Rabbi Shabbat Greetings

This week’s portion, Tetzaveh (Exodus 27:20-30:10), marks the first time we encounter the idea of a hereditary elite within the Jewish people – Aaron and his male descendants – and their role…

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In a quiet village, Miriam, an elderly woman with a kind heart, sat by a fire. One evening, Rachel, a young girl overwhelmed by pain, approached her. Tears filled Rachel’s…

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I will not be with you all on this Shabbat as I am in Washington, DC with our Confirmation class for their Religious Action Center’s L’Taken Weekend, a program that…

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For those who celebrate, Happy Valentine’s Day. This Shabbat coincides with Saint Valentine’s Day (Feast of St. Valentine). The customs connected to the celebration of this day have their origin in a pagan…

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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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