Sections
From the Rabbi's Desk
Shemot
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 […]
News
Well Done, Jack!
Congratulations to Kolot Mayim’s Jack Shalinsky, who, over the weekend was presented with a certificate in recognition of his 17 years of service on the board of Jewish Federation of Victoria and Vancouver Island. Presenting him with the certificate is KM’s Aaron Devor.
Uncategorized
Naso
Shalom Aleichem, Many years ago, one of my students celebrated his Bar Mitzvah with Parashat Naso. I remember his reading of Torah as if it were this morning. M. was called to Torah, and all of us – the rabbi, his parents and me, his teacher and gabbai sheini, leaned in to help as needed […]
Emor
Recently I attended a workshop on the Jewish soul, led by one of our esteemed congregants, Dr. Elior Kinarthy. After Elior provided descriptions of the reality of the soul, he invited us into a guided meditation, a visualization of our soul. My role was primarily that of time-keeper, but I joined the group as we […]
Va’eria
January 13, 2026
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 […]