Stories,photos

190 results total, viewing 71 - 80

Jacob and Esau take a journey with relevance today

In this week’s Torah portion, Toledot , the narrative begins with the origins of Isaac and Rebecca’s twin sons, Jacob and Esau. Isaac pleads with God on behalf of Rebecca who, like … more

d'Var Torah | 11/8/18

Of blind obedience and the lessons of Parashat Vareya

The book of Genesis begins with God deciding to create human beings to rule all the other created things: “Let us make human beings in our image, after our likeness. They shall rule the … more

d'Var Torah | 10/25/18

It’s divine to be human and human to be divine

“I’m really sorry; I regret having done that. I promise I won’t do it again. I know, however, that I’m apt to forget that promise. I might need a reminder, so I’ll come … more

d'Var Torah | 10/12/18

Gloom and doom at the season of our rejoicing

For the “time of our rejoicing,” as the Rabbis like to call Sukkot, the holiday has a curious custom. On the Sabbath of Sukkot, the nihilistic book of Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) is … more

d'Var Torah | 9/20/18

Torah and t’shuvah as we get ready for Days of Awe

Some people swim in the summer. Some climb mountains. I like to see plays. One summer, my family and I attended a production of “Hamlet” that was preceded by a theater … more

d'Var Torah | 9/7/18

Waking up to gratefulness

As I write this d’var Torah, we have just entered the Hebrew month of Elul, the month that precedes the High Holy Days, a month when the shofar is sounded at the conclusion of our morning … more

d'Var Torah | 8/23/18

The blessings of the tithe include Shabbat

This week, we read portion Re’eh . Within its several chapters, Moses continues to review all the laws, statutes and commandments that every Israelite was bound to follow. More importantly, … more

d'Var Torah | 8/9/18

Miriam the Prophetess

Every Saturday night, my husband, my toddler, and I gather around our dining room table for havdallah . We sing the standard prayers to mark the end of Shabbat: verses of psalms that assure us … more

d'Var Torah | 6/22/18

Even in the Land of Milk and Honey there was 'fake news'

In this week’s parashah, representatives from each of the twelve tribes are chosen to scout out the land of Canaan. These emissaries are sent into the Holy Land to do reconnaissance … more

d'Var Torah | 6/7/18

Lessons on gender acceptance from the Talmud and Torah

Recently, a local Catholic church welcomed a medical doctor, Michelle Cretella, to speak about the health of transgender children. On the surface, this is wonderful. Religious conviction demands … more

d'Var Torah | 5/26/18