February 11, 2022 A congregant emailed me a link to an article this week with the headline “US to Investigate Antisemitism in Brooklyn College.” The article, from JewishPress.com reports that the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, a federal body, “has launched a formal investigation into a complaint alleging … READ MORE

January 27, 2022 Yesterday was International Holocaust Remembrance Day. On Jan. 27, 1945, the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and death camp was liberated by the Red Army. The particular notoriety of that place made it iconic, and so that date was chosen as a symbol of the unparalleled terror, evil, and murder … READ MORE

Dear friends, We are closely monitoring the situation unfolding at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas. As of just a few minutes ago, one of the four hostages was released, and of course we pray for the safe release of the others. The past few years have given us too … READ MORE

January 14, 2022 Tu BiShvat, the 15th day of the month of Shvat, falls this coming Monday. The “New Year of the Trees” is a minor holiday – according to the Mishna, it serves as the “birthdate” of a tree for the purpose of collecting tithes. In Israel, it was … READ MORE

December 31, 2021 Friends, For my weekly message this week, I am sharing the remarks I delivered in synagogue last Shabbat. I think it serves as a good end-of-2021 message. I was trying to speak to the moment we all find ourselves in – trying to find glimmers of hope … READ MORE

December 24, 2021 Why do we study Torah? When we begin reading a new book of the Torah, as we will this coming Shabbat, it gives us a chance to re-set, to take a step back and evaluate the Torah with a wider lens. Rather than focusing on a minute … READ MORE

Friends, As you know, we made a decision last Thursday to close the synagogue to indoor EMJC-sponsored events and services. This was in response to the exponential rise in COVID cases over the past week and our concerns around the Omicron variant. Since then, the Health and Safety Committee has met, … READ MORE

PROOF OF FULL VACCINATION IS NOW REQUIRED FOR ALL SYNAGOGUE SPONSORED EVENTS AT EMJC For the safety of our congregation, proof of full vaccination is now required for all synagogue sponsored events at EMJC, including Shabbat services in the sanctuary and Shabbat kiddushim. Masks will still be required, except for eating … READ MORE

December 17, 2021   If you’re a fan of cinematic ancient Roman blockbusters, you might have seen Ridley Scott’s Gladiator, starring Russell Crowe. The movie opens with a battle scene; the aged emperor Marcus Aurelius oversees one last battle, against the Germanic horde, that will consolidate his empire and the … READ MORE

December 10, 2021 I’d like to use this space today to announce and advertise a Zoom class that I’ll be teaching starting in January. Beginning on Wednesday, January 5th, I’ll be running another class in haftarah chanting. For those who are not altogether familiar with the term, the haftarah is … READ MORE