A Letter to My Mother on Her First Yahrzeit
Psalm 23 is traditionally recited during funerals, shiva visitations, and Yizkor ceremonies. Although this psalm talks about God, I think about it this morning and see it under a completely new light. Today, I think it talks about you.
How Braille Put Jewish Texts at My Fingertips
When I was 7, my parents ordered a braille prayer book for me from the Jewish Braille Institute. When I went to the synagogue with them, I proudly carried my siddur and tried to read along – but I didn’t yet know the Hebrew braille alphabet.
LGBTQ: Focusing on the "T" in Synagogue Life
In 2014, Congregation Kol Ami in Elkins Park, PA, hosted a “Kindness Counts” conference focused on welcoming LGBTQ Jews to the community. Recently, a small group of congregational leaders decided it was time for a second gathering, this time focusing on inclusion of trans and non-binary Jews in synagogue life.
It’s Time to Rise Up
In 2009, during my first year as a rabbi, I wrote a song called “Rise Up.” I wrote it as a celebration of the teachings of the Biblical Prophet Amos, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Theodor Herzl.
New Beginnings: Tu BiSh’vat and Environmental Action
In this moment of transition, we will celebrate a different kind of new beginning: Tu BiSh’vat, the new year for trees. Tu BiSh’vat is an opportunity to celebrate the earth and to recommit ourselves, for another year, to environmental action.
The Quiet Message: How Parashat Yitro Teaches Us to Lead
Between two massive thrusts of Jewish history, between Exodus and Sinai, stands a little old man named Jethro, who taught Moses to lead.
At the Local Mosque, Sharing Love with our Muslim Neighbors
We wanted to let our Muslim neighbors know that as Jews, as Americans, and along with other faith groups, we embrace shared ethics of diversity, multiculturalism, and religious freedom.
For People with Disabilities, a New Promised Land Beckons
February is Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month, and today, people with disabilities are also wandering the proverbial desert, exiting one era but not quite ready to enter a new one.
Standing for Our Values: Why 19 Rabbis Were Arrested in NYC This Week
I sat on the police bus in the dark with my hands cuffed behind me, and I knew I was safe. During my arrest for civil disobedience with 18 other rabbis in protest of the Muslim ban in front of the Trump Hotel in New York City, the police had been respectful and even kind.
Join the Conversation at the URJ Youth Summit - Even If You Can't Attend!
Can’t make it to the upcoming URJ Youth Summit, but wish you could be a part of the learning? You can!