Dear Etz Hayim Family: As you know, after nearly 19 years of service, Rabbi Lia Bass has communicated her intention to leave the congregation at the end of June 2020. We are deeply saddened to see her…
Before I joined CEH, in the months after I’d moved to Arlington, but was still shul shopping, something pretty terrifying—and fortuitous—happened. I was dropping into Friday night services semi-regularly. This was back when excerpts from Rabbi David…
On Friday, November 15, 2019, our congregation celebrated the re-dedication of the library. This event was well-timed to coincide with Jewish Book Month which takes place annually in November. To recognize these occasions, there was a special…
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Each year the Rabbi comes to us asking what part of the service we are interested in pontificating on. At the start, I gracefully accepted my assignments, but as time wore on, I became brave enough to…
Last year, when I was asked to do a speech-let for the High Holidays, for the first time, I demurred. In contrast to the previous three years, I felt I did not have anything to say. I…
My first exposure to the events in this parsha was through the great Jewish scholar, Rabbi Steven Spielberg —specifically the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark, when the lead Nazi dressed in the robes, breast plate,…
I want to be on time For this service, Kol Nidrei, On this night of all nights, On this Sabbath of all Sabbaths. Preparations for this night are intentional— Dinner planned out ahead of time, Leave work…
The Days of Awe are a time of internal reflection, when we look deep inside ourselves and commit to doing things differently in the coming year. They are also a time when we may renew our commitment…