Each week synagogues read the weekly Torah portion and rabbis seek modern meaning in ancient words. This week Rabbi Chester, interim rabbi at Temple Isaiah this year, used the portion to look at our modern political situation. It’s worth reading. Parshat Toldot: Genesis 25:19 – 28:9 I am one who believes that some things…
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Last week I asked folks on my email list, how are you doing after the Pittsburgh shooting. This reply did not surprise me, “I’m crying a lot.” For some people this tragedy stood alone and stark. For others it added to other troubles in their lives. I asked the people on my list of Seekers and Jews…
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I have a friend who is an Orthodox Jew and her favorite non-Jewish holiday is Halloween. She loves the colors, the decorations, the candy, the spiders, etc. She could choose to be Reform and go with the whole, “It is just an American holiday. No big deal. It’s just letting kids have fun and eat…
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Some Jews are commanded NOT TO FAST. Thus, the local Orthodox shul, Beth Jacob Congregation in Oakland, has sent out this reminder to their members several times in the last couple weeks. Location for Medically Required Food and Nursing Mothers: While the holiest day of the year involves five forms of physical restriction (see below for…
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I stumbled upon an email dated Sept. 5, 2006 from my beloved friend, Rosanne. Dear Dawn, Your message for the High Holy Days touched me in many ways. My kids have often teased me as I point out the beauty of nature in the little way you talked about. And each day it is important…
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This has been a very tough June. Scary to see our rights crumbling and our children taken. But as we approach the excitement of the Pride weekend and the peace of Shabbat several rabbis have shared thoughtful messages that I want to share with all of you. From Rabbi Gershon Albert of Beth Jacob Congregation…
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