Sigal Samuel of American Jewish World Service
Author Sigal Samuel posted an article on Deuteronomy 22:5, which addresses the Biblical prohibition against cross dressing.
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY Sermon & Song — Rabbi-Cantor Cheri Weiss
As we approach the High Holy Days, please check out this video recorded by Rabbi Cantor Cheri Weiss entitled “Holy, Holy, Holy” for Yom Kippur.
Environmental Responsibility
In Shoftim, Rabbi Sacks teaches us that while some commandments are so narrow that they may not effectively be fulfilled, others are so broad that they cannot be ignored. The laws governing conduct during a siege against an enemy, such as preserving trees, are examples of the latter category.
Re’eh
Re’eh exhorts us to clearly see the choices that are laid out before us and to choose the way of blessing. We are commanded to see because without clear vision we may not be able to distinguish between blessing and curse.
Teshuvah in a Plague
You must search and search until you find some good point within you to give you new life and happiness. When you discover the good that is still inside you, you literally swing the scales from guilt to merit…
Vaetchanan Deuteronomy 4:2
This verse expresses a fundamental axiom about the measure of our dedication to God, as told by the prophet Samuel, “listening to God is better than making sacrifices to Him.”
Parashat Eikev: 5 Voices
Please follow the link below to read 5 different commentaries on this week’s parashah by Rabbi Eva Robbins, Rabbi Gershon Schusterman, Rabbi Chaim Tureff, Aliza Lipkin, and Miriam Yerushalmi
My Last Cup of Coffee with A. B. Yehoshua
In January 2020 BC (before COVID) Rabbi Bouskila last met with Israeli author A. B. Yehoshua before his passing on June 14. Rabbi Bouskila recounts his history with the author, including discussions on the two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians, or the Israel-Diaspora divide.
Consolation, Not Closure
This Shabbat is the second Shabbat of consolation, following Tisha B’Av. We chant from Isaiah 49:14-51:3, wherein the prophet addresses the mourning for the destruction of Zion and concludes with hope for divine comfort.
Seekers of Truth Among the Ruins—Thoughts for the 9th of Av By Rabbi Mordecai Finley
Well-being is within our reach, although many us of may feel unfulfilled or alone. The need to inflict misery is in our nature, yet we can learn from our teachings. We study the narratives of the Golden Calf and the Sin of the Spies to remind ourselves of our moral transgressions. However, sin also includes acting against our authentic nature.