Dave Chapelle and the Jews (Parasha Miketz 2023)
This week in our Torah we learn about one of the most successful Jews of all time – Joseph. Although he was the 11th of 12 brothers, his father Jacob…
Dwelling in Tents Parasha Vayeshev 5783
Our parasha for this week continues the story of Jacob. Of all of our Biblical ancestors, with the exception of David, Jacob leads the most tumultuous life. He struggles with…
The Joys and Challenges of Being a Rabbi
I want to thank Congregation Beth Shalom President, Michael Rabin and our vice-President Elizabeth Sigale, for organizing this night of Clergy Appreciation. Rabbis, in “Jewish”, are called “Rabbonim” and Cantors…
Parasha Bereisheet Why Did God Create People?
Since September I have been going to the pre-school occasionally, to meet with the children. I have answer their questions, celebrated Havdalah, played the guitar, sounded the shofar, taught them…
The Importance of Friends Parasha Re-eh
As many of you know, I recently attended my 50 year High School reunion. A classmate and I were marveling at the durability and strength of our ties to one…
Friday Night Fiftieth Anniversary Sermon
The organizers of the 50th anniversary celebration of our congregation asked that I connect my sermon tonight to the weekend’s central theme of “superheroes”. Well, I am always up for…
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”.…