Posted by in Uncategorized This past week I had the great honor of giving the benediction at the in district swearing in of our new California State Assembly member Rick Chavez Zbur. Held at UCLA’s Freud Hall, it was a wonderful gathering of community, supporters, leaders and local politicians to celebrate long time activist and attorney Rick Chavez Zbur.…Read more »
Posted by in Uncategorized Last week the World Union for Progressive Judaism published my commentary on Parshat Shemot, the first Torah portion in the book of Exodus. Here is the video they made https://www.facebook.com/wupjudaism/videos/709873530667909 And here is the written commentary https://wupj.org/library/uncategorized/56798/a-good-name-parashat-shemot/
Posted by in Uncategorized I was honored to appear on this episode of the Queer Theology podcast with Brian G. Murphy and Father Shannon TL Kearns! Give a listen
Posted by in Uncategorized My second day of Rosh Hashanah sermon continues my theme of reviewing the seven most important sermons that I have given through the years. As I make my way to retirement from the Pulpit, this High Holy Days I am sharing important themes and motifs that I have touch upon during my 35 years in…Read more »
Posted by in Uncategorized This Rosh Hashanah is my last as the Senior Rabbi of Congregation Kol Ami as I will retire next July 2023. Here is my sermon for Day 1 of Rosh HaShanah 5783.
Posted by in Uncategorized I was so honored to be selected by Ben Gurion University of the Negev in Israel to receive an honorary doctorate. It was truly moving to be acknowledged for my human rights and LGBTQ activism, my passionate Zionism and my work as a rabbi. With President Prof. Daniel Chamowitz and the Rector Prof. Chaim Hames…Read more »
Posted by in Uncategorized This is the invocation I gave for the Yom HaShoa, Holocaust Remembrance, Ceremony on Sunday, May 1, 2022 at the Holocaust Museum of Los Angeles: Ruach Elohim, Holy Breath of Life: We gather on this day to recall and remember and never to forget the millions of people who were imprisoned, and tortured and murdered…Read more »
Posted by in Uncategorized It is humbling to have your work over the life of one’s career recognized for the impact you have made. I am always a little bit overwhelmed when I am noticed. I should be over it. I have been in the public eye for a long time now. I tend to keep my head down…Read more »
Posted by in Uncategorized I recently wrote a commentary on Parshat Tetzaveh (Exodus 27:20–30:10) for the World Union of Progressive Judaism. But they also made a video of it! https://fb.watch/bxdOOoj9p4/ Here is the commentary: Bring your best | Parashat Tetzave “You shall further instruct the Israelites to bring you clear oil of beaten olives for lighting, for kindling lamps…Read more »
Posted by in Uncategorized Here is my Rosh Hashanah Sermon from 5782 This past year, has been very traumatic for all of us. More than 625, 000 Americans dead from Covid and millions infected, with continuing long term effects. More than 4.75 million people have died world-wide. Each person, someone’s sibling, parent, spouse and child. A world unto themselves.…Read more »
Walking Humbly. Seeking Justice. Living with Hope. 