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When We Pray, What do We Pray For?
In this week's Torah portion, Chayei Sarah, Abraham wishes to find a wife for his son, Isaac, and sends his servant Eliezer to find one among Abraham's kinsmen.
Accepting the Shadow
In rabbinic literature, the twin brothers represent archetypes of two major civilizations: Jacob is Israel and Esau is Edom (Rome). Thus, the narrative becomes a fight between the forces of good and the forces of evil.
Growth Requires Truth
Jacob was given a blessing that promised him all the worldly goods and acclaim he could want. He would be rich and important. But this week's portion, Vayeitzei, opens with Jacob using a rock as a pillow, utterly destitute and completely alone.
Why Do Jews Eat Fried Foods to Celebrate Hanukkah?
One of the most recognizable and tastiest Hanukkah traditions is cooking (and eating) fried foods. While frying up a fresh batch of Hanukkah treats is certainly delicious, this practice is also deeply rooted in the meaning of the holiday.
Ethical Insight: Wrestling with our Egos
In the Torah portion Vayishlach, Jacob is faced yet again with deception in the hours of darkness.
Seeking Forgiveness
Over the past two and a half years, the Reform Movement has been engaged in a process of reconciliation following revelations of abuse. I am one of the people who was harmed. I have gained strength over these years from reading this week's portion, Vayigash, as it teaches that reconciliation is always possible.
How Change Becomes Possible
In this week's portion, Vayechi, there is still a current of mistrust among Joseph and his brothers. The brothers appear before Joseph and beg for their lives, offering to become Joseph's slaves.
Caring for the Widow, the Stranger, and the Orphan
In this week's Torah portion, Vayeishev, we learn about the imperative to care for the vulnerable in our midst (in this case, a widow). We also learn that it is not only appropriate but necessary for our ideas to evolve over time.
Learning to Speak Up
In this week's portion, Mikeitz, Joseph's life takes a turn for the better: not only do his external circumstances improve, he also starts to speak up for himself and begins to heal emotionally from the abuse he has experienced.
I am in the process of converting to Judaism. Is it considered customary to render a gratuity to the Rabbi that we have been working with?
I am in the process of converting to Judaism. When the Conversion ceremonies are completed, is it considered customary to render a gratuity to the Rabbi that we have been working with? This is a sensitive subject to ask of our Rabbi, whom we love.