Leviticus is one of the more challenging and interesting books to read because it reflects a spiritual reality and theology that is far from our own. In this week’s portion of Tazria and Metzorah, we read about tzaraat--afflictions that are commonly but not accurately translated as “leprosy”—that are diagnosed by a priest and remedied through …
Just before Passover, I got my first shot. And it felt like a liberation. Anxiously waiting for vaccine distribution to speed up, I was contacted by someone I know who was working at a distribution site in Shelton. Appointments were unfilled, she asked, would I like one? So on Friday afternoon I drove up 101 …
Thanks for joining in the TikTok Seder! 14 videos, one for each step of the journey. Each video provides an opportunity for reflection or kavannah (intention) or question. You can do a full Seder or just watch the videos and reflect. Or something in-between! A few prelims: The Seder is what you want to make …
We begin the book of Leviticus this week, which, at least until we get to the Holiness Code in the middle of the book ("Love your neighbor as yourself") can be a bit challenging to read. We are introduced to the system of sacrifices which formed the ancient system of worship, a system that has …
It was one year ago Thursday that we sent the message to the congregation that all in-person services, events, and classes at Temple Beth Hatfiloh would be cancelled. Out of an abundance of caution, we had already cancelled Blintzapalooza, though we still held Purim. At that time the first announcement said the cancellation would be …
Celebrating this Purim was bittersweet. Not the fact that we were on zoom this year, we have been doing this for quite some time and are finding ways to be creative and have fun in virtual spaces. No, its because of the memory that Purim was the last thing we did in person last year …
Earlier this year I was honored to be a part of the Big Bold Jewish Climate fest, speaking about Jewish views of human composting, along with another rabbi, Adina Lewittes. Our presentation was also part of a live podcast recording through Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations, a project of Reconstructing Judaism. Now that Washington State as …
Continue reading Human Composting: What is a Jewish View of Natural Organic Reduction?
Having just read the 10 Commandments in last week's Torah portion, as we continue to read of the revelation at Sinai and the handing down of the mitzvot to Moses in this week's reading as well, I've come to the realization that I am in direct violation of the 10th Commandment. As a reminder: "You …
Continue reading I am Guilty of Violating the 10th Commandment
There is a text from the Talmud, Tractate Eiruvin 13b, that I have been wrestling with of late. The text tells of a debate between those two major rabbinic schools, Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai, over the question: would it have been better had humans not been created than been created. To think through this …
Continue reading Should Humans Have Been Created?: A Challenging Text for a Challenging Time
