In Pirkei Avot, chapters of our fathers, Rabbi Elazar ben Azaryah said, “Ein Kemach, Ein Torah.” This translates literally as “Without flour, there is no Torah.” We understand this verse to mean that without sustenance, there can be no study, no learning, and no Torah. We need food and drink to live and only when Continue Reading »
It’s been a long time coming. When I was ordained 17 years ago, I confidently decided that I would only officiate at the weddings for two Jews. I reasoned that my ceremonies were Jewish and that the minimum standard would be Jewish identity, as defined by the Reform movement. I long felt that it was Continue Reading »
On Friday, May 9, we celebrated my ten years at Temple Beth David. It was quite a night. I didn’t know what to expect before this day arrived. When I came into the social hall, it was beautifully decorated and there were around 150 people in attendance. We had an elegant Shabbat dinner with excellent Continue Reading »
Ten years, a decade, is that a long time? When I was a child and a teenager, it was a big deal. Ten years covered such a great period of growth, change, and new experiences. I had a Bat Mitzvah, learned to drive, and went off to college. However, now that I’m in my 4th Continue Reading »
As Jews, we can never let ourselves forget the tragedies that occurred during the Holocaust. These darkest days in human history witnessed the loss of 6 million Jews, 5 million others, and entire families devastated. At Temple Beth David, we have had a number of people who either survived the Holocaust or who have family Continue Reading »
Was it the weeks and months of preparing to have lots of family and friends come into town? Could it be that our house was literally undergoing intense construction, i.e., that darn roof, days before Gabriel’s Bat Mitzvah? Was it feeding our family and friends for a week? I don’t know. I’m tired but in Continue Reading »
Was it the weeks and months of preparing to have lots of family and friends come into town? Could it be that our house was literally undergoing intense construction, i.e., that darn roof, days before Gabriel’s Bat Mitzvah? Was it feeding our family and friends for a week? I don’t know. I’m tired but in Continue Reading »
“No, you can’t wear 3 inch strappy heels for your Bat Mitzvah service!” I exploded. “But Mom, it is my choice!” pleaded my 12 year old daughter. “No it’s not! You will not carry our sacred Torah in those shoes!” I screamed back. Sigh. I didn’t mean to raise my voice. My emotions are running Continue Reading »
“No, you can’t wear 3 inch strappy heels for your Bat Mitzvah service!” I exploded. “But Mom, it is my choice!” pleaded my 12 year old daughter. “No it’s not! You will not carry our sacred Torah in those shoes!” I screamed back. Sigh. I didn’t mean to raise my voice. My emotions are running Continue Reading »