Synagogue Etiquette: The Sequel

Well yesterday’s post about synagogue etiquette and the unwritten rules of the synagogue struck a chord! I have had hundreds of people share things they have observed and have questions about.  So today-the sequel. More unwritten rules for those who are part of a synagogue community whether a member or just a visitor. First no…Read more »

Synagogue Etiquette

If you belong to synagogue or if you don’t there are so many unwritten rules of the road. I thought I would take a moment to help you navigate being part of a synagogue community. Synagogues or Jewish temples are sometimes referred to by the Yiddish term–Shul which in the German means School.  And every…Read more »

On the Kotel Debacle

I was asked by the Jewish Journal of Los Angeles on Monday to react and share my thoughts about the Prime Minister of Israel’s action to reneg on the deal to create egalitarian prayer space at the Western Wall, known as the Kotel in Hebrew. The Western Wall is one of the few remaining remnants…Read more »

There is a Debate Raging

Here is my sermon: June 23, 2017/1 Tammuz 5777  Shabbat Evening @Congregation Kol Ami, West Hollywood, CA There’s  a debate raging.  It’s been going on in the Jewish Journal for the last few weeks.  Rabbi David Wolpe  of Temple Sinai here in Los Angeles wrote an article about why he doesn’t preach politics from the…Read more »

A Father’s Day Prayer

Father’s Day is Sunday.  Not as popular as Mother’s Day. (More phone calls are made on Mother’s Day than any day of the year!).  But it is a day dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating Dear Old Dad! For some folks like me, I wish I could celebrate the day with my own father. But he…Read more »

Wedding Nightmare

I recently officiated at the wedding of a couple.  Well this is not unusual  I am lucky to help couples begin their married life together under the chupah, the Jewish wedding canopy.  For couples planning their weddings there are lots and lots of details to attend to; photographers, food tastings, venues, what to wear and…Read more »