I have had a lot of comments and messages regarding my ongoing series on Funeral and synagogue etiquette. Seems like a lot of people really need to know how to navigate that which many of us in the “Jewish” business have assumed. So in an effort to educate and to help today we will explore…Read more »
Author: rabbieger
A new read of Exodus
One of the most powerful classes I have ever experienced was Monday in Jerusalem. Our teacher Micah Goodman presented a new way to think about the themes, archetypes and origins of the story of the Exodus. He focused on what we learn from the way Egypt dealt with foreigners and the way Midian dealt with…Read more »
#Egyptian plague
Egypt is in turmoil. The scenes of the protesters, tanks and fighter jets in the modern/ancient city are amazing. Imagine if we had CNN and Sky News coverage of the the Boston Tea Party or the Reading of the Declaration of Independence. You are witnessing the people challenge the regime that has kept Egypt in…Read more »
Walking Jerusalem
Each time I come back to Jerusalem this place tugs at me. The first time I lived here I didn’t have the easiest time. It was a challenging year of Rabbinic School and health issues. And when I left after that year in 1983 I knew then I wouldn’t come back. What a difference almost…Read more »
Mourning a great hero
More hatred. It is everywhere. This Shabbat I am mourning the death of David Kato. He was a Ugandan human rights activist who worked to ensure the right of gay and lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in his country. Uganda has been a difficult place for sexual minorities. In particular Christian fundamentalist groups from the…Read more »
A Rabbi for Human Rights.
Greetings from Yerushalyim! I am have started my week at the Shalom Hartman Institute. But on my first night here I have had an opportunity to learn from Rabbi Arik Asherman. Rabbi Asherman heads, Rabbis for Human Rights. He is an incredible advocate for peace and justice here in Jerusalem. He spoke to a gathering…Read more »
What can you do with 200 million dollars?
Read this report. The GAO reported that more the 193 million (yes MILLION) dollars to discharge over 3000 gays and lesbian from the military. Can you believe it? Qualified men and women dumped. Our armed services depleted in a time of war and almost 200 million dollars spent enforcing a terrible policy in a time…Read more »
Is she Jewish enough? Are you?
It is comforting to follow the progress of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords better known as “Gabby”. Following the shooting in Arizona she is now in Houston, Texas in a rehabilitation hospital following transport by ambulance, plane and helicopter! She has made incredible progress in a short amount of time astounding the doctors, nurses and most of…Read more »
Israel bound
Today I am off to study at my winter Rabbinic Session at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem. As some of you know I am a part of the three year Rabbinic Leadership Initiative of the Hartman Institute. There are 30 rabbis of all denominations from North America who are engaged in intensive Jewish learning for the…Read more »
No More Slaves says the Torah
Parshat Mishpatim Exodus 21:1 -4:18 This week’s portion Mishpatim according to tradition is the continuation of the commandments God gave to the Children of Israel. We often think that the conversation at Sinai ended with the Ten Responsibilities between God and the Jewish People and Moses. But when we read the whole story of which…Read more »