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Jewish Thought of the Week – Parashat Vayeshev: Genesis 37:1-40:23; Numbers 7:18-23 – “In the Key of Hanukkah”
A few weeks ago, I was asked by the website ritualwell.org to write a Hanukkah poem to represent the hardship the Jewish world has endured since October 7. How could I possibly do this? How could I take a holiday…
December Chai Notes
Torah Thoughts – Vayshlach – Genesis 32:4-36:43 – “A Kiss From Esau”
Last Friday afternoon in Israel, Shabbat tables were prepared with yellow flowers. Yellow ribbons were tied around candle sticks. In nervous whispers, Israelis held each other tight, waiting for news of the safe return of their loved ones. As the…
Torah Thoughts – Vayeitzei – Genesis 28.10-32.3 – “When Back Meets Forth”
This Thanksgiving my family will be among the estimated 4.7 million Americans traveling back and forth over the long weekend. Thinking about the countless intersecting routes across the country will blow your mind. Cars, trains and planes in constant motion,…
Torah Thoughts – Toldot – Genesis.25.19-28.9 – “Calling All Israel”
Fittingly, this week where we read about the birth of our namesake Jacob in Parashat Toldot, hundreds of thousands of his children gathered on the National Mall in DC. There were Jews from every corner of America, from every denomination…
Torah Thoughts – Chayei Sarah – Genesis.23.1-25.18 – “The Meaning of Shloshim”
The one and only question I got wrong on my pre-rabbinical exam was regarding the word Shloshim. I knew the word Shalosh is three and that Shloshim referred to something connected to the number thirty but had absolutely no idea…
Torah Thoughts – Vayera – Genesis 12:1-17:27 – “Opening Our Tents-Opening Our Hearts”
When Abraham sat in the entrance way of his tent in the beginning of this week’s Torah portion Vayera, I am sure he had no idea the precedent he had just started. That simple action was not just a way…
Torah Thoughts – Lech Lecha – Genesis 12:1-17:27 – “I will Bless Those Who Bless You”
The letters we received last week from our neighboring churches meant the world. Words like, “heartfelt,” “concern,” “support,” and “we hold you in our prayers,” from the UU of Amherst, North Presbyterian, and Zion United UCC brought a deep sense…
Cantor’s Pick of the Week – Dying Beauty – Epic Violin Music – Dead Sea Cinematography – Ariella Zeitlin – 10/23/23
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