Dog Only Knows – Parshat Tetzaveh 5777

Is God easily startled? It sounds like an odd question until you examine this week’s Torah portion. In describing the clothes the priests are to wear, the Torah says, “Aaron shall wear it while officiating, so that the sound of it is heard when he comes into the sanctuary before the Lord and when he goes out, that he may not die.”

Surrealism, Antisemitism and Parenting in the Age of Vegetables

My mother was an artist in her younger days. That played out in my own life as I was dragged first reluctantly and then happily to New York City’s many world class museums. I had a thing for English portrait and landscape painters as well as many of our early 20th century masters. The cubists, the pointillists, even the surrealists exerted their influence on me. 

Dressy Casual – Parshat Terumah 5777

I try to dress with versatility in mind. What I mean by this is I like to choose outfits that can go from casual to dressy and anywhere in between. Knowing that my workdays start on the floor with preschoolers and also include learning with senior citizens and teenagers at various times throughout the day, I need to have an outfit that can change and move with me.

Anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and Purifying Our Hearts

Ben is a friend and a former congregant from our Cleveland days. He’s a veterinary radiologist who spends his days reading the x-rays of sick animals. He’s this big goofball with a huge heart, a house full of pets and a son-in-law who’s a rabbi. Ben also hails from Missouri and has five family members buried in the Jewish cemetery there that was recently vandalized. Fortunately, his family’s graves remained untouched.

Further Reflections on Tu B’shvat, Hakarat Hatov and Pluralism

This past Shabbat we observed the birthday of the trees known as Tu B’shvat. In recent decades, Tu B’Shvat has become the de facto day on which to focus on Judaism’s approach to environmental issues. This year that also coincided with Shabbat Shirah, the Sabbath of Song; it is called this because we read in the Torah the special poem that commemorates our successful crossing of yam suf, the Sea of Reeds.

Laws and In-Laws – Parshat Yitro 5777

Marriage isn’t just a union of two people, it’s a union of two families. One of the challenging parts of getting married is establishing a new relationship with your partner’s family. Best case, your new in-laws are supportive, but considerate and respectful of your boundaries.