First of all, I would love to express my gratitude to all of you who supported me this week, sharing beautiful messages on social media and privately on the occasion of my in-person rabbinic ordination, since last…
A very wise master once said:”Luke! You must complete the training.”Luke: “I can’t keep the vision out of my head. They’re my friends. I’ve got to help them.”Yoda: “You must not go!”Luke: “But Han and Leia will…
If I had to explain what Judaism is all about in one word, without a doubt I would say: Kedusha (Holiness). Last week we read parashat Kedoshim and this week we read parashat Emor. This section is…
This week we read two portions of the Torah combined – Acharei Mot and Kedoshim. It is striking that parasha Kedoshim appears in this book. It draws attention because it is nothing like the style of Sefer…
There is a great ongoing rabbinic discussion: “Is it better to say the Shema at the optimal time (earlier) at home or wait to arrive at the synagogue and do it with the community?” The dilemma between…
Ma nishtana halaila haze mikol haleilot Every year, we sing the ma nishtana as a way to ask ourselves and those sitting around the table with us: why is this night different than all other nights? Our…
To you, GOD, I call;And to you, God, I supplicate.Hear, Adonai, and be merciful to me;God, be my help. Dear Congregation Etz Hayim, As we reach a full year since the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19…
Etz Hayim Seder When: Sunday, March 28th Time: 6:15 – 8:00 pm Register here to attend the Seder. Let us know in your registration form if you would like to lead a part of the Seder! We…
The next major Jewish holidays in our calendar, Purim and Pesach, are focused on the concept of Zachor, remembrance. We remember historical events of our shared collective memory as a People. These holidays are opportunities to learn…
וְנִשְׂמַח בְּדִבְרֵי תוֹרָתֶךָ וּבְמִצְוֹתֶיךָ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד We shall rejoice in the words of your Torah and in your mitzvot forever and ever. It is crazy for me to realize that while I feel like I just arrived…