THIS WEEK’S TORAH portion continues telling the story of the Jews’ journey through the wilderness. They have received instructions on the building of the sanctuary… Continue reading
THE DAYS HAVE been growing shorter, and even when the sun does shine, it generates so little heat it feels as if it has deserted… Continue reading
THE JEWISH MYSTICAL tradition of Kabbalah teaches us that every word, even every thought has a ripple effect in the world. We may not know… Continue reading
“THE DAY HAS come to take an accounting of my life. “Have I dreamed of late of the person I want to be, of the… Continue reading
WHEN THE U.S. Constitution was ratified, Jews looked to this new country as a place where they would be safe from persecution, not only because… Continue reading
“A GENTLE ANSWER turns away wrath, but hard words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). “Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the… Continue reading
IN NUMBERS 11: 1-29, a recent Torah portion read in Jewish communities, the Israelites are wandering the desert complaining about the lack of food and… Continue reading
“THE HOLY ONE says to Israel: I bade you pray in the synagogue of your city, but if you cannot pray there, pray in your… Continue reading
“YOU SHALL BE holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy” (Leviticus 19:2). This powerful portion of the Holiness Code in the Torah is… Continue reading
DARKNESS AND LIGHT. As our days get shorter and nights darker, Jews light the Chanukah candles, one more for each of the eight nights, almost… Continue reading
THE TALMUD TEACHES that the righteous of all nations have a share in the world to come. One of the things which drew me to… Continue reading
JEWS BEGAN YOM Kippur recently with the haunting chant of Kol Nidre (“all vows”). In this prayer, promises made in the past year are declared… Continue reading
NEVER FORGET. HAVE these words about the Holocaust become a cliche? There seems to be a weariness about the subject. “Yes, it was terrible, but… Continue reading
IN JEWISH TRADITION when celebrating a special occasion or showing gratitude for a new and unusual experience, we recite a blessing from the Talmud called… Continue reading
A RECENT TORAH portion tells the story of Moses sending scouts from each of the 12 tribes into the Promised Land, as God had instructed.… Continue reading
IN THE 2015 Disney movie “Cinderella,” Ella’s mother tells her, “Remember to always be kind and have courage.” I admit I am a sucker for… Continue reading
DURING THE RECENT Jewish holiday of Passover, we celebrated spring’s new birth and a journey from slavery to freedom. We were told to personally “experience”… Continue reading