Ode to the Potato Pancake: Rick Lupert
Oh God, my God
of all the gifts You have given me
the potato pancake rises above
all my cherished possessions.
Why Chanukah is the Perfect Festival for Religious Freedom: Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks
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.
Rabbi Adam Ruditsky: Close Encounter Moments
As Esau was responsible for his own choices in parashat Toledot, so was Jacob responsible for his choices. In his dream, he is not concerned with whether it was real or not, but in creating language that portrayed its mystical nature.
A Father’s Love: Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks
We are told that Isaac loved Esau, but we don’t know why. Didn’t Isaac see that Esau was a man of the outdoors, rather than a contemplative man of God? Surely, he must have known that Esau was a mercurial personality, marrying two Hittite women.
Four Layers of Chanukah: An Adult Text Study
Rabbi Kipnes and Cantor Cotler apply Pardes—The Orchard of Torah Study—to Chanukah. They start with the Book of Maccabbees, which stated that the days of purification and triumph were like the days of Sukkot, establishing the annual celebration.
Rabbi Cantor Mariana Gindlin recorded this Chanukah message & song
Rabbi Cantor Mariana Gindlin recorded this Chanukah message & song.
Hazzanim Amy Katz and Elisa Walzman sing Samachti B’Omrim Li
Hazzanim Amy Katz and Elisa Walzman sing Samachti B’Omrim Li, composed by Charles Osborn, on a text from Psalm 122.
Cantors Bryce Megdal and Alyssa Rosenbaum sing
Cantors Bryce Megdal and Alyssa Rosenbaum sing Cantor Rosenbaum’s original Bossa Nova take on Shalom Aleichem.
Chaplain Candi Wuhrman: Introducing Candi Wuhrman
Chaplain Wuhrman has recently published a book, “Moxie”, which will be released in 2023. In her book, she addresses issues relating to growth through grief.
Chayei Sarah: The Kindness of Strangers
In this parashah, the text emphasizes chesed, which is central to the Jewish value system. He cites Rev Simlai, who taught that the Torah begins and ends with an act of kindness: God clothes the naked and God buries Moses. Many see chesed as even higher than tzedakah.