“Working For Our People”
In a few days, it will be seven years since I began serving as the rabbi of Congregation Tifereth Israel. When I decided to make [...]
“Stainless Steel Rabbit or a Golden Calf?”
Last Wednesday evening at Christie's in New York, a 1986 sculpture by Jeff Koons, “The Rabbit,” sold for $91 million. A playful, stainless steel, faceless rabbit, just over three feet tall, which [...]
“Theology and Technology for Passover”
There are times in life when an event so compelling takes place that we are obligated to document it and keep it for future generations. [...]
“Masks”
The mask covers what we can’t simply show in our ordinary lives, something that comes from a world beyond ourselves. Our public persona is taking [...]
“Bat Mitzvah in Jerusalem”
It was a beautiful winter day today in Jerusalem. We had just celebrated Eliza Garmise’s bat mitzvah at the family section of the Western Wall. [...]
“The Wisdom of the Siddur”
Moving from confusion to order is a sign of maturity and responsibility. It is also the price of freedom. We give up our random, spontaneous, aimlessness existence [...]
“Bingeing the Bible”
With the passing of President George H. W. Bush, another chapter in American history has been signed. He was my first American president. I had [...]
“Blended Jewish”
Over the last weekend, I attended my good friend Angela’s wedding in Chicago. Angela married Jason, and since they are both members of Mensa, they [...]
“Elections”
It’s been a hustling and bustling time — from intense High Holidays observances to a season of elections, from a time of seeking forgiveness for [...]
“Local and Global Sukkot of Peace”
“And Isaac's servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of living water. And the herdsmen of Gerar strove with Isaac's herdsmen, saying: 'The [...]
“Praying Attention”
Many explanations make clear why the Torah starts with the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The letter Bet has many meanings that can justify [...]
“Temple Rising and Israel’s Nationality Bill”
This year, Tisha B’Av, the 9th day of the month of Av, was observed on Sunday, the 10th of Av, because public mourning and fasting are prohibited on Shabbat. It [...]