Category Archives: Public Statements

Celebrating Jewish Culture in Troubled Times

Posted on November 7, 2019 by

Keynote address at University of Mary Washington’s Jewish Cultural Celebration (November 6, 2019) Good evening. It is such an honor and a joy to be with you this evening for this celebration of Jewish Culture. It is especially meaningful to … Continue reading →

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Remarks at Islamic Center Standing Together Event (March 17, 2019)

Posted on March 19, 2019 by

Asalamu aleikum. Peace be upon you, my brothers, and sisters. As I utter those words, I am cognizant of how painfully ironic it feels to be extending greetings of peace to a community shattered by a cruel and horrific act … Continue reading →

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The Heart Repair of Hanukkah: Blessing Each Other’s Light

Posted on December 7, 2018 by

Compared to many other Jewish holidays, Hanukkah is relatively simple. Sure, there are many lovely customs — latkes, dreidels, sufganiyot, gelt, and the like — but the essential practice of the festival is lighting the menorah each night. And, just … Continue reading →

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Spiritual Revolutionaries: Making Religion Meaningful in the 21st Century

Posted on December 3, 2018 by

On December 1 and 2, 2018, I participated in an interfaith “pulpit swap” with my dear friend and colleague, Rev. Hollie Woodruff, of Seventh Street Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Richmond. She preached to my congregation on Saturday, and … Continue reading →

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Witness and Lament: Remarks at Solidarity Tisha B’Av

Posted on July 23, 2018 by

Temple Beth-El, Richmond, Virginia, July 22, 2018 כָּל֨וּ בַדְּמָע֤וֹת עֵינַי֙ חֳמַרְמְר֣וּ מֵעַ֔י “My eyes are spent with tears, my heart is in tumult.” These are the words of the biblical book of Lamentations, traditionally believed to have been authored by … Continue reading →

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The World is Yours, But it Doesn’t Belong to You

Posted on June 15, 2018 by

On June 14, 2018, I was honored to speak to the graduating class of Maggie Walker Governor’s School at their Baccalaureate ceremony. Here’s what I said: Class of 2018, Let me begin by expressing my gratitude for having been invited … Continue reading →

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Virginia House of Delegates Invocation, February 23, 2018

Posted on February 23, 2018 by

Mekor ha-hayyim, somkeh noflim, matir asurim— Champion of the downtrodden, we ask that, today and every day, You show our leaders how to walk Your paths: Enable them to see Your image in all people, eradicating all forms of bigotry … Continue reading →

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