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…
In a turbulent world, Torah offers guidance for 2022
As 2021 draws to a close, it’s a good time to pause and reflect upon meaningful events, on the year to come and on important values from Torah that offer…
Empathy, compassion and humanity
Dear Families, We are almost to the New Year and all hope for a good one, yet we are challenged by what is going on in the world. This is…
Cremation or burial?
Dear Rabbi Fried, My mother was recently put into hospice and for the first time she’s facing death as a reality. We’ve been discussing burial and her desire, and she…
A friend and an angel
So here we are, closing the final pages of yet another bygone year. I do so literally, with a book: “The World of Paul Crume,” a late, much beloved columnist…
Tending to your ancestors
By Debbi K. Levy As an emerging Kohenet, or Priestess, I take many core classes to deepen and strengthen my Jewish knowledge, in preparation for ordination. The course offered during…