“For over the Tabernacle a cloud of G-d rested by day, and fire would appear in it by night, in the view of all the house of Israel throughout their journeys.” Thus ends the book of Exodus, and our Torah portion, Parshat P’kudei. Cloud and fire are powerful symbols...
“G-d formed the human from the dust of the earth. Blowing into his nostrils the breath of life, the human became a living being.” (Gen 2:7). The soul, given by G-d, animates the human, which is nothing but dust until awakened with feeling and color, and something...
Every week, we sing these words from Parshat Ki Tisa: “V’shamru v’nei Yisrael et hashabbat.” The people of Israel shall keep Shabbat, observing Shabbat throughout the ages as a covenant for all time.” What does it mean to “keep shabbat?” Jews have diverse opinions...
Below is the sermon that I delivered at The Reform Temple of Rockland on 1/20/23 on Parshat Va'Eira: “But the Eternal stiffened the heart of Pharoah, and he would not heed them.” Parshat Va’Eira brings up for me year after year the question of free-will. Pharoah was...
This was sermon for Parshat Sheimot (Delivered via Zoom 12/24/21) In this week’s Torah portion, Parshat Shemot, we read that “a new king arose who did not know Joseph.” Because he did not know, learn or...
This past Shabbat, I was having a conversation with one of our congregants, Lillian Spier. Lillian just turned one-hundred years old. I half-jokingly asked her what the secret was to her longevity. I expected her to talk about being active, making healthy eating...
With this week’s Torah portion, Parshat P'kudei, we complete the reading of the epic book of Exodus. The book began with the words, “V’eileh sheimot” – these are the names. “These are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob.” A new king arises who...
A few days ago, there was an article in the New York Times entitled, “Do Not Disturb: How I Ditched My Phone and Unbroke My Brain.” The author discusses how his use of his smartphone had become a problem in his life. “I found myself incapable of reading books,...
In this week’s Torah portion, Parshat Shemot, G-d called to Moses from out of a burning bush. “Moses! Moses!” and he answered, “Hineini – Here I am.” G-d gave Moses the sacred task of saving an enslaved nation. It is a job that Moses did not feel up to. Moses argued,...
I delivered this sermon for Parshat T’tzaveh on Friday evening, February 23, 2018. We read in this week’s Torah portion, Parshat T’tzaveh, “And you shall command the children of Israel, that they bring unto you pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause a lamp to...