Between the sea and the mountain
By Rabbi Ben SternmanParashat Beshallach With parashat Beshallach, the Exodus story reaches its apparent climax: The sea parts, the Israelites march through, the Egyptians are drowned. The children of Israel,…
Tu B’Shevat: Take care of the world
Winter is always unique in Texas and Tu B’Shevat is early this year (almost time for two Adars so we can catch up). We may be able to be outside…
The NACH Yomi celebration
Dear Rabbi Fried, I’ve been seeing flyers and advertisements for NACH Yomi studies and an upcoming NACH Yomi celebration, and I’m confused what that means. Is that the same as…
Truths and realities
Hopes and dreams aren’t always realities; neither are realities always present in hopes and dreams. I’ve found out both are truly truths since moving here to our community’s Legacy Midtown…
Journeying through the path of feeling misunderstood
There is this line in the Counting Crows song, “Round Here,” that resonates deep within me. The secular song can take me to a place of reflection and exploration as…
Strength without venom
By Rabbi Dan LewinParashat Bo The focus of the Torah readings these past two weeks is the infamous 10 plagues, which reach a peak in this portion. They are the…
A new year of doing and learning
Dear Families, As the new year begins, it is time to explore new ways of doing Jewish learning. Experiential learning has always been my go-to as working with children is…
Cremation and the Holocaust
Hi Rabbi, In your column of Dec. 31, you explained the importance of burial versus cremation, with respect to the Jewish belief in the Revival of the Dead, the final…
Looking backward, looking forward
January — this first month of this newest of our new years — was named long ago for the Roman god Janus, who had the unique ability to look backward…
Turning a diminished spirit into hope for a better tomorrow
Rabbi Kimberly Herzog Cohen By Rabbi Kimberly Herzog CohenParashat Vaera When Moses conveyed God’s message to the Israelites — that God hears their cries and will deliver them from bondage…