Veterans Day Sermon
In 1688 a Swiss physician named James Hofer coined the term “nostalgia” from the Greek “nostos” meaning “homecoming” and “algos” meaning “pain”. The syndrome was characterized by sadness and a…
Falling in Love
John M. Gottman is an American Psychologist renowned worldwide for his extensive research on marriage. He has spent over forty years developing measurements to predict who would become divorced and…
In Praise of Grandparents
The ideal of the blessed person in the Bible is to live long enough to see one’s grandchildren. For example, Psalm 128 concludes with the following blessing: “May G-d bless…
High Holidays Like No Other
This evening marks Rosh Chodesh Elul, the first day of the month of Elul is the month when we begin our spiritual preparations for the Yamim Noraim – the Days…
Give Peace a Chance
Our Cantor just sang the prayer, "Shalom Rav" set to music by Debbie Friedman, of blessed memory. Shalom Rav Al Yisrael Amekha means grant ABUNDANT peace to Israel, Your people. The…
No Person is an Island: Thoughts on Parasha Ekev
My colleague, Cantor Sandy Horowitz, shared an old Peanuts cartoon she dug up which aptly illustrates the relationship between Moses and the Jewish people after 40 years of leading them.…
Friday Night Sermon: Remix Judaism
Rabbi, would it be alright if I lit candles on Shabbat? At first glance, a strange question to be coming from a fellow Jew. What objection could a rabbi possibly…
The Courage to Move Forward
James Tissot Spies Returning from CanaanOur parasha for this week is crucial to understanding the Exodus story. A mere two years out of Egypt, the Israelites are about to enter the Promised Land.…
It’s All in the Preparation
Depiction of the Menorahsketched in Maimonides' own hand.Our parasha for this week opens with the command that Aaron the High Priest is to be tasked with lighting the seven candles of…