Parshat Vayigash Genesis 44:18 -47:27 By: Rabbi Denise L. Eger   After Joseph reveals himself to his brothers and they embrace with a tearful reunion in this week’s portion. Upon hearing the news, the Pharaoh and court are pleased. Pharaoh makes a generous offer and tells Joseph to resettle them in the land of Egypt. …Read more »

Grandparenting is supposed to be the height and joy of life.  I have seen grandparents who dote on their grandchildren and take much pride and joy in their growth, achievements and successes. I have seen grandparents who raise their grandchildren when their own children were incapable. I have seen grandparents who also distance themselves from their grandchildren most…Read more »

Even as the Senate brings the health care bill to the floor for a vote, there is a lot of unfinished business in this 111th Congress. One of those areas is the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, known as ENDA.  The bill has been assigned the numbers  in the Senate S. 1584 and in the House H.R. 3017.…Read more »

Jewish tradition teaches us that the mitzvah (the responsibility) of visiting the sick is one of the ten most important ideals.  We learn this from the section of the Mishnah in Peah 1:1.  There is a listing of 1o things that a Jew should do to merit a blessing in the world to come.  Bikur Cholim, visiting the…Read more »

My good friend the Hon. John Perez (D-A46) emerged victorious from Democratic Caucus in the California State Assembly.  Knocking out Hon. Kevin De Leon (D-A45), Perez may become the first openly gay speaker of the Assembly of the State of California.  This is a major milestone. As a Latino elected official, John never hid his sexual orientation.…Read more »

Tonight at a Chanukah party (I know. Chanukah was over at sunset on Saturday but the hostess wanted to have a Chanukah party anyway. At least this group actually knew the blessings-even if it wasn’t necessary to recite any blessing because it wasn’t really Chanukah.) I watched the Dallas/New Orléans football game. I haven’t watched…Read more »

Parshat Miketz Genesis 41:1 – 44:27 Rabbi Denise L. Eger This week’s portion is Parshat Miketz and it is read this year on the last night and day of Chanukah. In this week’s parasha, Joseph is appointed by Pharaoh as minister over the land. A fast rise from slave in Potiphar’s house to prisoner, to dream interpreter and then…Read more »

Music and singing are a big part of my spirituality.  I am lifted up by the melodies new and old whether for Shabbat or for a holiday at Chanukah. It my house after lighting the Chanukiyah we always pick a Chanukah favorite to sing. Some nights it is “Chanukah O Chanukah, come light the menorah….”…Read more »

On the sixth night and day of Chanukah we think about the wonders of lakes and sufganiot.  Latkes are traditionally potato pancakes but can also be made out of other vegetables like sweet potato, spinach,carrot and even zucchini.  Everyone has their favorite recipe some call for flour added others like their unadulterated with just the shredded vegetable mixed…Read more »

Tonight we light candle five of Eight! The glow of the Chanukiah gets brighter with each passing day.  One of the interesting parts of Chanukah is that you cannot use the light or heat of the Chanukiah for anything. You can’t warm your hands from the heat of the flames. You are not supposed to…Read more »