Category: Uncategorized
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Feeling Alone
The wicked draw the sword and bend their bowsTo bring down the poor and needy,To slay those whose way is upright;Their sword shall enter their own heart,And their bows shall be broken. Psalm 37:14-15 Last week’s parsha resonated with us as few do. In it we read that Abraham’s nephew Lot is kidnapped during the…
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Happiness in Times of Distress
Last week my wife and I spent three glorious days in Vermont soaking up the fall colors. I have to say I felt a bit guilty enjoying myself when there is so much suffering in Israel and in Gaza. There I was in peaceful, pastoral Vermont a week after 1400 people were slaughtered in Israel.…
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An Act of Sheer Evil
In moments of crisis, people show who they are. President Joe Biden delivered a speech three days ago that brought tears to my eyes and to the eyes of many others as well. “You know, there are moments in this life — and I mean this literally — when the pure, unadulterated evil is unleashed…
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Our Time of Joy
During the Festival of Succoth, the Rabbis ordained that we are to read the Book of Ecclesiastes—Kohelet, in Hebrew. It is a rather curious choice. Succoth is called “Zman Simchateinu”, the “Time of our Rejoicing”. It is the only Festival where we are commanded to be happy. The Book of Kohelet, on the other hand,…
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How Old Were You When You Knew You Were Jewish?
How old were you when you knew you were Jewish? This was the question addressed to me by a teen in my synagogue’s confirmation class. I admit, it took me by surprise. It wasn’t at my bris — I do not remember that! But it was certainly before my first day of Hebrew School. I…
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My Jewish Name
When I was seven years old, I began Hebrew school. On the first day our teacher, Mrs. Friedman, gave us an assignment: ask our parents what our Hebrew name was. When I asked my mom, she told me that I had been named after her mother, Mary Dora, and that my name was Mortka Dov.…
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Avinu Malkenu
Avinu Malkenu is one of the most beloved melodies in our High Holiday liturgy. In ancient times, Jews in the Land of Israel would fast and recite this prayer during times of drought. The story is told in the Talmud that Rabbi Eliezer came before the ark at a time of drought and prayed 24…
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The Riddle of Jonah
Today I came upon an article by my colleague and friend Rabbi Steven (Simcha) Bob on the website http://www.TheTorah.com which is of timely interest. On Yom Kippur afternoon we chant the Book of Jonah for our Haftorah. Perhaps better known as a children’s story, the Book of Jonah raises some profound theological issues. Rabbi Bob…
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The Sound of the Shofar
I would like to share a beautiful story about the meaning of the call of the shofar. The story is from <Chabad.org> and was adapted by Suzie Jacobson for her study sheet on <Sefaria.org> The photo above, taken by my wife, Middy in our dining room, is of a shofar that we bought in Sefat…
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Sabbath Rest
Often, we can be “put off” by all of the different regulations that accompany Jewish observance. We may be afraid of making a mistake, of not performing a ritual in the correct way. This may result in us not doing it at all! Or we may feel that if we do not perform all of…
Rabbi Marc D. Rudolph 