The pandemic has exhausted me. At the same time, the plagues within our own country continue to punch me in the gut. Another mass shooting this morning.Another report of a young black or brown person killed by a police officer.Targets on the backs of Asian Americans. “Do not stand idly by while your neighbor’s blood is shed.” Leviticus 19:16 An escalating crisis on the border with Mexico. “You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress them, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” Exodus 22:20 59% of Jewish Americans feel less safe than we did a decade ago. “Rabbi Hillel used to say: If I am not for me, who will be for me? And when I am for myself alone, what am I? And if not now, then when?” Pirkei Avot 1:14 We Jews are known as the Children of Israel, the descendants of Jacob, the one who wrestled with God and won. Too…
“O say does that star-spangled banner yet waveO’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?”(National Anthem) “When day comes we step out of the…
There are many things that I love about being Ramat Shalom’s rabbi, one being the diversity of opinions that make up our congregation. This diversity applies to many…
Image by David Mark from Pixabay Inscribed in one of the hallways of the United States Capitol building are the words of Senator Rufus Choate (1799-1859): “We have…
With everything that 2020 has thrown at us, do we really need a Friday the 13th right now!? Judaism’s answer, ABSOLUTELY! Those who are afraid of Friday the 13th suffer…
What a tumultuous week it has been. Perhaps the votes will be counted by the time Shabbat begins. As I write these words today, I’m taking part in…
As the polls have now closed, the votes are being counted and the voices of the people are being heard, please God, help us to lie down in…
updated on October 4, 2020 By now you’ve probably heard that the President and First Lady have tested positive for COVID-19. If you have already offered prayers for…
Late last night, a little more than 24 hours after breaking the fast and feeling hopeful, I found myself filled with despair. Chris Wallace to the President: “Are…
As 5780, a year filled with so much suffering, illness, strife and division comes to an end tonight and we gather together online for our 6:00pm Erev Rosh…