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190 results total, viewing 121 - 130

Beep, beep, ring, ring, ring, buzz; the sounds of social media are constant. Ten minutes before class begins, half the class arrives early waiting for the professor to start. Do … more

d'Var Torah | 8/19/16

The Three Weeks

On the Jewish calendar, this is the time of year that we observe the Three Weeks. The Three Weeks are anchored at the beginning by the fast of the 17th of Tammuz, and at the end, by the fast of … more

d'Var Torah | 8/4/16

The consequences of bad speech

In this week’s portion, Beha’alotecha , we find a number of interesting narratives: Aaron’s instructions on lighting the Tabernacle Menorah on a daily basis; initiation of … more

d'Var Torah | 6/24/16

Standing at Sinai

Shavuot falls on the sixth day of the Hebrew month of Sivan and is observed on the sixth and seventh days in the Diaspora. In our liturgy we refer to it as z’man matan torateinu (the … more

d'Var Torah | 6/9/16

Lag B’Omer and the Great Mystery

I wish more people knew about Lag B’Omer here in the exile. In Israel, more than 150,000 people camp out on Mount Meron for an all-night Lag B’Omer … more

d'Var Torah | 5/27/16

Living a life of holiness

My high school students and I were having a vigorous conversation about ways that we can help people here in Rhode Island who wake up every day facing hunger, poverty or homelessness. This led us to … more

d'Var Torah | 5/12/16

Time for us to remember how to work it out

My parents, and grandparents, of blessed memory, taught me well. They handed down lessons from their parents and grandparents and beyond. Among my favorite lessons: “You want to keep a friend? … more

d'Var Torah | 4/28/16

Mixed Message Matzah: Chag Hamatzot

Most people, it seems, are quite familiar with one the Torah’s basic explanations for the obligation to eat matzah, unleavened bread made from one of five species of grain (wheat, barley, … more

d'Var Torah | 4/15/16

Lessons from Cuban Jewry

A group from Temple Beth-El, in Providence, traveled to Cuba on Feb. 10 laden with donations for our Jewish brethren, filled with enthusiasm and the spirit of tikkun olam (repairing the world). Even as we delivered our bags filled with … more

d'Var Torah | 3/17/16

The privilege of building

This week’s Torah parashah, Vayakhel, Exodus 35:1–38:20, begins with Moses addressing the Israelites. Nu? That is not unusual as the words from God directing Moshe to “tell the Children of Israel” this, and that, come quite frequently. … more

d'Var Torah | 3/3/16