-
Purim’s Four Rules of Life
Purim begins tomorrow night, and his the holiday that celebrates the events of the biblical book of Esther. The Persian Jewish community lives under King Ahasuerus, and eventually comes under threat from the king’s adviser Haman who issues a decree to kill the Jews. Esther, who at this time has become the Queen, risks her…
-
On the Backs of Those Who Most Need Our Help
I spent today at the Capitol with over 200 other members of faith communities from across the state to participate in Interfaith Advocacy Day, sponsored by the Faith Action Network. It was a day of learning, of inspiration and action. Connected to the work we did today is this piece I wrote for the Jewish…
-
Philip Levine: An Appreciation
Those who attend the services I lead know I incorporate a lot of poetry into worship. On the High Holidays I punctuate each service with poems, and each Friday evening, between Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv, I read a poem–without commentary– as a kavannah (intention) for that Shabbat. The poem is drawn from the vast world…
-
Taking Another Step to Reducing Gun Violence: My Testimony on HB 1857
Here is the scenario: you discover a loved one who has struggled with mental illness recently purchased a gun. What do you do to prevent him from harming himself or others? As of now in Washington, there is no measure that can be taken to legally remove the gun from that person. But a bill…
-
The “Fake News” and the “News Fake”
I love the Daily Show. And hearing of Jon Stewart’s departure is sad, but we know it is not imminent, and he is going out on top. And while I don’t watch TV news that much, I respected and enjoyed Brian Williams, who is now on a six month suspension from NBC News. I had…
-
Shabbat Morning Quarterback: My Take on the Seahawks Loss
“The thing you are doing is not good.” These are the words spoken by Jethro to his son-in-law Moses in this week’s Torah portion. The Israelites are settling into their new life since leaving Egypt and adjusting to being a newly freed community. Moses is adjudicating all of the disputes of the Israelites, who line…
-
I Am Your Healer
This week’s Torah portion, Beshallach, is famous for the Song at the Sea. The Israelites, having survived centuries of oppression, and having witnessed the plagues which struck the Egyptians around them, finally make their way to freedom. Although at first confronted by the Red Sea in front of them while the Egyptian army was in…
-
Against Wage Theft: My Testimony in front of the WA House Labor Committee
Through my political action, I have the occasion to testify in front of the Washington State legislature several times over the course of a legislative session. Rarely, though, do those opportunities come so close in time. Much of what appears to be on the legislative horizon this year is about economic justice–namely, how to not…
-
For Equitable Revenue: My Testimony in front of the WA Senate Ways and Means Committee
One day after MLK Day I had the opportunity to testify in front of the WA Senate Ways and Means Committee on behalf of the Jewish Federation and the Faith Action Network about the state budget and opportunities for new revenue. I believe that our state taxation is excessively regressive, and there are means to…
-
Subscribe
Subscribed
Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
Rabbi 360 