In this week’s parashah, Moses brings the people of Israel together to build the Tabernacle, the sacred heart of the community of Israel, a place for the Divine Presence to dwell among them. Having summoned the entire community, Moses instructs the people as follows: “These are the things that God has commanded us to do: Continue Reading »
Dear Temple Beth-El community, It is unfortunate that once again we must address antisemitism in our own country. The Anti-Defamation League has notified Jewish communities of very disturbing events planned for this weekend with the following message: ‘White supremacist groups are trying to organize antisemitic activities as a “National Day of Hate” throughout this coming Continue Reading »
This week has been very painful, as losses have mounted. Loss during this crisis has come in many forms. First and foremost, in the tragic and devastating loss of life. Our hearts go out in sympathy to all who mourn the passing of loved ones or friends, and we pray for the souls of the Continue Reading »
This is a time for prayer, not instead of other forms of response and action, but in addition to them. Over the past week we have seen an alarming increase in the spread of the pandemic, and we, reasonably, are fearful and anxious. We fear for our own health and the health and safety of Continue Reading »
Dear Friends, Tonight, as the sun sets it will usher in a Shabbat that is different in many ways. The day that is dedicated to connections – with each other, with our souls, with God – is arriving during a time that we are rightly being warned to keep our distance from one another. In a sense, though, Continue Reading »
Did you finish your homework? Practice piano? Hurry, we’ll be late to soccer! Don’t forget to pack for the school trip! Got the right backpack?! Sound familiar? The average week is so full of activity—school and homework, sports, music lessons, play rehearsals, scouts…the list goes on and on. There’s also Sunday school, Hebrew school, and Continue Reading »
