(I haven’t written yet about the fiasco at the NGLTF’s Creating Change ’16 Conference in Chicago last week). I am frankly still processing the outrageous Antisemitism displayed there and the lack of The Task Force’s ability to create safe space. There is much to be said about what happened. But here is a letter sent…Read more »
Tag: Israel
This to Prime Minister Netanyahu
Reform Movement Leaders to PM Netanyahu: Help End Incitement 12/18/2015 PrintEmailShare Contact: Max Rosenblum or Jacob Kraus 202.387.2800 | news@rac.org Today, leaders of the Reform Jewish Movement addressed the following letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: Dear Prime Minister Netanyahu, In these troubling and difficult times, we have witnessed a worrying escalation of incitement…Read more »
A Tasty Lunch with Jess at Ta-Eem
SO a newish friend and Temple member is a blogger extraordinaire. Writer. Producer. And all -around talented guy. He invited me to be his first guest for a series on food and conversation! Here is the link to that yummy lunch at Ta-Eem – a terrific Kosher Israeli style restaurant. Hummus as good as any…Read more »
Yesterday I met a Hero
Yesterday I met a hero. I had coffee with my friend Alden Solovy who is a poet and liturgest from Jerusalem. You can read his work on his website http://www.tobendlight.com. We had this meeting set up to discuss a workshop he will lead for my temple group in Israel this summer. But who knew that…Read more »
Happy Birthday Israel
Tonight we begin the celebration of Yom Haatzmaut, Israel’s 67th Independence Day. Happy Birthday Israel! It was 67 years ago that the modern State of Israel was born. But it was really a rebirth of our ancient nation state, reborn after 2000 years! The Declaration of Independence of the State of Israel reads: THE DECLARATION:…Read more »
Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai
I just met this morning with Mayor Ron Huldai of Tel Aviv. He isn’t showy. He shuns the limelight. But he is a man with a vision. He has been responsible over the last 16 years for Tel Aviv’s rebirth from a bankrupt municipality to a shining example of a welcoming city and the best…Read more »
Israel, the Media and You: A new Commitment in the New Year
A CNN Reporter, BBC Reporter, and an Israeli commando were captured by terrorists in Iraq. The leader of the terrorists told them that he would grant them each one last request before they were beheaded. The CNN Reporter said, ‘Well, I’m an American, so I’d like one last hamburger with French fries.” The leader nodded…Read more »
Let the Land enter us!
This week’s Torah portion Ki Tavo gives the Israelites explicit instructions having to do with entering and living in the land of Israel. There are specific rituals outlined to ensure that this group that has been a nomadic tribe for almost 40 years be tied to the holy land of Eretz Yisrael. The Israelites are…Read more »
The Heat of the Day
In Southern California early September is still hot. Sizzling hot. The drought we are experiencing in much of the west gets worse by the hour. It is a true emergency. Many people are experiencing sky high water bills because the Water Department has raised rates so much. It makes oil seem cheap. Recently I pulled…Read more »
Puff of Cloud.
July 10, 2014 Dear Kol Ami Family and Friends, I just concluded the second full day with the Rabbinic Mission of AIPAC. AIPAC is the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and their mission is to be an effective lobby and bridge for Israel in the United States. Today I will always remember from this mission…Read more »