Tag Archives: peace

After Charlottesville, Be a Light – Rosh Hashanah 2017

Posted on September 24, 2017 by

JJ Grey, a contemporary rock and blues singer, once recalled a lesson his grandmother taught him: “you can’t fight darkness, so be a light.” Last month, darkness came to Virginia: An unholy alliance of white supremacists marched on Charlottesville. Just … Continue reading →

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Remarks from Richmond Rally Against Muslim Ban

Posted on May 9, 2017 by

Video of these remarks can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/jewishaction.us/videos/705614492975135/ Video of all speeches can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/moveon/videos/10154390220140493/ In 1790, our first president, George Washington, sent a letter to the Jewish community in Newport, Rhode Island, pledging that “the government of the … Continue reading →

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Remarks at Interfaith Standing Together Press Conference

Posted on December 1, 2016 by

It is an honor to stand in this sanctuary surrounded by colleagues and friends representing so many brother and sister faith traditions. To my mind, this synagogue is the perfect place for us to stand together against hate and deliver … Continue reading →

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Remarks at 2016 Community Eid Dinner

Posted on August 15, 2016 by

As-Salam-u-Alaikum and Eid Mubarak. Adira joins me in expressing what an honor it is to be with you this evening. I am deeply grateful to the organizers for their generous invitation, for all their holy work on behalf of the … Continue reading →

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Baccalaureate Address for Maggie Walker Governor’s School, Class of 2016

Posted on June 17, 2016 by

I want to begin by expressing my gratitude for having been invited here this evening. It is such an honor to be with you, to celebrate this extraordinary milestone with you and your families. I want to share a story … Continue reading →

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Blogging my AIPAC Rabbinic Mission – Day 3

Posted on July 17, 2015 by

As another incredibly intense, challenging day on my AIPAC mission comes to a close, I find myself struggling to meaningfully synthesize what I heard, saw, learned, and wrestled with today. Starting at 6:00 this morning, we spent almost half a … Continue reading →

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Blogging my AIPAC Rabbinic Mission – Day 2

Posted on July 16, 2015 by

On the eve of independence, the founders of the State of Israel enshrined their vision for the values that would underly the new state they were creating. “The State of Israel,” insists the Israeli Declaration of Independence, “will be open … Continue reading →

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