Looking all around from my corner of the universe
In response to recent "zero tolerance" immigration policies that resulted in separating children from their parents, local faith leaders organized a vigil outside of Olympia City Hall. We heard from faith leaders, immigrant justice activists and local officials. Over 350 people came to show their support. I'm proud to have helped organize and MC the …
Our sacred texts are filled with disturbing narratives, and this week is no different. We revisit the story of Hagar this Shabbat as we read parashat Vayera in the book of Genesis. It is a familiar story to us as we just read it a month ago as part of the High Holidays. Our ancient …
Continue reading Listening to the Hagars of Today: On Sanctuary and Immigration
One of my challenges as a rabbi is to make Judaism relevant across demographics. Part of the challenge comes from the fact that what necessitates how we teach Judaism to kids is different than how we teach Judaism to adults. And very often I find that people who study Judaism as adults are surprised by …
This Shabbat as part of our Torah reading cycle we read the end of Genesis, which concludes the story of Joseph and his brothers. Joseph has reconciled with his brothers and reunited with his father, and now everyone is settled in the land of Egypt, having moved down from Canaan in search of opportunity, and …
