As America prepares for its Feast on Thanksgiving I am struck by the frenzy that is always a part of this week. The rush of cars to the airport to travel far and wide to reunite with friends and family. The rush at the grocery store to pick up the goods for “The Meal”. …Read more »
Author: rabbieger
Almost Done
It’s almost done. The college application process. Oh no not for me. Been there done that! This is for the future MLB player. I am the DH or designated helper! I have been assisting him in this process. Weeding out schools. Being the listening ears to essay questions and answers. Punctuation guru and even on…Read more »
Israeli Hero to Speak tonight
I am so excited for Shabbat tonight. At Kol Ami we welcome our dear friend, Chair of the Agudah from Tel Aviv, Mike Hamel. Mike is an extraordinary person. A full time volunteer at the Agudah, while still working. He is a father and the face of the Israeli LGBT movement. The Agudah has branches…Read more »
A Eulogy for Sarah-Parshat Chayei Sarah
Parshat Chayei Sarah Genesis 23:1-25:28 This week’s Torah portion, although named the life of Sarah opens with news of her death and the purchase of her burial place in the Cave of Machpelah which you can still visit in Hebron, Israel. Today let us remember our great Mother –Sarah who was first of the four…Read more »
The Old Boys Network of Penn State
The old boys’ network is alive and well at Penn State University. The abuse allegations against Coach Sandusky are shocking. Now more than 10 victims have come forward. Clearly if all the allegations are true and he recently admitted to some of his inappropriate behavior toward his students in a recent interview with Bob Costas…Read more »
Enter the Conversation Tonight.
Don’t forget tonight is the night we welcome Jay Michaelson author and activist to Kol Ami. We will engage in a conversation about his new book, “God Vs Gays: The Religious Case for Equality. The program begins at 7 pm at 1200 N. La Brea and it is free! Moderated by Dr. Joel Kushner of…Read more »
Do Your Thanksgiving With an Eye toward helping
I can’t believe it-Thanksgiving is just a few days a way. In a little over a week, Americans will be asked to gather with family and friends and eat their way to gratitude. This year in light of so many who have so few, take some real time to give back. Food pantries are pushed…Read more »
Honoring those who Have Served
Today we observe Veteran’s Day. A day to honor the courage and bravery of those who have served our country. We also honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice: Giving their lives to defend our Constitution and the ideals it stands for. I am always moved on this day because so many people have quietly…Read more »
The Real Sin of Sodom
Parshat Vayera Genesis 18:1 – 22:24 This is a very rich portion filled with many of the pivotal stories about Abraham and his family. This is the week Abraham challenges God about the plan to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah for their behaviors. Jewish tradition teaches that this story is not as so many Christian Fundamentalists…Read more »
Call the Judiciary Committee members
Time to make a few calls. Call your Senator. On Thursday the Senate Judiciary committee will hold its hearing on the Respect for Marriage Act that would assign DOMA-to the trash heap. These hearings in our Capitol are vitally important. It will put on the record in the Senate, the stories of the gay couples…Read more »