Barukh attah Adonai, eloheinu melekh ha-olam, ha-gomel l’chayvim tovot, she g’malani kol tov. Praised are you Adonai, Sovereign of the universe, who graciously bestows favor among the undeserving, even as He has bestowed favor upon me. This is the blessing that we say when we have escaped from a dangerous situation- a blessing Continue Reading »
I have spent many hours unpacking during the course of our move from one building to another. Last week, as I was looking for a place to put my various Jewish magazine subscriptions I came across one of my favorite publications- Sh’ma Magazine. Sh’ma magazine is monthly “journal of Jewish responsibility” filled with interesting Continue Reading »
Synagogues are always interested in attracting Jewish families. But what is a Jewish family? This week, I came across a very interesting and thoughtful article written by a fellow Conservative rabbi, Elianna Yolkut. Her article encourages the Jewish community to think broadly and creatively when it comes to reaching out to Jewish families. Here Continue Reading »
Tonight marks the beginning of Tisha B’av (the ninth of Av), a holiday commemorating the destruction of both the First and Second ancient Temples, both of which were believed to have been destroyed on this very date (in 586 BCE and 70 CE respectively). Throughout Jewish history there have been numerous other catastrophes that occurred Continue Reading »
Shalom. I hope everyone is having a terrific summer! I am delighted to return to my Monday Morning Message and our weekly virtual conversation. Earlier this summer, Chancellor Arnold Eisen of the Jewish Theological Seminary began a blog entitled: Conservative Judaism: A Community Conversation. Eisen describes his reasons for starting this weekly blog with Continue Reading »