Rabbi Shabbat Greetings

This shabbat is a unique shabbat. It is called “Shabbat Nachamu” – the Shabbat of Consolation. After three weeks of sadness, and Tuesday’s fasting and mourning for the destruction of the Holy…

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Some would say that this Shabbat is a Shabbat of opportunities.  First of all, we begin the final book of the Torah, Devarim, Deuteronomy, which is also this week’s Torah portion…

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Monday will be Rosh Chodesh Av– it’s the beginning of the second to last month of the year in the Hebrew calendar.  That may not mean much to you, but to your…

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Continuing from last week’s portion, Balak, we meet Pinchas, who at the conclusion of the story of the plague of Baal-peor (Num. 25), does a violent act. Balak ends with…

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Our connection with animals is a nuanced blend of affection and perceived superiority. In our homes and daily lives, animals are integral, sharing our intimate spaces and offering companionship that…

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In reflecting on the story of Moses and the rock from this week’s Torah portion, Chukat (Numbers 19:1-22:1), I’m struck by how it parallels our own journeys of personal growth and confronting…

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Yesterday, many of us celebrated our nation’s 248th anniversary of our independence from British rule. Barbecues, sunning at the beach, and watching fireworks are just some of the activities many of…

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Change is not easy, and it often seems to get harder as we age. Then again, many a baby fights the idea of coming out of the womb because they…

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In this week’s Torah portion, Beha’alotecha (Numbers 8:1-12:16), we read one of the most profound phrases in the entire bible, “They [the Israelites] marched from the mountain of God a distance of…

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Our Torah portion, Naso (Numbers 4:21-7:89), describes the laws of the Nazir, one who elects to take a vow of consecration to God for a certain period of time. Such an individual is required…

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