This summer is shaping up to be the strangest summer most of us have ever spent.  Many of us continue to heed the warnings of health-care professionals with regard to social distancing, mask-wearing, and self-isolation.  Others, however, here in New York and across the country, are ready to move on, … READ MORE

Hard to believe, but the High Holidays are just around the corner.  A committee was put together to discuss our plans for the holidays, and we met this past Monday night to begin the discussion.  The big announcement is that we will not be holding High Holiday services in person … READ MORE

Sermon June 13, 2020 Shabbat Beha’alotecha You may have seen, earlier this week, the statement that the synagogue released on the death of George Floyd.  We were a little late to the game, but there were queries from some quarters about why we had not released a statement.  I felt … READ MORE

Dear Members: I am writing this letter to you reflecting on the recent events involving George Floyd. That 8 minute and 46 second video ranks among the most indelible images of violence and injustice – and will forever be impressed in our minds and psyches.  I was a young man … READ MORE

Somehow, it’s the middle of June. There has been much to keep our minds occupied lately. We are especially grateful to be reminded that there are things to celebrate, that life is full of small joys. Tomorrow, Eve Becker will courageously stand up in front of her community, on Zoom, … READ MORE

For non-black Americans, the murder of George Floyd has brought to national and international attention the second-class citizen status of black Americans in the United States. It would be impossible to list the number of black Americans who have been targeted by police, by racist vigilantes, and by non-black citizens … READ MORE

This spring, I have been taking a class at the Academy for Jewish Religion with Dr. Ora Horn Prouser, the Academic Dean of the seminary. The class is called Disturbing Biblical Texts. It does a deep dive into some of the more troubling texts of the Hebrew Bible in an effort to … READ MORE

Each of the Three Festivals on the Jewish calendar has an agricultural connection.  Passover, a spring holiday, was associated with the barley harvest, the “first fruits” to be gathered.  Sukkot celebrates the end of the harvest, and hence the agricultural year, in the Land of Israel.  And Shavu’ot is a … READ MORE

In this edition: 1. A note from the rabbi 2. Groceries available for those in need 3. Mental Health support from the Jewish Board 4. Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day – today!) videos 5. Julia Ostrov musical video 6. You are a Wonder – Musical preview of my Shabbat sermon Like all three … READ MORE

“Hope” is the thing with feathers – That perches in the soul – And sings the tune without the words – And never stops – at all – And sweetest – in the Gale – is heard – And sore must be the storm – That could abash the little … READ MORE