This Shabbat we begin our reading of the Book of Exodus. We move from the family sagas of Genesis to a story of a people. Rather strangely and significantly, the first time we are called [...]

This Shabbat we read the last Torah portion in the book of Genesis. It includes a special blessing that Jacob, on his deathbed, gives to his beloved son Joseph. Interestingly and suggestively, the blessing for [...]

One of my favorite poems in our siddur (prayer book) is by Leah Goldberg (1911-1970). Goldberg was born in Lithuania and after receiving a Ph.D. in Semetic languages at the University of Berlin, she made aliyah in 1935. She [...]

Tonight has lovingly become known as “Shabbanukkah”—the Sabbath that falls during the Festival of lights. It is a fantastic reminder that in the darkness, there are ways to add even more light. To our two [...]

A song for Shabbat: It is good to praise the ETERNAL, to sing hymns to Your name, O Most High, to proclaim Your steadfast love at daybreak, Your faithfulness each night! (Psalm 92:1-3) מִזְמ֥וֹר שִׁ֗יר [...]

Reasons to Give Thanks Whenever I used to thank my Grandpa Joe, he’d reply, “Don’t thank Grandpa!” Then I’d say, “well, thank you anyway,” and we’d both laugh. Here’s what I think he meant: “It’s [...]

Whenever I used to thank my Grandpa Joe, he’d reply, “Don’t thank Grandpa!” Then I’d say, “well—thank you anyway,” and we’d both laugh. Here’s what I think he meant: “It’s my pleasure to be able [...]

“One is obligated to recite a blessing for the bad just as one recites a blessing for the good, as it is stated (in Deuteronomy 6:5): ‘And you shall love the ETERNAL your God with [...]

Ben Zoma said… Who is rich? Those who are satisfied with what they have. בֶּן זוֹמָא אוֹמֵר… אֵיזֶהוּ עָשִׁיר, הַשָּׂמֵחַ בְּחֶלְקוֹ (Pirkei Avot 4:1) This two-thousand year old text connects deeply to the American holiday [...]