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190 results total, viewing 61 - 70

Lessons from a failed rebellion in the desert

If you have been keeping up with our weekly Torah portions, you know that we are now following the adventures of the ancient Israelites as they travel the Wilderness of Sinai. Moses, as leader and … more

d'Var Torah | 7/5/19

We are all very important people

Fifty years ago, in 1969, I became a Bar Mitzvah at Temple Emanu-El, in Providence. Rabbi Eli Bohnen, Rabbi Joel Zaman and my dad, Cantor Ivan Perlman, officiated at my simcha on Shabbat parashat … more

d'Var Torah | 6/6/19

An added measure of holiness at just the right time

As always , we ended our sedarim with the words l’shanah haba’ah birushalayim , “Next year in Jerusalem!” For my congregation, Temple Etz Chaim of Franklin, Massachusetts, … more

d'Var Torah | 5/2/19

The liberation we desire

This time of year I am reminded of my dear friend, Gladys Kapstein z”l, who used to serenade her friends at Hillel board meetings with “I love Pesach with a Passion” to the tune … more

d'Var Torah | 4/4/19

Fulfilling the Purim mitzvah

As we approach the raucous holiday celebration of Purim this month, we must ask ourselves a rather sobering question: why are we commanded to observe the holiday by drinking to excess? We know, of … more

d'Var Torah | 2/28/19

The purpose of the Torah

This week’s Torah portion is called Mishpatim , which means “laws,” and, true to its name, it contains more than 50 specific mitzvot (commandments). Many of these … more

d'Var Torah | 1/31/19

Tu b’Shevat is more than fruits and nuts

Tu b’Shevat, which begins on the evening of Sunday, Jan. 20, is a small gem of a Jewish holiday, coming as it does in midwinter, when there is not much else to celebrate. Many know it … more

d'Var Torah | 1/10/19

We are Israel when we devote ourselves to God

This week’s Torah portion, Vayechi, brings to a close the literary cycle of Genesis. Jacob/Israel, reunited with his son Joseph, bestows his blessings upon his 12 sons, as well as his … more

d'Var Torah | 12/20/18

Building a mini-Temple for Hanukkah

Hanukkah means “Dedication.” After the Maccabees won back the Holy Temple, they lit the menorah to dedicate the Beit Hamikdash (Holy Temple). They found one cruse of olive oil that … more

d'Var Torah | 12/6/18

Realizing the power of light in a time of darkness

The days are getting colder, the nights are getting longer. We are approaching the winter solstice. We have begun to forget the feeling of the sun on our skin. Some of us can hardly believe the long … more

d'Var Torah | 11/22/18