Giving freely of yourself to help others – it’s parenting AND Judaism in a nutshell.
What is the value of a human being? This sounds like a rhetorical question. After all, if we are created in the image of God, then isn't the value of every person infinite, priceless? Isn't that a basic belief of Judaism and even of American society?
The holiday of roses and candy hearts is a week away, and though Valentine’s Day got its start as a Christian liturgical celebration, this week’s Torah portion coincidently contains some interesting points about intimate relationships.
In parshat Mishpatim, the Israelites learn that accepting the commandments is a 24/7 job. I’ll bet you can guess what connection I’m drawing here.
Recording from Shabbat Services, January 29-30, 2016. Recorded and edited by Ed Kraus.
Each week, a congregant sends me some jokes on Friday morning. A morning chuckle is not a bad way to wrap up the week or head into Shabbat. This week's crop featured some great quips from the inimitable George Carlin, who was surely one of our greatest comedians.
Raising my “threenager” (though she won’t be three until September, I’m pretty sure this term applies), I am constantly straddling the line between coercion and freedom of choice. In some circumstances it’s totally acceptable for my daughter to have the final say.
