The fight between biblical twins Jacob and Esau began in utero. They tussled inside Rebecca’s womb, exactly as they would throughout their lives. More than a difference of personality or any specific grievance, the relationship between the two siblings was…
Torah Thoughts – Chayei Sara – Genesis.23.1-25.18 – “Focus on Our Priorities”
There is a moment in the Abraham story where everything gets real. Not when God plucks him from obscurity and asks him to go to a faraway place in a faraway land. Not when he must beg for the citizens…
Torah Thoughts – Lech Lecha – Genesis.12.1-17.27 – “Becoming a Blessing”
Over four decades ago, Rabbi Daniel Kerman passed away suddenly. For many Temple Beth Am congregants, he was the only rabbi they had ever known. The community was devastated. He was only in his 50s. Our sanctuary is named for…
Torah Thoughts – Bereishit – Genesis.1.1-6.8 – “Our Fantastic Night Sky”
There is quite a lot of confusion as to how the Torah views the world before creation begins. “Tohu VaVohu” is how it is described, often translated as “unformed and void,” but the more literal meaning is that it was…
Torah Thoughts – Sukkot – Exodus 33:12-34:26; Numbers 29:17-22 – “We Will Weather the Coming Storms!”
The first time I officiated at a wedding it was at a beautiful hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. The wedding canopy was set up by a waterfall at the center of a lush garden full of trees and flowers. Just before…
Torah Thoughts – Yom Kippur – “Going Below the Surface”
Right after being ordained as a rabbi, I traveled off to the far east to spend a few weeks away from everything. There in the beaches of Thailand, I decided to try my hand at scuba diving. The course was…
Torah Thoughts – Ha’azinu – Deuteronomy 32:1-32:52 – “Two Poems for the Road”
Every year when we reach this week’s Torah portion, Ha’azinu, I use it as an opportunity to share a few poems. Ha’azinu is one of the oldest Biblical poems, attributed to Moses, it is a summation of all the Israelites…
Torah Thoughts – Nitzavim-Vayelech – Deuteronomy 29:9-31:30 – “Know Before Whom You Stand”
In just a few days we will gather for our High Holy Days. Congregants from near and far will gather in our newly remodeled sanctuary to welcome the new Jewish Year. The new blue chairs and carpets, large overhead window,…
Torah Thoughts – Ki Tavo – Deuteronomy.26.1-29.8 – “Send Down Your Blessings”
There is a moment in this week’s Torah portion Ki Tavo that touched me to the core. It comes in the second aliyah as we hear from an anonymous Israelite after they have completed their yearly offerings. Standing in front…
Torah Thoughts – Ki Teitzei – Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19 – “Every second, every hour, every day”
It is impossible to read this week’s Torah portion, Ki Teitzei, without thinking about the hostages. The portion is dedicated to societal rules for warfare, beginning with the case of a woman who is being held captive. She must be…