I'd like to dedicate my column this week to some thoughts about kashrut and food. After all, whether or not we personally keep kosher, or what sort of kashrut we observe, it is a fundamental Jewish practice--one of our most defining spiritual disciplines. For most of our people's history, until the modern period of emancipation, it is probably safe to argue that most Jews kept kosher in one way or another.
Family reunions bring with them a flood of emotions. This was the case in parshat Vayishlach for Jacob and Esau, and also this week in parshat Vayigash for Joseph and his brothers.
This week we commemorated the Japanese military strike on Pearl Harbor, which led to the United States’ entry into World War II. Among the many tragic events following that attack was the internment of people of Japanese ancestry living in the United States, the majority of whom were American citizens.
Most of us know that the winter solstice is the shortest day of the year. Tonight, however, is Rosh Hodesh Hanukkah, and each new Jewish month is marked by a new moon. So between the short day and a dim night sky, tonight may well be the darkest night of the year.
Click here to listen to the D'var Toeah given by Merridawn Duckler on Shabbat, Dec 12th. Approx 15:18 minutes long. Recorded and edited by Ed Kraus.
How many times have you heard (or said to yourself) “It’s just a phase”? For Joseph, phases were feast or famine . . . literally. For us, phases are footie pajamas. This too is Torah.
Rabbi Kosak speaks about terrorism and the importance of community, Shabbat, Dec 5th. Approx 15:18 minutes long. Recorded and edited by Ed Kraus.
