Judaism does not focus on what happens after we die. There is virtually nothing in the Torah about an afterlife. This teaches us that the… Continue reading
As we enter a new year, Jews have begun reading the book of Exodus, which tells our story of liberation from slavery, wandering through the… Continue reading
One of the favorite moments of my day is walking out to my mailbox, usually before dawn, to get the Peninsula Daily News. In the… Continue reading
We are taught in the Talmud that “The world rests on three things: justice, truth, and peace” (Avot 1:18). We are also taught that “The… Continue reading
Jews regularly recite a prayer called the V’ahavtah, which comes from Deuteronomy and Numbers. The word V’ahavtah means “and you shall love,” and it entreats… Continue reading
During the Jewish month of Elul, the month before Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur, Jews are encouraged to engage in self reflection as to what… Continue reading
“AND HE SHALL turn the heart of the parents to the children, and heart of the children to their parents” (Malachi 3:24). Sometimes our children… Continue reading
JEWISH TRADITION HAS always emphasized that we are created B’zelem Elohim, in God’s image, and we all have the spark of Divine within us. Thus,… Continue reading
The Talmud says, “Truth is the seal of the Holy One, blessed be He.” Rabbi Luzzatto (1707-1746) taught “Truth is one of the very foundations… Continue reading
“Anti-Semitism is the hatred that never dies. Violence that begins with the Jews never ends with them. All of this is true. What’s also true… Continue reading
The central tenet for Jewish behavior is the commandment to “Love your neighbor as yourself” found in the portion K’doshim (Leviticus 19:1-20:27). This portion is… Continue reading
Mahatma Gandhi said, “The enemy is fear. We think it is hate, but it is fear.” Fear can make us do things we normally wouldn’t… Continue reading
“IGNORANCE IS THE curse of God; knowledge is the wing wherewith we fly to heaven,” (Shakespeare). Whenever I am asked to speak about Judaism, I… Continue reading
IN JANUARY, JEWS begin reading the book of Exodus again, which tells of the dramatic birth of the Jewish people. So much is packed into… Continue reading
DURING THIS DARKEST time of the year, Rabbi Chaim Stern offers this prayer: “In my darkness be a light to me, in my loneliness help… Continue reading
“WHEN THE CARES of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul” (Psalms 94:19). The world today can feel somewhat dangerous and chaotic, and… Continue reading
IN MOURNING THE loss of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a pillar of justice, integrity and honor who relied on her Jewish values to guide her, it… Continue reading
