On May 12, 2020, congregant Ken Ackerman led a book talk about “Founder: A Portrait of the First Rothschild and His Time.” “Founder” is a rich, detailed, and intimate biography of Meyer Amschel Rothschild, founder of the…
During this time of the counting of the omer, our tradition teaches that we mourn the death of 24000 students of Rabbi Akivah, from a mysterious plague. We are now in the 34th day of the count, and…
Today is Lag Baomer. Lag BaOmer is the 33rd day of the counting of the omer. On this day the strictures of the omer period are traditionally lifted, and people enjoy games, fun, and the outdoors. It also happens that Lag BaOmer, according…
This week, in Parashat Emor, in chapter 23 of the Book of Leviticus, we have a calendar of annual festivities. This calendar starts by teaching us about Shabbat. In the Book of Leviticus, chapter 23, we read:“1.…
We have been starting Shabbat together every week with a Kabbalat Shabbat service that can be found on our Facebook page, followed by a Pirkei Avot discussion. I hope you join us for the service, and then tune in for…
As you look out your window, what do you see?I look out of my window and see some differences in the world outside. All cars are parked, in their driveways, or on the street. There is very…
This past Friday evening I went to the Synagogue to lead Kabbalat Shabbat. I like leading it from the bimah, where I feel connected to all of you. I got into the building, washed my hands, picked up my…
Acharei Mot – Kedoshim This week we have a double Torah portion, Acharei Mot and Kedoshim. Parashat Acharei Mot is familiar to us since it is the designated reading for Yom Kippur. The parashah begins with a detailed description of the Yom Kippur…
In the Kabbalat Shabbat Siddur used by the Congregation I grew up in Rio de Janeiro there was a meditation after the Amidah that I used to love. It paraphrased a passage from Abraham Joshua Heschel’s “Man’s Quest for God”. The…
Today is Yom HaAtzma’ut, Israel’s independence day. This day comes during the Omer period. Sefirat HaOmer (the counting of the Omer) is the period of 7 weeks between the second night of Pessah and the eve of Shavuot. I have explained previously that the omer was a…