SB Right – 3 Column
Chukat
The other evening as Aaron and I were sitting at the supper table we started talking about my family. I had just heard that my Uncle Doug, the last brother of my father’s generation, is going into Hospice.
Korach
This week, in Parashat Korach, Korach and a small group of Israelite leaders openly challenge the authority of Moses and Aaron. They begin with a plea for Moses to recognize the burden he has assumed, “It is too much for you!” they exclaim but then continue with words far more accusatory…”all are holy and God is […]
Shelach
From the Rabbi’s Desk: Poteach et Yadecha u’masbiah l’chol chai ratzon. You open Your Hand and all desire is fulfilled. (Psalm 145:16) These words from Psalm 145, also known as Ashrei, are words of action as well as praise and fulfillment. As Jews we are commanded to take our teachings forward into the world and […]
Behaalotecha
First things first: here are the two links from our Shabbat morning service: Music links from Shabbat https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDwit-4L6aw with Nissim Black and Avi Delavanti https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmZGRJlnZ6E Birkat haKohanim meditation. And from David and Dorothy Torontow, a wonderful video! https://www.ted.com/talks/benjamin_zander_the_transformative_power_of_classical_music?language=en – Benjamin Zander has two infectious passions: classical music, and helping us all realize our untapped love for […]
Naso
This has been a challenging week for Israel, and for those who deeply love this country, worrying about family and friends who may be in danger. In conversation with people the same themes comes up: relief that the Iron Dome is doing its work; once congenial Arab-Jewish neighbourhoods, are now areas of fear, horror and […]
Behar/Bechokutai
This past Kabbalat Shabbat we listened to Amitai Aricha sing one of the poems written by the Yeminite 17th century poet, Rabbi Shalom Shabazi, or as Gary Cohen spoke of him, the “Shakespeare of Yemen.”
Emor
Emor – Say: a command for Moses to speak to the Kohanim, the priests. Moses is to provide instructions as to the sacredness of their duty to the people Israel. But the job description of the Kohanim changed post destruction of the Second Temple. Even biblically, as the Kohanim served the people of Israel, with that […]
Balak
June 22, 2021 by Rabbi Lynn Greenhough • From the Rabbi's Desk Tags: balak •
This is my final message for the season, as I am on holiday during July. Balak is an interesting Torah reading with which to say adieu. We open our morning services with the words “Mah tovu, ohalecha Yaakov…words recited by the non-Jewish sorcerer Balaam when he viewed the tents in the valley below him. He […]