March 11, 2022 It is in the normal course of things that a congregational rabbi is expected to comment on moments of import. Many community members seek spiritual guidance and leadership, particularly around crises such as national calamities, episodes of antisemitism, major political events, and the like. Sometimes it’s a … READ MORE

March 4, 2022 THIS SHABBAT: HIAS HUMAN RIGHTS SHABBAT Friends, Please join us this Shabbat for another special service in which we will explore themes relating to human rights on the international stage and here in the United States. EMJC member and guest speaker Debbie Nathan will deliver some remarks … READ MORE

Feb 25, 2022 In this message: The war in Ukraine and the Jewish Community Environment Shabbat – TOMORROW (Guest speaker) Acosta Molina update In many ways, it’s hard to believe that war has broken out in Europe. Most of us alive today have known nothing but calm in Europe throughout … READ MORE

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