Rabbi Shabbat Greetings

In this Torah portion, Beshallach (Exodus 13:17-17:16), God tells Moses to have the Israelites set up camp at the Sea of Reeds, but then Pharaoh changes his mind about freeing the Israelites…

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Were you as shocked as I was to read recently that flip phones, aka dumb phones, are making a comeback? Social commentators suggest that it’s about a retro cool factor,…

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In the last two decades, a new ritual has emerged in the context of the Passover seder: pouring a cup of water for Miriam. This practice, while new, connects deeply…

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This Shabbat we begin the second book of the Torah, Exodus or as it is also known in Hebrew, Shemot (Exodus 1:1-6:1).  This tells the story of the Israelites’ enslavement in Egypt, the…

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This week’s Torah portion, Vayechi (Genesis 47:28-50:26), marks the conclusion of the Book of Genesis. As Jacob lies on his deathbed, he bestows blessings upon his sons, prophecies their futures,…

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Wednesday saw the beginning of the new year, 2025. As we do during the High Holy days, people one again discuss their New Year’s resolutions. I don’t know about you, but…

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We currently live in a world that is plagued by fear. Current events both nationally and internationally have us watching and reading about brutally violent occurrences, and the Antisemitism that…

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At the end of this week’s portion, Vayeshev (Genesis 37:1-40:23), Joseph is in jail and life looks hopeless. Yet we know that he will be released and become the second most powerful…

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We see in this week’s Torah portion, Vayishlach (Genesis 32:4-36:43), Jacob’s wrestling match with the angel defined him. He would forever after be known as Yisrael (Israel) – the one “who wrestled with God”. His…

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Have you ever noticed that when we have someone at services that I and others ask them where they came from? It sounds like the exact opposite of what those…

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