Reflections on Pirkei Avot
(Note: for the past 18 months, a group of dedicated learners have joined me for weekly classes on Pirkei Avot. We completed our study of the text last week, and these are my reflections.) The...
On Gratitude
In yesterday’s Torah reading, parashat Eikev, we read the following three words: “v’ahalta, v’savata, u’veirahta (and you shall eat, you shall be satiated, and you shall bless)”. From this, the rabbis derived the mitzvah of...
Justice vs. Accountability: Reflections on the Derek Chauvin Guilty Verdict
Let’s not confuse justice with accountability. In Judaism, we learn that justice is about society, the community, the collective (e.g., Exodus 22:20-21, Deuteronomy 15:7-8). There can be justice for an individual but only in the context...
D’var Torah, Board of Directors Meeting, The Spark Wisconsin; Tribute to My Cousin
My d’var Torah (brief teaching) at the beginning of last week’s Board of Directors meeting for my non-profit organization, The Spark Wisconsin–and a tribute to my late cousin, Howard Katz, who constantly encouraged me and...
Foretelling the Future: A 2021 New Years Blessing
On Saturday, January 2nd, as we celebrate our first Shabbat of 2021, we read parashat vayehi. In these final chapters of Genesis, the first of the five books of the Torah, Jacob bestows a blessing...
A Hanukkah Blessing: Increasing Our Joy
In the talmud, Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai debate the procedure for lighting the Hanukkah candles. Beit Shammai argues that we should light eight candles the first night, decreasing to one candle on the final...
Responding to President Trump’s Positive Test for COVID
Many will be celebrating the news that President Trump tested positive for COVID. But that is neither the Jewish way nor the American ideal. “Rejoice not when your enemy falters, and let not your...
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Righteousness, and Dying on Rosh Hashanah
TRANSCRIPTION: For many of us, our Jewish New Year of 5781 began with the news of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s passing. Putting politics aside, she dedicated her life to public service and advocacy, and she...
A Shofar Moment, 9/17/2020
Today’s mindful reflection in the week leading up to Rosh Hashanah followed by the sounding of the shofar....
A Shofar Moment with a GUEST shofar blower!
A daily mindful reflection in the week leading up to Rosh Hashanah followed by the sounding of the shofar....