-
Peace Parasha: Tisha B’Av–Kindness, Justice and Righteousness
This past week I had the honor of contributing to the Americans for Peace Now Peace Parasha series. I offered a look at the haftarah for Tisha B’Av, the day of mourning for the destruction of the Temples that was observed this past Sunday. Tisha B’Av–Kindness, Justice and Righteousness
-
Is This What Sinat Chinam Looks Like?
It was at the end of my time away, which included a spiritual retreat and vacation time with my extended family, that I opened up my email to get caught up, only to learn that our building has been once again targeted by graffiti. Someone had scrawled “Free Palestine!” on one of the large columns…
-
The High Holidays are Two Months Away. Thanks, Pinchas.
It’s summertime, and my senses are alive. Feeling the heat on my skin, seeing the lush growth all around, tasting the fresh fruits and vegetables from farm and garden, hearing birds and other animals and smelling fresh flowers. Yet while I enjoy the summer and the change in routines and the increased time outdoors, I…
-
This Sunday, I am Fasting for Black Churches
This Sunday is the observance of the 17th of Tammuz. More than just a date on the calendar, it is a minor fast day in the Jewish tradition. [N.B.: Sunday is actually the 18th, but because the 17th falls on Shabbat, the fast is postponed one day.] The day marks the beginning of a three…
-
Why We Should Separate Civil and Religious Marriage. And Why We Shouldn’t.
It is my turn again at the Rabbis Without Borders blog on My Jewish Learning. Here are some reflections on last week’s Supreme Court decision on marriage. Why We Should Separate Civil and Religious Marriage. And Why We Shouldn’t.
-
Why Today’s Supreme Court Ruling is a Victory for Judaism (For Reasons Not Having to do With Health Care.)
Today the Supreme Court ruled in a 6-3 decision that the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as “Obamacare,” will not be gutted of one of its key provisions: that federal subsidies to pay for health insurance would be available to qualified applicants who sign up through a health care exchange. The question hinged on whether or…
-
Listening to Jeremiah in Charleston
Yesterday was quite a day. Yesterday was an amazing spiritual confluence: in the Jewish calendar it was Rosh Hodesh Tammuz, the first day of the month of Tammuz. For Muslims, the holy month of Ramadan began. And Pope Francis issued a major encyclical on the environment, which hopefully promises to change the way we address…
-
The Mission Does Not Take Care of Itself
This is the season of graduation. Last week I was honored to attend the graduation ceremony of my rabbinical school, the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, as a board member of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association. Ozi had his graduation exercises from middle school earlier today before all the eighth graders went off to Wild Waves. And this…
-
Is Capitalism Hurting Synagogue Life?
As I’ve shared with you, in addition to my regular blog, I blog once a month at the Rabbis Without Borders blog on the My Jewish Learning website. (My slot is usually the first Wednesday of the month). It is an honor to join a chorus of my colleagues in bringing diverse voices, opinions and…
-
Subscribe
Subscribed
Have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
