With Kind Regards: Compassionate Workplace Culture in Jewish Organizations
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Parashat Behar-Behukotai
Friday, May 7
Just yesterday, a group of Jewish professionals and consultants (led by David Phillips, Harrell Wittenstein, Sara Miller-Paul, and Richard Levin) published “With Kind Regards: The Bivrachah Study,” a survey and data collection regarding workplace culture in Jewish non-profit organizations....Read more...
The Corners of Our Fields: A Societal Structure of Giving
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The Corners of Our Fields: A Societal Structure of Giving
Parshat Emor, 5781
Saturday, May 1, 2021
At a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, President Biden proposed a slate of programs to expand governmental support of childcare, healthcare, cost of education,...Read more...
Honoring Parents and Maintaining Our Jewish Practice
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Honoring Parents and Maintaining Our Jewish Practice
Parshat Aharei Mot-K'doshim, 5781
Saturday, April 24, 2021
A few years ago, Rabbi Feivel, our friend Rabbi Natasha Mann from rabbinical school, and I went to my parents’ house for Thanksgiving....Read more...
Honoring, Revering, and Listening to Parents
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Honoring, Revering, and Listening to Parents
Parshat Tazria-M'tzora, 5781
Saturday, April 17, 2021
How do you respect your parents? For those who are parents in the room, when do you feel respected by your children?
For the past month, on the Shabbatot between...Read more...
Sacred, Romantic Love in Shir HaShirim
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Sacred, Romantic Love in Shir HaShirim
Passover 5781
Saturday, April 3, 2021
Many of us know all too well the feeling that prompts God’s statement about Adam in the second chapter of Genesis: לא טוב היות האדם לבדו - It is not good for the man to be alone (Gen. 2:18). We have all been lonely before, perhaps more...Read more...
The Holiness of Community
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The Holiness of Community
Parshat Tzav, 5781
Saturday, March 27, 2021
Throughout this Pesah (Passover) we will explore themes introduced in Shir HaShirim, the Song of Songs. We’ll talk about the interplay of Judaism and romantic relationships, why human love is so integral to Jewish life and practice,...Read more...
Don't Stand Idly By—A Response to Violence Against Asian-Americans
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Don't Stand Idly By—A Response to Violence Against Asian-Americans
Parshat Vayikra, 5781
Saturday, March 20, 2021
I’d like to share with you the Rabbinical Assembly’s statement on the shootings that happened in Atlanta this past...Read more...
Building the Mishkan—Lessons in Non-Profit Management
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Building the Mishkan—Lessons in Non-Profil Management
Parhsat Vayak'heil-P'kudei, 5781
Saturday, March 13, 2021
Imagine an Agudath Achim in which we had enough volunteers and funds to never worry about our limits. How would our synagogue space,...Read more...
Personal and Communal Growth in a Year of Pandemic
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Personal and Communal Growth in a Year of Pandemic
Parshat Ki Tisa, 5781
Saturday, March 6, 2021
Exactly a year ago in the Hebrew calendar, we had our last Shabbat with a Kiddush lunch, with no social distancing restrictions. I’d like to share one of my kavannot or...Read more...
Please, Look Jewish!
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Please, Look Jewish!
Parshat T'tzaveh, 5781
Saturday, February 27, 2021
We keep them in the back of the closet - those t-shirts, sweatshirts, and tote bags from Jewish camps and conferences. Some of us keep them stowed in our jewelry boxes - Star of David earrings and necklaces engraved with the...Read more...
When Our Hearts Draw Us to Give
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When Our Hearts Draw us to Give
Parshat T'rumah, 5781
Saturday, February 20, 2021
When someone asks me where to donate as a gift for my birthday, the first place that comes to mind is the Jerusalem SPCA - צער בעלי חיים ירושלים. When I lived in Israel the two years after...Read more...
Yitro and the Merits of Delegation
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Yitro and the Merits of Delegation
Parshat Yitro, 5781
Saturday, January 23, 2021
Over the past few weeks, I’ve had conversations with a few members of our synagogue leadership about the merits of delegation. Although we have quite a few community members who are ready and willing to...Read more...
Love of God—The Personal and the Practical
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Love of God—The Personal and the Practical
Parshat Yitro, 5781
Saturday, February 6, 2021
The medieval poet Rumi writes, “The human intellect is a place where hesitation and uncertainty take root/ There is no way to overcome this hesitation...except by falling in...Read more...
Judaism and Wellness
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Judaism and Wellness
Parshat B'shalah, 5781
Saturday, January 30, 2021
A few weeks ago, a woman walked into Agudath Achim, asking for a kosher cookbook. When I asked why, she explained that in the new year, she wanted to eat healthier! While I helped her find some books, I couldn’t help but think about a...Read more...
May Our Words Be Acceptable to You
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May Our Words Be Acceptable to You
Parshat Bo, 5781
Saturday, January 23, 2021
At Wednesday morning’s Presidential inauguration, when Andrea Hall, a veteran Fire Captain, recited the Pledge of Allegiance in English and American Sign Language, she began the ceremony with a tone of welcoming for all,...Read more...
Pray for Peace, Pray for Government
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Pray for Peace, Pray for Our Government
Parshat Sh'mot, 5781
Saturday, January 9, 2021
רבי חנניה סגן הכהנים אומר: הוי מתפלל בשלומה של מלכות שאלמלא מוראה איש את רעהו חיים בלעו.
Rabbi Hananiah,...Read more...
Friday Night's Blessing of the Children
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Friday Night's Blessing of the Children
Parshat Vay'hi, 5781
Saturday, January 2, 2021
Each Friday evening, as Shabbat begins, it is customary for parents to bless their children. For boys and men, we say ישימך אלהים כאפרים וכמנשה - May God make you like Efraim and...Read more...
Danger on the Road—Acknowledging Impulses in Times of Darkness
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Danger on the Road—Acknowledging Impulses in Times of Darkness
Parhsat Vayigash, 5781
Saturday, December 26, 2020
The New York Times published an article yesterday morning entitled, “Vodka in Your Coffee Cup: When Pandemic Drinking Goes Too Far.” The...Read more...
A Tunnel With Lights on Either End
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A Tunnel With Lights on Either End
Parshat Vayeisheiv, 5781
Saturday, December 12, 2020
This past Wednesday, in a meeting with rabbis across the state, Governor John Bel Edwards described Louisiana’s relationship with COVID through a brilliant metaphor: We are currently in a tunnel with...Read more...
To Seek and To Offer—Worth the Trouble
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To Seek and To Offer—Worth the Trouble
Parshat Vayishlah, 5781
Saturday, December 5, 2020
In pastoral counseling classes, especially those classes about offering care in periods of sickness and mourning, we were taught to offer specific help before it is asked - a glass of water, a...Read more...
Shabbat Thanksgiving
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Shabbat Thanksgiving
Parhsat Vayeitzei, 5781
Saturday, November 28, 2020
We are Jewish, spiritual descendants of Judah (Yehudah), the fourth son of Leah and Jacob. Leah, who struggles to win her husband’s affections throughout Parashat Vayeitzei, is overjoyed by the birth of her fourth...Read more...
Honoring Parents—An Imperfect but Life-Affirming Endeavor
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Honoring Parents—An Imperfect but Life-Affirming Endeavor
Parshat Toldot, 5781
Saturday, November 21, 2020
None of our parents are or were perfect. As far as I know, all of our parents are or were human. Some, we might argue, made a few more significant mistakes...Read more...
Shabbat of Service to Our Country
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Shabbat of Service to Our Country
Parshat Hayei Sarah, 5781
Saturday, Novemebr 14, 2020
So far in our liturgy today, we have asked God for peace in Sim Shalom, one of the last prayers of our Amidah, in our Kaddish Shalem with the final words of Oseh Shalom, in our prayers following...Read more...
Every Vote (Every Person) Counts
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Every Vote (Every Person) Counts
Parshat Veyeira, 5781
Saturday, November 7, 2020
If we were to only learn one thing from this election, our lesson should be that every single person counts. The difference between votes for Biden and Trump in Georgia is currently under 2000, in a state with...Read more...
Eyes Wide Open, Awareness in the Face of Fear
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Eyes Wide Open, Awareness in the Face of Fear
Parshat Vayeira, 5781
Saturday, November 7, 2020
It may seem like we have a good amount to fear. If “our guy” wins, we may fear the reaction of the “other side.” If “the other guy” wins, we may fear for the future of our...Read more...
Be a Blessing on Your Journey
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Be a Blessing on Your Journey
Parshat Lekh-L'kha, 5781
Saturday, October 31, 2020
Rabbi Feivel and I just arrived home from our road trip to Boise, Idaho and back - a mere 54 hours of driving, not including stops. Three days before our scheduled departure, we learned that our car would not be...Read more...
Be a Blessing, Vote!
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Be a Blessing, Vote!
Parhsat Lekh-Lekha, 5781
Saturday, October 31, 2020
And Adonai said to Avram, lekh l’kha (hey you, go!) from your land and from your birthplace and from your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I shall make you into a great nation, and I will bless...Read more...
Zman Simhateinu—The Time of Our Joy
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Zman Simhateinu—The Time of Our Joy
Sukkot
Saturday, October 3, 2020
I need to apologize to anyone who had to deal with me this week - between the stress of the holidays and witnessing the mess that was Tuesday’s presidential debate, I have certainly not been my cheeriest self. But from conversations I’ve had with friends,...Read more...
With the Utterance of Our Lips—Intentional Speech in 5781
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With the Utterance of Our Lips—Intentional Speech in 5781
Yom Kippur
Monday, September 28, 2020
On Saturday morning, I spoke about Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s use of words. Every document she wrote, every interview, and every memory gleaned from family and friends makes clear that she refused to...Read more...
The Torah of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
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The Torah of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Parshat Ha'azinu, 5781
Saturday, September 26, 2020
The court chambers of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg proudly displayed a painting of the Deuteronomic command, Tzedek tzedek tirdof - justice, justice you shall pursue! (16:18). Justice Ginsburg,...Read more...
Sat, November 23 2024
22 Cheshvan 5785
Rabbi's Sermons
Bereshit - Genesis
- Parshat Bereshit: Oct. 26, 2019, October 1, 2021, October 2, 2021, October 25, 2024
- Parshat Noah: Nov. 2, 2019, October 8, 2021, Oct. 29, 2022, Nov. 1, 2024
- Parshat Lekh-L'kha: Nov. 9, 2019, Oct. 31, 2020, Oct. 31, 2020 - Part 2, Oct. 15, 2021, Nov. 8, 2024
- Parshat Vayeira: Nov. 16, 2019, Nov. 7, 2020, Nov. 7, 2020 - Part 2, Oct. 22, 2021, Oct. 23, 2021, Nov.15, 2024
- Parshat Hayei Sara: Nov. 14, 2020, Oct. 30, 2021
- Parshat Toldot: Nov. 30, 2019, Nov. 21, 2020, Nov. 6, 2021
- Parshat Vayeitzei: Nov. 28, 2020, Nov. 13, 2021
- Parshat Vayishlah: Dec. 14, 2019 , Dec. 5, 2020, November 20, 2021
- Parshat Vayeisheiv: Dec. 12, 2020, Nov. 27, 2021
- Parshat Miketz: Dec. 4, 2021
- Parshat Vayigash: Jan. 4, 2020, Dec. 26, 2020, Dec. 11, 2021
- Parshat Vay'hi: Jan. 11, 2020, Jan. 2, 2021
Shemot-Exodus
- Parshat Sh'mot: Jan. 18, 2020, Jan. 18, 2020 - Part 2, Jan. 9, 2021
- Parshat Va'eira: Jan. 25, 2021
- Parshat Bo: Feb. 1, 2020, Jan. 23, 2021
- Parshat B'shalah: Jan. 30, 2021, Jan. 15, 2022, Feb. 3, 2023, Feb.4, 2023
- Parshat Yitro: Feb. 15, 2020, Feb. 6, 2021, Feb. 6, 2021, Feb. 21, 2022, Feb. 22, 2022
- Parshat Mishpatim: Feb. 22, 2020, Feb. 18, 2023
- Parshat T'rumah: Feb. 29, 2020, Feb. 29, 2020 - Part 2, Feb. 20, 2021, Feb. 4, 2022, Feb. 5, 2022, Feb. 25, 2023
- Parshat T'tzaveh: March 7, 2020, Feb. 27, 2021, Feb. 12, 2022, Feb. 11, 2022
- Parshat Ki Tisa: March 14, 2020, March 6, 2021, February 19, 2022
- Parshot Vayak'heil-P'kudei: March 21, 2020, March 13, 2021, February 26, 2022, March 18, 2023
Vayikra-Leviticus
- Parshat Vayikra: March 20, 2021, March 11, 2022, March 24, 2023, March 25, 2023
- Parshat Tzav: April 4, 2020, March 27, 2021, March 19, 2022
- Parshat Sh'mini: April 18, 2020
- Parshot Tazria-Metzora: April 25, 2020, April 17, 2021, April 2, 2022, April 20, 2024
- Parshot Achrei Mot-Kedoshim: May 2, 2020, April 24, 2021, May 7, 2022, May 3, 2024, May 10, 2024
- Emor: May 9, 2020, May 1, 2021, May 13, 2022, May 14, 2022, May 6, 2023
- Parshot B'har-B'hukotai: May 8, 2019, May 16, 2020, May 7, 2021, May 21, 2022, May 28, 2022, May 24, 2024, May 31, 2024
Bamidbar-Numbers
- Parshat Bamidbar: May 15, 2021, May 20, 2023, June 7, 2024
- Parshat Nasso: June 6, 2020, June 6, 2020 - Part 2, May 22, 2021, June 10, 2022, June 2, 2023, June 14, 2024
- Parshat B'ha'alotcha: June 13, 2020, June 13, 2020 - Part 2, June 9, 2023, June 10, 2023, June 21, 2024
- Parshat Sh'lach: June 20, 2020, June 20, 2020 - Part 2, June 5, 2021, June 28, 2024
- Parshat Korah: June 27, 2020, July 18, 2020, July 24, 2023, July 5, 2024
- Parshot Chukat-Balak: June 26, 2021, July 12, 2024, July 19, 2024
- Parshat Pinchas: July 11, 2020, July 11, 2020 - Part 2, July 2, 2021, July 3, 2021, July 22, 2022, July 23, 2022, July 26, 2024
- Parshot Matot-Masei: July 18, 2020, July 18, 2020 - Part 2, July 10, 2021, July 30, 2022, August 2, 2024
D'varim-Deuteronomy
- Parshat D'varim: July 25, 2020, July 25, 2020 - Part 2, July 17, 2021, August 6, 2022, August 9, 2024
- Parshat Va'et'hanan: Aug. 1, 2020, July 24, 2021, August 12, 2022, August 13, 2022, Aug. 16, 2024
- Parshat Eikev: Aug. 8, 2020, July 31, 2021, August 19, 2022, August 20, 2022
- Parshat Re'eh: August 7, 2021, August 30, 2024
- Parshat Shoftim: September 7, 2019, Aug. 22, 2020, August 14, 2021, August 14, 2021 - Part 2, September 3, 2022, September 6, 2024
- Parshat Ki Teitzei: Aug. 29, 2020, August 20, 2021, September 13, 2024
- Parshat Ki Tavo: Sept. 5, 2020, Sept. 5, 2020 - Part 2, August 28, 2021, Sept. 17, 2022, Sept. 20, 2024
- Parshot Nitzavim-Vayeilech: Sept. 11, 2021, September 24, 2022, Sept. 27,2024
- Parshat Ha'Azinu: Sept. 26, 2020, October 4, 2024
- Parshat Haberakhah
Rosh HaShanah: Sept. 19, 2020, Sept. 19, 2020 - Part 2, Sept. 19, 2020 - Part 3, Sept. 20, 2020, Sept. 7, 2021, Sept. 8, 2021, Sept. 9, 2021, Sept. 26, 2022, Oct 2, 2024
Yom Kippur: Sept. 28, 2020, Sept. 16, 2021, October 5, 2022
Sukkot: Oct. 3, 2020 , Sept. 20, 2021, Oct. 16,2024, Oct. 18, 2024
Passover: April 3, 2021, April 23, 2022, April 7, 2023, April 12, 2023 April 27, 2024
Rosh Hodesh: April 22, 2023
Today's Calendar
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: 1:30pm |
| Havdalah : 6:01pm |
Friday Night
| Candle Lighting : 4:51pm |
: 7:30pm |
Shabbat Day
: 10:00am |
: 1:30pm |
| Havdalah : 5:59pm |
Upcoming Programs & Events
Nov 28 Office Closed Thursday, Nov 28 |
Nov 29 Office Closed Friday, Nov 29 |
This week's Torah portion is Parshat Chayei Sara
| Shabbat, Nov 23 |
Candle Lighting
| Shabbat, Nov 23, 4:53pm |
Havdalah
| Motzei Shabbat, Nov 23, 6:01pm |
Shabbat Mevarchim
| Shabbat, Nov 30 |