SB Right – 2 Column

We are only a few weeks from Purim. As mentioned above, we have 4 observances that we are commanded to keep as we prepare our souls for Purim.  The Four Mitzvot of Purim Reading the Megillah (Kriat Megillah): We are obligated to hear the reading of the Megillah. Come and join us at shul Monday evening, March […]

B’shallach is extraordinary in many ways, from the layout of the Song of the Sea to the resonances of freedom that will become that clarion call, that lighthouse for all peoples who are experiencing subjugation. The Shir, the Song is sung in alternating trop – one specific to this section of text and the other […]

 This past week we began the Book of Shemot, the book of Names, most commonly known as Exodus. I’m sharing my d’var from Kabbalat Shabbat: Shemot holds theological audacity and is theologically riveting; Shemot is, I think, a form of erusin, God’s betrothal and love letter to Israel. Tonight, I want to speak about love. About hope. I read […]

This week we begin the Book of Shemot, the book of Names, most commonly known as Exodus. We read about a new king, a king who did not know Joseph. The new king has a warning to the Egyptians, “…this people the Children of Israel, are more numerous and stronger than we.” It is hard […]

Vayechi, brings us to the close of Bereshit, the close of the saga of the Abrahamic family. As with Chaye Sarah, the mention of the life of Sarah, and now the life of Ya’akov, the word life is notice of imminent death. Even as these days are lengthening, minute by minute, we sense the renewal […]

Dear friends, Light is returning, that pathway of return in nature’s cycles is always so reassuring. And seemingly, with that light, dear friends come home from their travels, other friends step into shul after months away, babies are born, souls are remembered. Our liturgical cycle is similarly both dependable and familiar and can also be […]

This week in our Torah portion we read of a very critical conversation that takes place between Avraham and Ephraim regarding the purchase of Sarah’s burial plot in the Cave of Machpelah. We read of the negotiation and intuit the rationale behind the spoken words that Avraham utilizes; he wants to ensure there will no […]

Lech Lecha, go forth, go inwards, but go: Lech Lecha is a call for each of us to take steps forward to the plan God has with us – our purpose for our lives. We listen deeply for that call from deep within our souls. We listen, and then we need to make a plan […]