Cantor, Teacher, Writer
Once in a while, current events line up perfectly with the week’s Torah portion. So even though sometimes it feels like we’re approaching the end of civilized life, we actually find some parallels in the story of creation, which we read this week in Parshat Breisheet, comprised of the very first chapters of the Torah. ...
A number of years ago, the Israeli government needed to add a special fighter plane to its arsenal. The plane would cost $500 million, and the government didn't know where they were going to find the money. One professional fundraiser said, "No problem--we'll find 500 of the wealthiest Jews around the world and simply ask ...
I had a bit of an AHA! moment the other week. Often that just means I remembered where I put my keys. This time it was a little more profound. I had the privilege recently to see the Yiddish production of Fiddler on the Roof that is playing at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in NY. ...
Let's try a little exercise: If I mention the Jewish concept of modesty, tzni-ut in Hebrew, often referred to by its Yiddish pronunciation, tznius, what comes to mind? Stop reading for a minute and picture what modesty means within the Jewish religion. Then come up with some images in your mind. Scroll down when you're done. ...
The Four Questions. Do any other three words strike as much fear into the hearts of little Jewish kids around the world as those? Generations of Jews remember having to stand up in front of everyone present (and especially nasty old Aunt Ida who never had a good thing to say) and sing these questions ...
דע לפני מי אתה עומד Da lifnei mi atah omed Know before whom you stand These words commonly adorn the bimahs and arks of countless synagogues around the world, and presumably serve to remind us that we are in the presence of God (and to stop texting during services). Instead, could these ubiquitous words ...
