Category: Uncategorized
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My House Shall Be a House of Justice (Beit Tzedek) for All Peoples
Last Friday at Erev Shabbat services, Temple Beth Hatfiloh was blessed to host Meg Martin, the Program Director of the Interfaith Works Emergency Overnight Shelter, who spoke to us about the impact of the warming center that TBH, along with two churches, has been hosting and she and her staff have been running these past four…
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Where Do You Charge Your Cell Phone?
Years ago, I remember learning of a movement to create voice mail boxes that could be accessed from pay phones, so that people who are experiencing homelessness will have an “address” that could help with communication, job searches, etc. The lesson of how technology can address this specific social issue made an impression on me.…
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Why I Didn’t Attend the Washington State Caucuses
By the end of the day Saturday, my Facebook feed was filled with people who had attended the Washington State Democratic caucuses. The emotions were high—people praising democracy in action, and sharing the excitement of cramming into school gymnasiums with neighbors and friends to debate, discuss and decide on who should be the Democratic nominee…
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Torah Table Topics: Tzav
Things to think about over your Shabbat table this week: This week we go deeper into Leviticus, which means we go deeper into the system of sacrifices. And while the sacrificial system is foreign to us in its implementation, it still touches a deep spiritual nerve. The portion opens in Leviticus 6 with a description…
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Trump and Haman and Ahasuerus..and Mordechai
Today was Purim, the annual celebration of the events of the biblical book of Esther. The story goes like this: the Persian King Ahasuerus dismisses his queen Vashti for not appearing at his summons. He invites all the women of the kingdom to appear to see who would become the new queen, and a Jewish…
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#FeelthePurim
Disclaimer: this is all in good fun, and does not constitute a political endorsement by me, Temple Beth Hatfiloh, its board, staff or membership. Since we are both New York-born Jews it was easier to dress up like Bernie Sanders than any other candidate. Happy Purim!
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To Give is To Receive
The blintzes are back! This year, after a year’s hiatus Blintzapalooza returns. Blintzapalooza is one of Temple Beth Hatfiloh hallmark events, the Sunday in March when we open up our doors and welcome in the community to eat blintzes and bagels, buy used books, participate in a Jewish cooking contest and support local charitable organizations.…
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Where Are You @?
Yesterday was my scheduled monthly contribution to the Rabbis Without Borders blog on My Jewish Learning. Here is my post: Where Are You @?
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Could This One Text Message Have Saved the Lives of 3000 People?
The story of the Golden Calf, which we read in last week’s Torah portion, is a great lesson in punctuality. In the story, the Israelites have left Egypt and have made their way to Mount Sinai. There they are to get the Torah from God which will form the basis for their new community and…
Rabbi 360 