Life
ISSUES OF FAITH: Finding the courage to stand up for truth
The Talmud says, “Truth is the seal of the Holy One, blessed be He.”
Life
ISSUES OF FAITH: Stand strong against anti-Semitism
“Anti-Semitism is the hatred that never dies. Violence that begins with the Jews never ends with them. All…
Life
ISSUES OF FAITH: ‘Love thy neighbor’ a call to action
The central tenet for Jewish behavior is the commandment to “Love your neighbor as yourself” found in the…
Life
ISSUES OF FAITH: Fear is often a double-edged sword
Mahatma Gandhi said, “The enemy is fear. We think it is hate, but it is fear.”
Life
ISSUES OF FAITH: Love and justice central themes for Judaism
“IGNORANCE IS THE curse of God; knowledge is the wing wherewith we fly to heaven,” (Shakespeare).
Life
ISSUES OF FAITH: Answering the call inside of everyone
IN JANUARY, JEWS begin reading the book of Exodus again, which tells of the dramatic birth of the…
Life
ISSUES OF FAITH: Be a light in dark times
DURING THIS DARKEST time of the year, Rabbi Chaim Stern offers this prayer: “In my darkness be a…
Life
ISSUES OF FAITH: Choosing leaders in a crisis with Golden Rule
“WHEN THE CARES of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul” (Psalms 94:19).
Life
ISSUES OF FAITH: She put faith into action
IN MOURNING THE loss of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a pillar of justice, integrity and honor who relied on…
Life
ISSUES OF FAITH: Golden Rule a guide for behavior
WHEN RABBI HILLEL the Elder was asked somewhat sarcastically by a non-Jew to teach him the entire Torah…
Life
ISSUES OF FAITH: Treat people as God’s creations
“SEEK JUSTICE, LOVE mercy, and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8).
Life
ISSUES OF FAITH: Finding kindness during the coronavirus crisis
“BLESSED ARE YOU, Eternal our God, Sovereign of the universe who has sanctified us through Your commandments, and…
Life
ISSUES OF FAITH: Find beauty in small things during hard times
“ALL THE WORLD is a very narrow bridge. And the main thing to recall is to have no…
Life
ISSUES OF FAITH: Measure the character of would-be leaders
THROUGHOUT THE TORAH, we are told of the importance of honesty and justice.
Life
ISSUES OF FAITH: The Exodus story in winter
THE TORAH PORTIONS from Exodus read during January are always a bit jarring and at the same time…
Life
ISSUES OF FAITH: The Torah exemplifies Jewish life
WHEN ENTERING A Jewish synagogue, one’s eyes are drawn to the front of the sanctuary where the Aron…
Life
ISSUES OF FAITH: Find a way to ‘venture into the wilderness’
IN A RECENT reading of the Torah portion, Lech L’cha (“Go forth”), Abraham and Sarah are told, “Go…
Life
ISSUES OF FAITH: Recent holidays reinforce empathy and generosity
THE PHRASE “TZEDEK, tzedek tirdof” means “Justice, justice you shall pursue” (Deuteronomy 16), and the concept of tikun…
Life
ISSUES OF FAITH: The coming Days of Awe are a time for change, reflection
AS THE DAYS shorten and the nights become cooler, we regret the ending of summer and wish we…