Posted by in judaism The new month of Elul began on Monday night of this week. Elul is the last month of 5774 and with its arrival we start to turn our hearts and minds and souls toward the High Holy Days. In some synagogues the shofar is sounded each morning during daily worship. In other communities, special meditations,…Read more »
Posted by in judaism More on my summer trip to Berlin and Prague from the perspective of a fellow traveler. Andrew Berger is the chair of the Board of Governors of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and an important leader in the North American Jewish community Honoring Rabbi Regina Jonas and Judaism’s Pioneering Women Rabbis | Hebrew…Read more »
Posted by in judaism Tonight at sundown begins Rosh Chodesh Elul. This is the last month of 5774. Traditionally, the beginning of this month signals our turn toward the High Holy Days and the process of Repentance. During this month we are to take an accounting-of our sins and transgressions during the last year. How honest were we? Did…Read more »
Posted by in judaism Friends, I am so excited to announce the publication next week of the new book “Lights in the Forest” by CCARPress. Edited by Rabbi Paul Citrin, I have contributed to this important anthology which has several essays about theological and philosophical questions. This time of year as we prepare for the Jewish High Holy Days…Read more »
Posted by in glbt, judaism, politics, tikkun olam Posted by in judaism, tikkun olam Friends, I invite you to join me at the Community Vigil for the three Kidnapped Israeli teens, Gilad, Naftali and Eyal. 7pm-8 pm on Thursday June 19 at Pan Pacific Park near The Grove. I will be speaking along with the Counsel General of Israel, David Siegel, Interfaith Leaders, and elected officials. I hope…Read more »
Posted by in judaism Every year at Passover the great debate rages: to eat kitniyot or not. Kitniyot are a classification of food that Jews of Ashkenazi descent (European) do not eat and Sephardic Jews (Mediterranean) do eat them. For example, Ashkenazi Jews would not eat rice on Passover and yet, Jews from Morroco, Spain, or Turkey would absolutely…Read more »
Posted by in glbt, judaism, tikkun olam This is a very important and interesting article the author cites Reform Jewish Institutions like the Religious Action Center. Which is a joint project of the CCAR, the Reform Rabbis and the URJ, Lay leaders ! How Jews Brought America to the Tipping Point on Marriage Equality: Lessons for the…Read more »
Posted by in glbt, judaism, politics, Torah Commentary Our Vice-president Joe Biden recently spoke at the Los Angeles gala of the Human Rights Campaign. Here is my take on his keynote as published by the Jewish Journal.
This is a wonderful blog post by my friend and colleague Rabbi Ruth Adar. You can follow her @coffeeshop rabbi. If you are wondering how to make the most of being part of a synagogue community heed her advice: How to Succeed at Congregational Life: Ten Tips.
Walking Humbly. Seeking Justice. Living with Hope. 