In this week’s Torah portion, Beshalach, music is the highlight of our story. After the sea splits and the Israelites are on the other side, we read, “Az yashir Moshe u’vnei Yisrael,” which translates to “Then Moses and the Israelites sang.” And after this initial song of praise and awe, Miriam picks up her timbrel Continue Reading »
Dear Friends, I write this D’var Torah just before I begin 2 months of my 6-month sabbatical that the congregation so graciously affords me. Sabbaticals are an opportunity for spiritual growth and rejuvenation, generally taken every seven years, as first introduced in the Torah in Exodus, commanding a complete rest for the land. Each sabbatical Continue Reading »
The title of this week’s Torah portion is Vayigash, which means to “draw near” or to “approach.” In this parasha, we find one of the most emotional moments in the whole Torah. After years of distance and separation, Judah steps forward toward his brother, Joseph in a moment of vulnerability, not knowing what the outcome Continue Reading »
In Parshat Re’eh, Moses makes his last speech to the people as they prepare to enter the Land of Israel. His speech stretches from some of the most essential aspects of Judaism, such as helping the needy, to the most detailed, such as kashrut (the dietary restrictions of keeping kosher). He also makes a fascinating Continue Reading »
On this Shabbat we read Parashat Eikev, the third parasha of Devarim or Deuteronomy. The portion is a continuation of Moses’ speech to the Israelites as they stand ready to enter the land of Israel. They are reminded that they must keep God’s commandments in order to find life meaningful and fulfilling. They are reminded Continue Reading »
Dear Friends, Shabbat Shalom. Judaism offers us a way to respond to every human emotion — from joy to sorrow. Each day, our prayers reflect gratitude (like Modim and Shehecheyanu), hope (Amidah), celebration (Hallel), and grief (Mourner’s Kaddish, Psalm 23, Psalm 90). Through prayer and song, we find the language to praise God, to reflect, Continue Reading »
Parashat Balak takes its title from Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab. Afraid that the Israelites will attack his nation, Balak invites Bala’am, a well-known pagan prophet, to curse the people of Israel. At first, God forbids Bala’am to grant Balak’s request. Later Bala’am is sent to the Israelite camp but told that he must say only what God commands. On Continue Reading »
It seems every day I turn on the news, I hear about more change. We are in unchartered territory in our American life where what many of us thought were the norms for many years have changed. Our country is very divided with those who are happy with the changes and those who are not. Continue Reading »
In this week’s Torah portion, we encounter a difficult moment in the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness. The following scene unfolds between Korach and his followers (a group of 250 individuals,) and the leaders of the Israelites- Moses and Aaron in Numbers Chapter 16, verse 3: וַיִּֽקָּהֲל֞וּ עַל־מֹשֶׁ֣ה וְעַֽל־אַהֲרֹ֗ן וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ אֲלֵהֶם֮ רַב־לָכֶם֒ כִּ֤י כׇל־הָֽעֵדָה֙ כֻּלָּ֣ם Continue Reading »
All of us are well aware that we, along with the greater American Jewish community, are living in very disconcerting times. We are not only feeling incredibly vulnerable after repeated events of antisemitism, we know that we are vulnerable as we are living in a moment when violence towards us and many others is not Continue Reading »
