If the Bible were written in our time, the Book of Job would read something like this: Once there was a man named Job, who loved God and who was free from guilt or shame. One day…
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Islamic Center, East Lansing, Michigan, September 29, 2010 Shalom Aleichem/salaam aleikum. This week we observe Sukkot. A sukkah is a fragile hut providing minimal shelter. In our evening prayers, we say ufros aleinu sukkat shlomecha, “spread over…
This past summer, on our first two nights at a daddy-daughter cabin in Vermont, Lili and I watched two DVDs. The first was a beloved old classic, the quintessential Jewish musical if I don’t count the KI…
The old joke goes that Jewish history and holidays can be summed up like this: “They tried to kill us. We beat them. Let’s eat.” Based upon years of rabbinical study and training, I believe I can…
In many congregations, the rabbi gives several sermons or divrei torah at the High Holy Days, using the opportunity to address important issues around the Torah reading, pastoral needs, ethical concerns, social justice, Israel, the congregation, the…
Three times a day, observant Jews around the world read one of the most important biblical passages for our people, Deuteronomy 11:13–21. In these verses, God tells the Israelites that if they obey God’s commandments with their…
Once again, Jewish people will kindle light for peace for all. Lansing State Journal, December 10, 2006 After the Jewish people had dwelled in the land of Israel for more than 1,000 years, the Seleucid Greeks occupied…
At Rosh Hashanah, I spoke of the connection between Purim and Yom Ha-KI-purim, the day that is like Purim. This connection is not obvious, since we associate Purim with fun and Yom Kippur with dead seriousness. But…
Dear Friends at Kehillat Israel, A long and painful election season has come to a close. I know there are many in our congregation who have put extraordinary effort into the campaign, and many who may be…
Michigan State Capitol, Lansing When the Israelites were about to enter the promised land in Deuteronomy 11, God told them, “If you love Me and serve me with all your heart and all your soul, then I…