This is the “messing up big-time” portion of the Torah. Over the next couple of weeks, we will read about two major incidents where the Israelites just simply screw up in God’s eyes. Next week, it will be the rebellion of Korach, who tries to usurp Moses and speak for God. And to whom badContinueContinue reading “Opportunities and Challenges – A Sermon for Sh’lach Lecha 5775”
Tag Archives: judaism
Maggid: Telling the Story (A Seder Supplement)
NOTE: The primary purpose of the Pesach Seder is “maggid” – telling the story of the Exodus. According to the Talmud, we are meant to do so by expounding on Deuteronomy’s words of slavery and freedom – “My father was a wandering Aramean.” Here is my attempt for this year to find modern meaning inContinueContinue reading “Maggid: Telling the Story (A Seder Supplement)”
Between Holy and Ordinary (or “Why I Turn Off My Work Email on Shabbat”)
Once we were slaves. Now we are free. Shabbat is Zecher Liy’tziyat Mitzrayim – a reminder of our Exodus from slavery. On Shabbat, we are meant to embrace freedom, to throw off the shackles of the things that enslave us. As a Reform Jew, I take seriously the mitzvah of Shamor et Yom Hashabbat –ContinueContinue reading “Between Holy and Ordinary (or “Why I Turn Off My Work Email on Shabbat”)”
The Power of Jewish Camp (or “Thoughts from a Looong Drive”)
NOTE: This essay was cross posted on the rabbinical blog of Temple Kol Ami. Sitting in traffic on Highway 400, I decide that my six-year-old son has stared long enough at his iPod screen, so I try to make conversation: “So, Yair, what are you looking forward to the most at camp?” We are onContinueContinue reading “The Power of Jewish Camp (or “Thoughts from a Looong Drive”)”
Rabbi Micah Streiffer 