One odd responsibility of a congregational rabbi is often to act as the agent for the sale of congregants’ hametz. I am happy to fulfill this duty for everyone who endorses me with this form. Though I encourage you to eat through your hametz before Pesach, please feel free to … READ MORE
Author: Rabbi Matt Carl
Spring’s Blessing
It is officially Spring and I hear that, in some quarters, it’s actually starting to look and feel that way! Though we associate the beginning of spring with the holiday of Pesach, Jewish tradition makes other seasonally appropriate connections, too. Among them are Birkat Ha-Ilanot, the blessing on (blooming) trees: ברוך אתה … READ MORE
East Midwood Jewish Center is Not Our Past. It Is Our House.
[Remarks by East Midwood Jewish Center Rabbi Matt Carl on the occasion of EMJC’s 90th anniversary celebration, December 14, 2014.] Those of you who have belonged to wealthy synagogues in the suburbs may be familiar with the cycle of such shuls rebuilding, renovating and expanding their physical structure. We here in … READ MORE
The Sweet in the Bitter Month
In the next few days, we will enter the month of מרחשחון (Marheshvan). In truth, the month is really called Heshvan, but there is a strong tradition to refer to it by the longer name. This tradition is so strong that when the month is announced in synagogue, as it was … READ MORE