Rabbi Cantor Robbins describes the spiritual depth of Tu B’Shevat, from the linguistic perspective of “15”, the Name of God, and the concept of the Tree of Life.
Hanukkah is one of the only Bible stories that is supported by actual historical evidence and history, unlike stories, can be ambiguous about right and wrong. Historically, the Maccabees fought not only the Romans but also their own people—those who chose assimilation. The story is thus one of anti-assimilation as well as of religious freedom.
The story of Dinah contains gaps and ambiguities, which feed confusion over her silence, and the divide between Jacob and her brothers. The text suggests that the outcome of the event could have been different if not for the vengeance taken by Simeon and Levi.
Rabbi Cantor. Mariana Gindlin with Cantor Aviva Rosenbloom sing an old Ladino lullaby – Durme Durme
Please check out this wonderful video on Amusing Jews, featuring AJRCA’s Cantor Harris Shore, Rabbi Joey Angel-Field, and Dr. Cantor Jonathan Friedman:
Please check out this wonderful video on Amusing Jews, featuring AJRCA’s Cantor Harris Shore, Rabbi Joey Angel-Field, and Dr. Cantor Jonathan Friedman:
Karen Erlichman ties the concept of being an outsider in parashat Vayeishv to the ongoing reality of the LGBTQ community. Joseph was hated and ostracized by his brothers, and ultimately exiled to Egypt. She draws an interesting comparison between the parashah and contemporary realities.
Joseph encounters a nameless man, who directs him to find his brother. How is this significant? Earlier in our text, Jacob also meets a nameless man and wrestles with him. Jacob is of course known for experiencing divine encounters. Rabbi Oseran ponders the. Issue of encounters with unknown people and their potential impact on our future.
Oh God, my God
of all the gifts You have given me
the potato pancake rises above
all my cherished possessions.
The fight for religious freedom is as important today as it was 2000 years ago, not only for Jews, but for people of all faiths. Despite the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights, religious liberty is at risk in many parts of the world, for many faiths.