Jews regularly recite a prayer called the V’ahavtah, which comes from Deuteronomy and Numbers. The word V’ahavtah means “and you shall love,” and it entreats… Continue reading
During the Jewish month of Elul, the month before Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur, Jews are encouraged to engage in self reflection as to what… Continue reading
“AND HE SHALL turn the heart of the parents to the children, and heart of the children to their parents” (Malachi 3:24). Sometimes our children… Continue reading
JEWISH TRADITION HAS always emphasized that we are created B’zelem Elohim, in God’s image, and we all have the spark of Divine within us. Thus,… Continue reading
The Talmud says, “Truth is the seal of the Holy One, blessed be He.” Rabbi Luzzatto (1707-1746) taught “Truth is one of the very foundations… Continue reading
“Anti-Semitism is the hatred that never dies. Violence that begins with the Jews never ends with them. All of this is true. What’s also true… Continue reading
The central tenet for Jewish behavior is the commandment to “Love your neighbor as yourself” found in the portion K’doshim (Leviticus 19:1-20:27). This portion is… Continue reading
Mahatma Gandhi said, “The enemy is fear. We think it is hate, but it is fear.” Fear can make us do things we normally wouldn’t… Continue reading
“IGNORANCE IS THE curse of God; knowledge is the wing wherewith we fly to heaven,” (Shakespeare). Whenever I am asked to speak about Judaism, I… Continue reading
IN JANUARY, JEWS begin reading the book of Exodus again, which tells of the dramatic birth of the Jewish people. So much is packed into… Continue reading
DURING THIS DARKEST time of the year, Rabbi Chaim Stern offers this prayer: “In my darkness be a light to me, in my loneliness help… Continue reading
“WHEN THE CARES of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul” (Psalms 94:19). The world today can feel somewhat dangerous and chaotic, and… Continue reading
IN MOURNING THE loss of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a pillar of justice, integrity and honor who relied on her Jewish values to guide her, it… Continue reading
Listening to our hearts in the quiet
WHEN RABBI HILLEL the Elder was asked somewhat sarcastically by a non-Jew to teach him the entire Torah while the man stood on one foot,… Continue reading
“SEEK JUSTICE, LOVE mercy, and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8). Judaism places the highest value on taking care of and seeking justice for the… Continue reading
“BLESSED ARE YOU, Eternal our God, Sovereign of the universe who has sanctified us through Your commandments, and commanded us to … .” This is… Continue reading
“ALL THE WORLD is a very narrow bridge. And the main thing to recall is to have no fear, to have no fear at all.”… Continue reading
THROUGHOUT THE TORAH, we are told of the importance of honesty and justice. In Deuteronomy 16:18-20, the portion Shoftim (Judges) begins with a grand declaration… Continue reading
THE TORAH PORTIONS from Exodus read during January are always a bit jarring and at the same time uplifting and hopeful. Jarring because they tell… Continue reading
