For the next couple of weeks the theme will be love. It starts this Shabbat with the first portion of the Book of Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy is different than the other four books of the Torah. Biblical scholars look to its unique vocabulary and distinct themes as evidence of a separate writer. Deuteronomy even has its Continue Reading »
Did you know that Jews are not supposed to make promises? If you say to a Jewish friend, “See you tomorrow,” your friend is supposed to respond, “lo b’neder,” – “not as a vow,” (meaning “I won’t hold you to it.” “I won’t take that as a promise.”) The reason Jews are not to make Continue Reading »
After decades of public service, a man gives up the mantle of leadership and endorses his second in command. Surrendering the highest office is not easy but the necessity of doing so is apparent to all. How uncomfortable it was for the whole nation to see his faltering on public display. We could not chalk it up to Continue Reading »
Given a choice between choosing a timely sermon topic or a timeless topic, I usually go for the timeless. Eternal values, the human condition and ageless questions that have confronted human beings throughout the millennia are what intrigues me most. But I must say, these past couple of weeks have gotten me thinking about many Continue Reading »
I am so pleased to serve as your Interim Rabbi this coming year. Rabbi Gluck and I have been friends for many years and after only two weeks I have seen how strong a leader he has been. Such a fine staff. Such high quality lay leaders. Everywhere such intelligence and such hard work. You may wonder how an Continue Reading »
Eight years ago, I had the opportunity to prepare and deliver a drash on Korach, the very same torah portion we read the week. I will begin today by sharing what I wrote back them and will follow up with some additional thoughts as well. (From 2016) This week’s Parsha is Korach, from the book of Continue Reading »
A particular anecdote comes to mind when I think about this week’s Torah portion, Sh’lach Lecha. I have shared it before, but it is apropos, and I can’t resist sharing it again. In the early 1900s, two shoe salesmen from Britain went abroad to seek new markets for their wares. After a week, each wrote Continue Reading »
Dear Friends, At this poignant moment of transition words feel insufficient to express all that is in my heart. My family and I have been so blessed to be embraced by this loving, caring extended Jewish family, and to have the gift of calling this Beit El, this house of God, our Jewish home. You have touched Continue Reading »
As the Book of Numbers opens, the Torah is focused on the final preparations for our people’s journey home to the Promised Land. They have crossed the sea to freedom. They have stood at Mt. Sinai to receive the Torah and have renewed their covenant with God. They have built the Tabernacle and consecrated it. Continue Reading »
A few years ago, MetLife ran a clever ad that featured an image of their iconic blimp piloted by Snoopy and the word LIFE that highlighted the middle letters “IF.” Its tag line was, “Metlife, for the IF in LIFE.” Beyond good advertising, the ad offered sage advice. There is wisdom in being prepared for Continue Reading »
