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Parsha DEVARIM

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Jul 31, 2017, 12:31 PM

Division and Destruction on Tisha B’Av: Where do we go from Here?

“Two Jews; Three Synagogues” is a classic Jewish joke that addresses the division within our community. It could not be more emblematic of our history and the challenges we face today. This week we will be commemorating two of...

Jul 31, 2017, 7:31 AM

The Fast of 9 Av is almost upon us, but you can't say it sneaks up. For three weeks, starting with the Fast of 17 Tammuz, we intensify our mourning from week to week and from day to day....

William Hamilton

Jul 28, 2017, 5:27 PM

Getting to ‘Perhaps’

A critic of military might recently reminded me that Israel is an elite global military power. “Fair enough” I replied. “But symbolic losses remain security threats. Take Hezbollah” I continued. “While they do not anticipate defeating Israel (much as...

Esther Goldenberg

Jul 28, 2017, 8:56 AM

I’ve Gotta Tell You This Story

A few weeks ago, we went to NYC for the weekend. We took the bus up on a Friday and got to spend a whole extra hour in traffic. I don't know what I was thinking leaving at 3:30....

Jul 27, 2017, 6:52 PM

The book of the covenant

It took the next gen, who weren't slaves in Egypt, to treat Deuteronomy as the contract for Jewish history that it is

Sharona Margolin Halickman

Jul 27, 2017, 6:46 PM

The Path to Rebuilding the Temple

On Shabbat Chazon, the Shabbat before Tisha B’Av, we read the third Haftara of affliction (Yishayahu 1:1-27). According to Rabbi Mendel Hirsch, the prophet is not lamenting the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash (Temple). Rather he is lamenting the...

Jul 27, 2017, 9:54 AM

Jerusalem destroyed Jerusalem redeemed

This heart of humanity will be the seat of unconditional love one day, recompense for the hatred that left her in ruins

Ben-Tzion Spitz

Jul 26, 2017, 10:02 PM

Devarim: Israel the Non-Imperialist

Sovereignty over any foreign land is insecure. -Seneca the Elder Historically, Israel was blessed with fearsome warriors. The ancient near east quaked in their sandals as the Children of Israel approached the borders of successive nations. There was the miraculous...

Ariel Ben Avraham

Jul 23, 2017, 11:19 PM

Parshat Devarim: Owning the Promised Land

“I said to you, ‘You have come to the hill country of the Amorites, which the Lord our God gives to us. Behold, the Lord your God has set the land before you. Go up take possession as...

Aug 19, 2016, 10:35 AM

Realizing Isaiah’s Vision

Jews celebrated Tisha B’Av (9th of Av) with joy rather than mourning, with a feast rather than a fast, because the 9th of the Hebrew month of Av fell on Shabbat, a day when joy takes precedence. We postponed...

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