Setting off on the Journey / Parasha Bamidbar
Our parasha opens with Israel encamped around Mt. Sinai. It has been 25 months since the Exodus from Egypt and they have been at Mt Sinai for a year and…
A Reflection on the Texas School Shooting
Yet once again the nation is shuddering and reeling after the massacre of 19 elementary school children, second, third and fourth graders, and two of their teachers, on May 24,…
Be Mindful and Multiply (Parasha Tazriah/5782)
I am going to do something tonight that I have never done before when delivering a sermon. I am going to deliver a sermon I have delivered before. Well, that…
The Hidden Meaning of Keeping Kosher? Parasha Shemini/5782
In one of our most beloved prayers at Friday night services, Ahavat Olam, we sing the following: “Torah u-mitzvoth, chukim u-mishpatim, otanu limadetah” – “You teach us torah, mitzvoth, chukim and mishpatim”.…
Mental Health Shabbat/Parasha Ki Tissa
As we approach the 2-year anniversary of life with COVID, mental health statistics reflect that the pandemic has had a profound impact on our minds, bodies, hearts, and souls. Depression,…
Gathering for the Good of Ukraine פּרשׁה ויקהל
Our Parasha for this week begins with the words, “Moses gathered all of the people of Israel.” The word used for “gather” is “Va-yakhel”, [ויקהל] in Hebrew. The three-letter root of…
Sermon on Antisemitism / February 4, 2022
Shabbat Shalom. It is good to be back after my month-long Sabbatical. I spent a lot of time reading, practicing my guitar, reaching out to friends, colleagues, and old teachers. And of…
Teach Your Children: Part ll (Parasha VeYechi)
It is the final chapter of the Book of Genesis. Jacob, reunited with his family in Egypt, is about to die. Before he does, he gathers his children around his…
Teach Your Children Well (Parashah Miketz)
This past Sunday Naperville Community Television visited our Congregation as part of a segment they were producing on “Chanukah in Naperville”. The NCTV reporter visited with Jen Weiner and her…