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 »

Wrestling with AIDS

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 »

EKEV

Parshat Ekev Deuteronomy 7:12-11:15 This week’s Torah portion Ekev, continues Moses’ farewell address to the Children of Israel.  Moses is trying to prepare the Israelites for entering the Promised Land. Moses reminds them that despite their errors and sins along the journey from Egypt (The Golden Calf, the lies of the spies, the lack of…Read more »

Don’t follow the Crowd

Parshat Shelach Numbers 13:1-15:41 Do you follow the crowd?  When a topic is trending on Twitter or everyone is talking about the great new restaurant, do you have to be in on it?  Do you have to see the movie that has all the                buzz?  Or do you decide for yourself?  Do you follow…Read more »