Blog

This Shabbat, Hamas terrorized all of Israel with a premeditated and deadly attack on Israel. Civilians, soldiers have been murdered, and kidnapped; countless hundreds of citizens have been wounded in body and in heart. Even as the Gaza border is under constant and extensive surveillance, this attack happened as Jews were celebrating Simchat Torah and […]

We have had (still having) weeks of services, with so much joy. I say this replete as I am with hot buttery challah buns and soup, eaten in our sukkah. I love eating in the crisp cold air of fall, knowing as wrapped in wool as I may be, that the season is short the […]

Hello everyone, the hinges of the gates are being oiled as we speak, so that they should open with ease. Rosh Hashanah approaches and we speak a little more cautiously, step a little more carefully perhaps, as we approach the Days of Awe. May the doors of our hearts open as well. As we welcome […]

One of the joys of my work is that every day is so different; I never know what the next e-mail or next phone call might bring. I never know what response might be needed of me. Some situations require my immediate attention, some allow for a more longitudinal response. I am aware that sometimes […]

This is a difficult and sad week for two former members of Kolot Mayim. On Shabbat afternoon Dana Ruth Baecker died; Dana was Jenny Laing’s mother. There will be a shiva at the Bild-Enkins house at 7 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, at 1324 George Street (corner of Olive). Jenny was the heart and soul […]

Usually I stay within the realm of providing whatever leadership I can for religious services, life cycle events, etc. The Board makes all governance and fiscal decisions. However, during these few weeks before Rosh Hashanah, we have a time for all manner of renewals. I suggest our spiritual and religious renewals also include renewal of […]

Re’eh is one of those parshiot that commands us to open our eyes.  We can be so overwhelmed with keeping up (remember that rabbit I mentioned last week?) that we can often not see the miracles around us. We can also miss those opportunities in front of us where we can step up and step in. What am […]

Dear friends, I am always surprised (not sure why) at how apt the Torah reading of the week is for any particular occasion. This week we return to weekly services and the Torah reading is from Vaetchanan, where again we hear Moses review the Aseret Dibrot, the Ten Commandments given at Sinai. Just as Moses needed to […]

Again I want to thank all of you for all the love and support you have given both Aaron and me over these past few months. Most of you know I will be on leave over July. I very much need this time to have quiet. Please know that even as you don’t see me, […]

Have you ever wanted to bring home good news – and then hesitated, only seeing all the pitfalls that might preclude reporting the good? The leaders of each tribe of Israel did exactly that. Commanded by God, asked by Moses, chosen by their tribe members, each leader ventured into the Land to see what it […]