I start this week’s narrative with a thank you to everyone who shared an email, phone call, or text message, including those who posted on our social media profiles in recognition of the honor I received earlier this week being named a Top 30 Nonprofit CEO by The Community Foundation of So…
At the dawn of existence, the Torah presents us with a profound paradox. Before Gd utters the first creative decree, we find darkness: "The earth was unformed and void, with darkness over the surface of the deep" (Genesis 1:2). Only then does Gd declare, "Let there be light" (Genesis 1:3).
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The Torah commands us regarding Sukkot: "You shall rejoice in your festival" (Deuteronomy 16:14). Not simply observe it, not merely acknowledge it, but rejoice in it. This is our only holiday explicitly called "Zman Simchateinu," the Season of Our Joy. Yet for many American Jews, Sukkot beco…
This week’s Torah portion, Haazinu, is Moses’ swan song…literally. After 40 years of leading our people through the wilderness, Moses delivers his final words not as a speech, but as a song. “Give ear, O heavens, let me speak; hear, O earth, the words I utter!" (Deuteronomy 32:1). Ou…
In Parashat Vayelech, we witness Moses in his final hours of leadership, preparing to ascend Mount Nebo and transition from this world. At 120-years-old, our greatest teacher delivers his last lessons to the Jewish people, knowing these words must sustain them through the generations ahead. …
