Recently, my congregation’s lay leadership voted to permit its clergy to officiate at marriages between a Jewish individual and a partner from another background (with some important conditions), if and when the Conservative movement’s Rabbinical Assembly and the Cantorial Assembly … Continue reading
What would it look like for synagogues to truly meet people where they are? Lessons from God and Wall Drug. Continue reading
Jewish communities around the world celebrated the festival of Shavuot over the weekend, commemorating the Jewish people receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai. During this holiday, it is customary to chant from the biblical Book of Ruth, at least in … Continue reading
In the Jewish tradition, each new year provides an opportunity to pause, reflect, and refocus. We consider the events of the year that has passed, celebrate our triumphs, and confront our failures. Looking … Continue reading
Almost every day in 2013, I posted a reflection, a piece of wisdom, a passage from the Jewish tradition, or a devotional on my Facebook page. Here are my 23 favorites. Hope you enjoy, and find some meaning in these … Continue reading
The Pew Research Center’s recently released “Portrait of Jewish Americans” set off alarm bells in the Jewish world over “assimilation.” The study implied that Jews are becoming less Jewish, that Judaism itself is becoming diluted by outside, secular culture, and that we … Continue reading
This Shabbat, the Shabbat before the onset of Passover, is commonly referred to as “Shabbat Ha-Gadol.” Shabbat Ha-Gadol means “The Great or Big Sabbath,” and it is given this name because on this Shabbat we announce the impending arrival of … Continue reading
The Tisch