I was recently asked to respond to a survey entitled “The 2006 Survey of Conservative Congregational Leaders.” The survey is being conducted on behalf of The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, and its author has promised to share a copy of the results with me when he publishes them. (more…)
Shana Tovah. Happy New Year. As you are reading this, we have just celebrated the beginning of our Jewish New Year – 5767. The High Holidays, though appropriately solemn and somber at times, provide a wonderful opportunity for rejoicing, reflection and renewal. (more…)
As I become president of Temple Beth Sholom, I find myself focused on the importance of continuity and “community”. (more…)
From the Chair . . .
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Does G-d make mistakes? Most people would say, “No, of course not. G-d is perfect. G-d knows everything that is going to happen before it happens. What G-d does is by definition good. G-d cannot make and has never made a mistake.” (more…)
Every year has its issues and key words and phrases. A key phrase this year is Intelligent design. Intelligent design is a new, more sophisticated form of the word creationism, which is now passé. (more…)
Let me take you back to high school, a time that, socially speaking, can be the most difficult one in life. In the high school years, it’s all about who you’re friendly with, who you date, who likes you, whether or not you fit in. And it can be very, very hard. (more…)
On Rosh Hashanah, we read the famous story of Abraham and Isaac. Abraham is commanded by G-d to sacrifice his beloved son on a mountain. Before Abraham can actually do anything, G-d stops him from hurting his son. And they go home, together, and everything is fine. (more…)
The High Holidays are about recognizing our mistakes and trying to change. As we begin these days of reflection, I want to focus tonight on the mistakes that parents make with their adult children.
On August 21st, 1995, my daughter Rachel and I were out on an errand. When we got back to the house, we were shocked to hear horrible and tragic news. Rachel’s teacher at Ezra Academy, Joan Davenny, had been the victim of a terrorist attack in Jerusalem. (more…)