Just this past week, some of us at TBE returned from a congregation trip to Israel, led by rabbi Gluck and his longtime friend and master tour guide, Yitzchak Sokoloff. Our time there was filled with overflowing feasts of all of the senses, as well as a full and rich schedule of places to see, Continue Reading »
This week’s Torah portion, Sh’mini, relates the deaths of the two sons of Aaron, Nadav and Avihu. The boys entered the newly dedicated sanctuary unauthorized, offered “strange fire” upon the altar, and were consumed by the flames. Much is unclear, leaving some to speculate that the boys may have been drinking. What is clear is Continue Reading »
Reproductive Rights Shabbat For the past two years, I have spoken on Shabbat Mishpatim, now called #reproShabbat in many Jewish communities, organized by the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW). Last year, the US Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision changed the landscape for women and pregnant people across the United States. Suddenly, our rights were drastically Continue Reading »
On November 1, Israel held its fifth round of elections in less than four years. The good news is that the vote was free and fair. It was an unquestionable, unassailable exercise in representative democracy. The bad news for those committed to liberal democracy and religious pluralism is that the voice of the people has Continue Reading »
Highlights of the Past Year Since November 2021, TBE congregants have responded to the urgent needs of Afghan evacuees and other refugees settling in central New Jersey. We have donated time, personal resources, and items to support resettlement efforts, covering basic needs like food, clothing, transportation, technology essentials, and other needs that arise. THANK YOU! Continue Reading »
Yesterday, Rabbi Gluck spoke at the March for Our Lives Rally Against Mass Shootings and America’s Gun Violence Epidemic in Princeton. Here are his remarks and a moving poem by Reverend Lukata Mjumbe of the Witherspoon Presbyterian Church, Princeton. See below for action steps you can take. We Choose Life! Rally Against Mass Shootings & America’s Continue Reading »
The following verses resonate loudly to me from this week’s Parsha, Shoftim, from the book of Deuteronomy (16:18-20): (18) You shall appoint magistrates and officials for your tribes, in all the settlements that the Lord your God is giving you, and they shall govern the people with due justice. (19) You shall not judge unfairly; you Continue Reading »
On Tuesday April 20 our congregation hosted a virtual conversation with Senator Kip Bateman, co-sponsored by RAC-NJ. Senator Bateman shared his story of how he got into politics, why he stayed, and what he has gained from his public service. And he spoke warmly of his many ties to our Temple Beth-El community. Throughout our conversation, Continue Reading »
