This week’s reading of Torah brings us to a critical moment of transition in our people’s journey through the wilderness to the Promised Land. Moses, realizing that his end is near, prepares his people to carry on without him. He has glimpsed the land he will not enter and has made his peace with his Continue Reading »
For many of us, the last nine months have been some of the most challenging of our lives. Throughout these unprecedented times, our Temple Beth-El leaders and staff have worked hard to support our family of congregants and adapt to changing needs. Examples include the Helping Hands and Ladles of Love initiatives; regular phone outreach Continue Reading »
Over the summer, I was struck by the timeliness of a teaching from parsha Ki Teitzei in the Book of Deuteronomy. I was intrigued by how relevant the first three verses of Chapter 22 seemed to be in our current circumstances: (1) If you see your fellow’s ox or sheep gone astray, do not ignore Continue Reading »
Pastor Todd Buurstra, religious leader of the North Branch Reformed Church, and I have been making strides together for some time now. Some have been in the area of advocacy, where we have been strident in our call for justice and compassion for the weak and vulnerable among us: the stranger, our neighbors who are Continue Reading »
The year 1953 was an interesting and historic year. In Washington, Dwight D. Eisenhower was inaugurated as president, and Earl Warren was sworn in as chief justice of the Supreme Court. The Korean conflict came to an end. The first Chevrolet Corvette rolled off the assembly line and the first issue of Playboy hit the Continue Reading »
Temple Beth-El is privileged to have four newly elected officials in its congregation, serving in positions from local school boards to the New Jersey Assembly. Our fellow congregants and public servants are interested in pursuing a broad range of goals while in office, with an eye toward improving the lives of people in their communities. 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 »
Who are most honorable? Those who honor others. — Pirkei Avot There are those who seek honor. From them, says the Talmud, honor runs away. On the other hand, those who do good for the sake of the deed and for the betterment of others are truly worthy of our respect. To honor such people is Continue Reading »
It was wonderful to see you during the Holy Days. Many people told me the words I shared on Yom Kippur were inspiring. My remarks are excerpted below. I wish you all a wonderful couple of months with much to be grateful for on Thanksgiving, a bright and joyous Chanukah and a happy and healthy Continue Reading »
