The Jewish memorial prayer is called Eil Malei Rachamim, God Full of Compassion. I offer this version for the dead and for the living: Eil ma-lei ra-cha-mim, sho-chein ba-m’ro-mim, ham’tzei m’nu-cha n’cho-na ta-chat kan-fei ha-sh’chi-nah… God full of compassion, transcendent Presence, grant perfect rest under the wings of Your presence to Your precious children who Continue Reading »
This evening, we should be gathering in pure celebration — of Shabbat, of God’s creation, and of the loving fellowship of our community. Instead, our celebration is mingled with sorrow, with lamentation, as we grieve the horrific destruction of life — in Buffalo, in Ukraine, and, this past Tuesday, in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 children Continue Reading »
The Dubner Maggid told a parable about a champion marksman who was passing through a tiny village when he saw a hundred circles drawn on the side of a barn, and in the center of each circle was a bullet hole. The man was so amazed, he stopped his horse and yelled out: “Who is this Continue Reading »
This week’s Torah portion, Emor, contains the disturbing instruction that physically disabled priests are to be barred from bringing offerings to the Sanctuary: No one at all who has a defect shall be qualified: no man who is blind, or lame, or has a limb too short or too long; no man who has a Continue Reading »
The Torah’s boldest claim is not about God but about human beings. In the very first chapter of Genesis, Scripture declares that we are God-like, created in the Divine image, b’tzelem Elohim. As the Torah’s narrative unfolds, the meaning and implications of this distinction become clear. We have a moral capacity, the ability to discern Continue Reading »
Our Celebration Under the Stars honoring Sarah Gluck on her retirement was a joyous weekend (April 29-30). So many people spoke beautifully of their respect and appreciation of Sarah. And Sarah closed out the celebration with these words of thanks: Thank you, Arnie. And everyone who has spoken, sung, played, and so, so much Continue Reading »
During our Shabbat services tonight and tomorrow morning we will be paying tribute to Sarah Gluck for her outstanding service to our congregation over more than two decades. Over these years she has touched our lives in so many ways. Join us at services in person, or by Zoom, to show your love and appreciation Continue Reading »
In a d’var Torah for the 7th day of Pesach, my colleague and friend Rabbi Michael Marmur recalls a favorite midrash — one that I like to share at weddings: A wealthy Roman woman once asked R. Yosi ben Halafta, “How many days did it take God to create the world?” “Six days,” he answered. Continue Reading »
This has been a time of building up walls and of tearing them down. We have endured a prolonged period of enforced separation to protect us from the dangers of COVID. And many of us have had to tear down walls that were infected with mold spawned by floodwaters from Hurricane Ida. It is as Continue Reading »
I have a colleague in Texas named Cantor Sheri Allen. Cantor Allen recently penned an op-ed in the Forward, entitled: “I’m a cantor in Texas and parent of a trans child. My state’s assault on trans youth is terrifying.” Cantor Allen’s son, Preston, is transgender. In this op-ed, she illuminates the dangers of a recent governor’s Continue Reading »
