From Strength to Strength: A Reflection on Endings and Beginnings

This Shabbat, as we read Parashat Vayechi and conclude the Book of Genesis, we stand at a unique moment in time. The final verses of Bereishit will be followed by our traditional declaration: Chazak, chazak v'nitchazek (“Be strong, be strong, and we will be strengthened”). This declarati…

From Knowledge to Wisdom

This week, a community member approached me with a question that stopped me in my tracks. Having heard about my background in Jewish education, he asked what Jewish knowledge, experience, wisdom, or observance did I think a Jew should have to be considered a “knowledgeable Jew"?

Now, pers…

Preparing for Tomorrow, Today

In this week's parsha, Pharaoh awakens troubled by dreams of abundance followed by famine. Seven healthy cows devoured by seven gaunt ones. Seven full ears of grain consumed by seven withered stalks. Joseph's interpretation is both prophetic and practical: seven years of prosperity will prec…

When Plans Go Sideways

There's a Yiddish expression my mother loved to remind us as children: mensch tracht un Gtt lacht, “People plan, and Gd laughs.”

I thought about that a lot this week. Especially on Wednesday night.

If you were at our Annual Campaign Kickoff, you know what I'm talking about. We did our …

And Then There Was One

In Parashat Vayishlach, we witness one of the most mysterious encounters in all of our biblical stories. Jacob, alone in the darkness, wrestles with a mysterious being until dawn breaks. The Torah tells us that, “Jacob was left alone” (Genesis 32:25). That word levado (“alone”) echoe…