By Rabbi Nancy KastenParashat Metzora As the spread of the lethal coronavirus seems to be losing speed, another more pervasive and destructive pandemic is gaining momentum. Speech that dehumanizes and…
By Rabbi Dan LewinNissan We have entered a new month, the first month in the Jewish calendar called Nissan. As discussed, many times, each month is not simply a way…
By Cantor Sheri AllenParashat Shemini We read about two very disturbing and painful incidents that occur in this week’s Torah and Haftorah portions. On what should’ve been one of the…
By Rabbi Jeremy LittonParashat Tzav The parasha of Tzav begins with discussing the sacrifices. Specifically, the burnt offering — the first sacrifice of the day. The verse states in Leviticus 6:5…
By Rabbi Dan LewinAdar II To be effective, all positive qualities — whether humility, confidence, trust, happiness, gratitude, love, etc. — should not be cultivated independently of the spectrum of…
By Rabbi David SingerParashat Pekudei In the year 586 BCE, the Babylonians set siege to Jerusalem. At the end of their attack, the Temple lay in ruins, and our ancestors…
By Rabbi Elana ZelonyParashat Vayakhel In this week’s parasha, it says, “They made the planks for the Tabernacle of acacia wood, upright” (Exodus 36:20). Where did all the wood for…
By Rabbi Dan LewinParashat Ki Tisa Many verses in the Chumash, even stories, appear incomplete and difficult to understand. Sometimes there are gaps, grammatical peculiarities, code words and contradictions which…
By Rabbi Daniel UtleyParashat Tetzaveh The Jewish mystics taught us that at the beginning of creation, light could be seen from one end of the world to the other. They…
By Rabbi Shira WallachParashat Terumah In the middle of winter, when trees are barren and sunlight is scarce, we celebrate Tu Bishvat, the New Year of the Trees. Not when…