Posted by in Uncategorized Parshat Vayishlach/World AIDS DAY Genesis 32:3-36:43 This week on Shabbat we will observe World AIDS Day. We recall so many of our friends and lovers who have succumbed to the complications of HIV/AIDS. Those very difficult early years when the gay men’s community was decimated have given way to longer lives, better prevention and drugs…Read more »
Posted by in Uncategorized Parshat Vayetze Genesis 28:10–32:3 Jacob is on the run. He is on the run from his brother Esau who is upset with him because he “stole” their father’s blessing. At their mother’s urging, Jacob is to go to Haran to her brother’s home. Jacob begins his journey with a dream. The dream he has is…Read more »
Posted by in Torah Commentary Parshat Vayeshev Genesis 37:1 – 44:17 Did you ever have a dream that later came true? Dreams are an important part of our psychological make-up. In our sleeping hours we are working through, often mysteriously, issues in our lives. There are lots about dreams we don’t understand though. Much dream work is about the physiological…Read more »
Posted by in Torah Commentary Parshat Vayishlach Genesis 32:4–36:43 The “Holiday” Season is upon us. There are lots of gatherings of co-workers, friends and families. Some of these gatherings will be reunions of sorts. The people you see only once a year at a cocktail party at a friend’s home. There are the family members who gather for latkes and…Read more »
Posted by in Torah Commentary Parshat Vayetze Genesis 28:10-32:3 In this week’s Torah portion our Patriarch Jacob learns the lesson of hard work. He learns the lesson of what it means to earn your keep; to sacrifice for something you want. As the Parasha opens Jacob is fleeing from his brother Esau. Esau, his twin, has threatened to kill him…Read more »
Posted by in Torah Commentary Parshat Toledot Genesis 25:19-28:9 This week’s Torah portion is Toledot. Toledot means generations. It focuses on the life of Isaac and on the birth of his twin sons Esau and Jacob. Interesting the Torah portion actually revolves around food! Perhaps that is one of the ironies this week as we celebrate our Thanksgiving feasts.…Read more »
Posted by in Joseph Parshat Vayehi Genesis 47:28-50:26 We come to the end of the book of Genesis this week. These final chapters are also the final chapters in the lives of Jacob and Joseph. Our patriarch Jacob on his death bed gives a blessing to his sons and to his grandsons Ephraim and Menashe. His blessing to his…Read more »
Posted by in Uncategorized Friday night I had the wonderful honor of installing Rabbi Ari Margolis as the assistant rabbi of Temple Beth Or in Raleigh, N.C. Below is my installation d’var torah for Ari. Shabbat Shalom I am so honored to be here at Temple Beth Or this Shabbat. It is not often that I get…Read more »
Posted by in Torah Commentary Parshat Vayishlach Genesis 32:4 -36:43 In this week’s Torah portion, Vayishlach, our patriarch Jacob is finally returning to the land of his father Isaac, the land of Canaan after a long sojourn in the land of his mother’s family. He left for his Uncle Laban’s house as an individual but he is returning to the…Read more »
Posted by in Torah Commentary Parshat Vayetze Genesis 28:10-32:3 “What goes around comes around.” It is a phrase we all have heard. This week our patriarch Jacob has this experience. What he did to others is now foisted upon him. In last week’s parasha, Toledot, Jacob deceives his father by dressing as his brother Esau to receive the birthright and…Read more »
Walking Humbly. Seeking Justice. Living with Hope. 