URJ Resolution on Anti-Semitism
Anti-Semitism is itself an ancient phenomenon and a remarkably resilient form of hate. In its most terrible manifestation, anti-Semitism led to the Shoah and the murder of 6 million Jews. In the aftermath of this genocidal tragedy, the world said “never again.” Yet despite this pledge, we now see acts of anti-Jewish hatred on the rise.
The Wilderness: Israel's Test and Ours
Since I am the rabbi of a synagogue called Beth Knesset Bamidbar, Parashat B'midbar has a special place in my heart.
The Sacred Compass for Our Journey
B'midbar, "Into the wilderness." Each experience along the way, each encounter on our path, helps to mold us as individuals. Likewise, the travels of our ancestors through the desert wilderness helped to fashion their character.
Longing to Reenter the Wilderness
I had never had a mystical experience until I entered the wilderness of Sinai about twenty years ago. At the time, I didn't know I has having a mystical experience. It is only hindsight that allows me to recognize what it was.
A Bag of Bones, Beauty, and Blessing
On the day that the Mishkan was fully erected, the princely chieftains were instructed to bring identical tribal offerings to the Mishkan (Numbers 7:10).
Outside the Camp: A Modern Midrash
This midrash, or haggadic story, takes place amid the Israelites' wandering in the desert. We read in B'haalot'cha :
When they were in Hazeroth, Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman he had married:"He married a Cushite woman!"