guru Sai Baba) Muslim Center of Somerset County Family Worship Center (a Christian Spanish-language fellowship) Refuge International (a Christian prayer group) Shree Swaminarayan Loyadam Mandhir (a Hindu community) In addition to the fact that they undoubtedly share certain spiritual values, Continue Reading »
From This Moment On Here is a situation that many of us can recognize: we have wronged someone in a small way or a large one. We recognize our failing, but because we feel guilty, we stay away, continuing to distance ourselves from this person and compounding our guilt. We have many excuses to give Continue Reading »
Shalom Chaverim! I hope that everyone has had an enjoyable summer, including some time to relax and escape from the hustle and bustle that dominates the bulk of the year. While we welcome the slower pace of June through August, life at Temple Beth-El is always a beehive of activity. I’d like to take this Continue Reading »
