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190 results total, viewing 51 - 60

Jewish holidays are rooted in historical events and in the life cycles of plants indigenous to the land of Israel. We are now in the time of the Omer. On the day after the full moon of Pesach, our … more

d'Var Torah | 4/30/20

Doing our part to ensure that freedom continues

The first Pesach seder is on April 8 this year. It is traditionally spent with family and friends. Some congregations celebrate the first or second seder as a community. This year, the COVID-19 … more

d'Var Torah | 4/5/20

The hidden meaning of Purim

On Monday night, March 9, and Tuesday, March 10, we will celebrate Purim – a holiday we often think of as a day for kids, when we dress in costume, go to Purim carnivals, and eat more … more

d'Var Torah | 3/8/20

Redeeming the bones of Joseph

Like many people of my generation (I’m 68), I’m thinking about downsizing and simplifying. Each week I look at the bookshelf in my study to identify a book I might no longer need, to … more

d'Var Torah | 2/6/20

Blessings are central to our traditions

Vayekhi, which means “and he [Jacob] lived,” is the last Torah portion in the book of Genesis and concludes the saga of the patriarchs and matriarchs. It ends the part of the Torah in … more

d'Var Torah | 1/8/20

In defense of the Maccabees

“Let everyone who has zeal for the Law and who stands by the covenant follow me!” – 1 Maccabees 2:27 Mattathias, the high priest and patriarch of the Hasmonean … more

d'Var Torah | 12/9/19

Noah’s story is a tale of hope

This week, we read the story of Noah and the flood. You might be familiar with it as a cute kid’s story about finding two of each animal and bringing them into a giant boat. Or perhaps you … more

d'Var Torah | 10/31/19

Celebrate the whole person, including the imperfections

“2715 Hits Eclipsed by One Miss” read the headline in the sports section eulogizing baseball great Bill Buckner this past spring. The mishap in Game 6 of the ’86 World … more

d'Var Torah | 10/2/19

The legacies we leave behind – writing an ethical

Knowing that he will die before he is able to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, Moses wants to remind the people of all the lessons they have learned in the desert and the values they will … more

d'Var Torah | 9/10/19

The power of memories on Tisha B’Av

Oppressive governments. Neighbors turning innocent neighbors in to the authorities. The most revered place desecrated. People exiled, fleeing a home that can no longer be home. Parents weeping … more

d'Var Torah | 8/1/19