Fittingly the Book of Genesis ends just as the New Year comes in. While this is just one of five books of the Torah we have yet to complete, perhaps there is wisdom in this ancient Jewish ritual in how…
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…
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 – 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…
Torah Thoughts – Noah Genesis.6.9-11.32 – “What Does a Rainbow Mean?”
As I came up to address the crowd at the rally last week in support of Israel at the JCC in Getzville, a rainbow appeared overhead. Not just one, but two. All of us turned to gawk, and snap pictures. …
Torah Thoughts – Bereishit – Genesis 1:1-6:8 – “Finding Our Way Out of Chaos”
It is important to note that creation begins not in the Garden in Eden, but in chaos and confusion. Tohu va Vohu, the first phase of creation, refers to a state of utter desolation. While we don’t know exactly what…
Torah Thoughts – Simchat Torah – Deuteronomy.33.1-17 – Genesis.1.1-1.23 – “The Joy of Reading Torah for the First Time”
The first time I read Torah, I mean read Torah – no helpful recording or extra assistance – was when I was teaching at a Jewish Day School in Orlando, Florida in the late 90s. One of the teachers there…