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Judaism and Religion

Never Again (International Holocaust Day)

The demonstration of sensitivity to difference is what I want to talk about tonight. This is especially important as we live amindst the so-perceived differences of immigrants, the differences of Syrian refugees who desperately need the United States to be a save haven. This week, there has also been a uptick in the introduction of more so-called ‘religious freedom’ bills, which also discriminate amongst those who are different, whether by gender choice or sexual orientation.

Jan 27, 2017
Judaism and Religion

Pharaoh Knew not Joseph (Sh’mot)

During one of the years when I served at Temple Israel in Omaha, Nebraska, we asked congregants to write and deliver the sermons during the summer months. We called it Sh’ma Yisrael. As I’ve said in the past, the Sh’ma is not only the imperative of Listen, you members of Yisrael, pay attention to the message that follows these words. It also urges us to listen to each other, and to know each other. The words, Sh’ma Yisrael, are the message! 

Jan 20, 2017
Judaism and Religion

Yom Kippur Morning 5777: 1…2…3…Smile!

My father loves photography. He would lug out his 35 millimeter camera and insist on taking pictures of my mom and me on vacations, hikes, even sometimes just going out to lunch. Now that he has a DSLR, it’s even worse; Emily and I joke that we have to build dad’s camera time into our activities due to the number of times he asks us to stop in front of this or that tree, bridge, flower, sunset … you get the idea. 

Oct 12, 2016
Judaism and Religion

Yom Kippur Evening 5777: Now is the Time …

A young boy ran away from home, and was quite far away. In fact, it would take a journey of 100 days to return. He friends beseeched him, Return to your home! He said, I cannot, for I do not have the strength. Upon hearing this, his father then sent a message, Come back as far as you can according to your strength, and I will go the rest of the way to meet you.

Oct 11, 2016
Judaism and Religion

Rosh Hashanah Morning 5777: Make Good Art

In 2012, Neil Gaiman gave the commencement address at the University of the Arts. Gaimon is a prolific author of fantasy books, including the well-known and critically acclaimed, *Coraline,* which was made into a stop-motion animation film in 2009. 

I’m guessing that Gaiman did not have Rosh Hashanah and Judaism in mind when he delivered his speech in Philadelphia. His words, however, could not be a more perfect introduction to the beginning of our New Year:

Life is sometimes hard. Things go wrong, in life and in love and in business and in friendship and in health and in all the other ways that life can go wrong. And when things get tough, this is what you should do:

Make good art.

Oct 3, 2016
Judaism and Religion

Rosh Hashanah Evening 5777: Tevye’s Other Hand

A new Rabbi comes to the synagogue and leads Shabbat services for the first time. Everything is going well. But just before the Sh’ma, half of the congregation stands up while the other half remains seated.

During the Oneg following the service, the rabbi asks some congregants about this interesting happenstance. The congregation is split. Each half argues vehemently – some for standing – and some for sitting.

Oct 2, 2016