Toward Shabbat

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Toward Shabbat: Ekev

When I first began to pray regularly several years ago, the second paragraph of the Shema—which we read this week in Parashat Ekev (Deut. 11:13-21)—was ...

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Toward Shabbat: Vaethanan

A week after reading Lamentations by flashlight, sitting, grieving, and feeling the depths of despair, the Shabbat of Comfort comes just when we might need ...

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Toward Shabbat: Pinhas

Nina and I recently celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary, just weeks before our oldest child Aaron’s marriage. As a country, we will be celebrating Independence ...

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Toward Shabbat: Hukkat

Beginning in the mid 1800s and to this day, June 19th...is a day when African Americans celebrate their independence and freedom and we all celebrate ...

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Toward Shabbat: Korah

Is there really a place for me in the Jewish community? This question emerged because Max had recently come out as non-binary, identifying as neither a ...

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Toward Shabbat: Naso

My parents did not start blessing me on Friday nights until I was in high school. What inspired the change? The “aha” moment for them ...

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Toward Shabbat: Bamidbar

On Sunday evening we will begin our celebration of Shavuot. May they be quiet days of rest, of breath-taking and reflection, and of receiving the ...

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Toward Shabbat: Emor

The celebration of Lag Ba-Omer turned into a devastating tragedy at Mount Meron in Northern Israel when dozens were killed and injured. We pray for the healing ...

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Toward Shabbat: Tzav

My favorite Pesah joke is the oldie but goodie that goes like this: How many psychologists does it take to change a lightbulb? Only one...but the ...

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Toward Shabbat: Mishpatim

משנכנס אדר מרבין בשמחה When the month of Adar arrives, we increase in joy.  —Babylonian Talmud Ta'anit 29a When the month of Adar arrived last ...

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Toward Shabbat: Yitro

In these winter months, being ready to welcome in Shabbat is not always an easy feat. As the sky rapidly darkens through the late afternoon, ...

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Toward Shabbat: Bo

It seems hard to believe that, a little over two weeks ago, a mob of insurrectionists stormed the Capitol intent on overturning an election, subverting ...

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Toward Shabbat: Va-era

For the past ten weeks, an incredible tension has been eating at my heart.  In the days immediately following November’s election, Biden’s call for unity ...

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Toward Shabbat: Vayehi

Last Wednesday began like most school days this year. I woke up, davenned, made breakfast for my kids, and then walked them to school accompanied ...

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Toward Shabbat: Vayetze

The Talmud (Berakhot 54b) declares that there are four types of people who must offer thanks to God with a thanks-offering and a special blessing: ...

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Toward Shabbat: Noah

Each year, when my Tuesday lunchtime class starts up again, it finally feels like the long holiday season has come to a close and “regular” ...

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