"Selectivity and Moral Outrage" (please have a look at the Brett Stevens Column re Moral Outrage -- written as an indictment of the "Moral Outrage crowd" along with the so-called "virtue-signaling-selection-crowd"). Drawing on the Past Deuteronomy (from the Parsha) 13:29 הִשָּׁ֣מֶר לְךָ֗ … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 8/21
Political Conventions and Presidents of elite universities -- Nero fiddles while Rome burns . . . the times, (and the presidents), they are a-changin' -- and we are changing too. This week's haftara: Isaiah 49:14 וַתֹּ֥אמֶר צִיּ֖וֹן עֲזָבַ֣נִי יְהֹוָ֑ה וַאדֹנָ֖י שְׁכֵחָֽנִי׃ Zion says, “ GOD … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 8/18
"Deja Jew all over again" To keep us with writings, readings, prophecies, and the world around us, and in order to help us better ponder "today" . . . let's have another look at Esther, who for a variety of reasons, some might say political, maybe even social, and certainly emotional reasons, … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 8/14
dis/unity in the face of chaos . . . is it "about time" -- or is it about "time?" or is it just another case of . . . "Lost in Space" 🎶 It's about time it's about space -- it's about strange people in the strangest place Where will they go - what will they do In this strange place where … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 8/11
Tisha b'Av: The Ninth Day of the Hebrew Month of Av Tisha B'Av is not a great day . . . a time in which we are more than able to hurt each other, even and especially our family, our loved ones, and in those whom we are bound so closely together. And if that were not enough . . . from generation … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 7/14
When hate proliferates through words – and Assassinations are soon to follow:"As the World Turns" Here below is the Video: Just in case this chapter of our history eludes your memory. Watch video Now a word or two about hate and assassination in our country, in our communities, and in our … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 7/7
What to do when we feel that we have no words left -- and the truth has disappeared . . . . Torah: Numbers 20:11 קַ֣ח אֶת־הַמַּטֶּ֗ה וְהַקְהֵ֤ל אֶת־הָעֵדָה֙ אַתָּה֙ וְאַהֲרֹ֣ן אָחִ֔יךָ וְדִבַּרְתֶּ֧ם אֶל־הַסֶּ֛לַע לְעֵינֵיהֶ֖ם וְנָתַ֣ן מֵימָ֑יו וְהוֹצֵאתָ֨ לָהֶ֥ם מַ֙יִם֙ מִן־הַסֶּ֔לַע … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 6/30
Can your friends and perhaps your family forget -- abandon . . . . betray you? The unpredictable thing about 'Memory' -- it can come and it can go . . . in this week's parsha, Korach 'forgets' what Moses and Israel have done for him -- same tribe, same people, same goals . . . . and yet, he says: … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 6/26
A 'House Divided' -- can it stand? Spies, Scouts . . . or just we canaries, caged and suffocating in a darkened coal mine? also here today: Should American Jews Abandon Elite Universities? -- A Campus Conundrum or a counterpoint: "You Jews can never leave . . ." but first... a House … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 6/23
What is the real killer: We have net the enemy and the enemy is . . . As a reminder, we the Jewish people both in Israel and of the Diaspora remain focused on October 7th, while 'much of the world' sees it all as beginning only with October 8th). Perhaps --- it has become time for us to focus … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 6/19
Not every view feels good -- without a certain unity -- the future lies haggard A rare view (this week) from the Prophets: Zechariah Chapter 2:17 linking Judah, the Jewish Tribe to Israel and Jeruslam וְנָחַ֨ל יְהֹוָ֤ה אֶת־יְהוּדָה֙ חֶלְק֔וֹ עַ֖ל אַדְמַ֣ת הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ וּבָחַ֥ר ע֖וֹד … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 6/2
What were the chances of Ruth's survival? -- Or, for that matter, what of our own . . . The Book of Ruth surfaces at a time in which the question emerges: how can "this people" possibly survive -- bearing in mind: sickness, famine, war, fatigue, along with a constant sense of being constantly … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 5/29
Redemption is not recompense -- however, it can be devastating and for the record, it is. In the world: We are no longer witnessing a war waged in Israel alone -- this is a War against the Jewish People. Currently, we are now witnessing and experiencing a 'War against the Jewish People', and the … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 5/22
A College 'education': Driving a stake into the heart of the American Jewish future Torah inscription on the Liberty Bell: "Proclaim liberty throughout the Land, to all the inhabitants thereof" -- Re-reading this at a time when college pogroms loom large -- and thinking of Tevya -- as he leaves … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 5/19
Descent from Whithering Heights and the boundary lines of American Jewish Identity Right in the middle of the Omer (sheave gathering and of course, grain gleaning), Ruth arrives in Bethlehem, and oddly enough, becomes the perfect candidate for a Second Passover. Pesach Sheni or Second Passover: … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 5/15
Poor Ruth, she probably didn't know what she was getting herself into: Some things that Jews should know -- some uncomfortable truths uncovered . . . Yes, the world knows that Hamas is evil, but as with the Protocols, it would be better for the Jews to be kept vulnerable and under … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 5/8
Meanwhile, the White House did a nice job with the Yom HaShoah speech yesterday -- https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/05/07/remarks-by-president-biden-at-the-u-s-holocaust-memorial-museums-annual-days-of-remembrance-ceremony/ -- just after it cut off arms sales to … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 5/5
American university students and the Puritanical Jewhate that permeates -- is it innocent? In remembering the purity of the Spanish Inquisition, the innocence of the Children's Crusade, and now the Columbia students who know very well what they are doing. At least their commissars know . . . … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 5/1
"What starts with the Jews, never ends with the Jews" If one is to call oneself Jewish, bearing witness to the Jewish condition, both past and current, is integral to Jewish identity. If you cannot, the Jewish tradition has a modicum of 'rachmones' for you. Suppose you were to purposely choose to … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 4/28
Columbia Student Leader: "Zionists don't deserve to live comfortably -- let alone Zionists don't deserve to live!" Abandoned to a new wilderness: Jewish Students at American Academic Institutions Whither thou goest? -- Is American Academia now whithering on the vine: American Academia / The … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 4/21
The "fish and the bread" 'Gefilta and Matza' (and): the age-old cry of: "Let My People Go" (it does seem ^ like 'an old familiar story') Today, if you are not too busy cleaning -- we will have an extra-credit-special-session, what one might call a pre-Passover expose of Gefilte Fish and Matza -- … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 4/17
At the Passover Seder this year -- who is now the Wicked Son? Given the world in which we presently experience, here is the opinion of David Mamet (as outlined in his book and as summarized by wiki): The Wicked Son: Anti-Semitism, Jewish self-hatred, and the Jews is a collection of essays by … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 4/14
Affliction, is there such a thing as a 'free launch'? Welcome to the 21st Century, 'opening the door' to a launch from medieval times: But first, you might want to have a look at a 'modern' form of the 'medieval' -- and if you care about anything -- first watch … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 4/10
Passover and "renewed life" are just around the corner and yet 'the Arts' appear slowly crawling toward a death-like state, becoming devoid of memory and knowledge. And now, Theatre Troubles -- is this just local or just beginning . . . "The Bryn Mawr Film Institute's attempt to stop the … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 4/3
The Seder Table, the Empty Chair for Elijah, and the Identity Choices we are 'Forced' to Make It is true that we set aside a seat for the Prophet Elijah at our Passover Table . . . but why? Perhaps he helps us to discern between choices that are forced upon us and the choices we must make for … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 3/31
Are we experiencing a 'Jewish Identity Theft' / along with a cultural appropriation of time and place -- and 'who they calling a Jew, now') Who owns Jewish history? Who owns Jewish time? Who owns Jewish identity? ____________ This Shabbat is called: Shabbat HaChodesh (the “Sabbath of the … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 3/27
Many people are very uncomfortable with Jews defending themselves, and succeeding . . . perhaps there is more comfort with enslaved Jews, humiliated, or as Dara Horn has eloquently written, Dead Jews. Age-old Food for thought: Passover is just around the corner: ט וַיֹּאמֶר, אֶל-עַמּוֹ: … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 3/24
Historical fact: Martin Luther attempted to ban the Book of Esther (and erase it from the Bible). He was horrified that it showed Jews taking their own destiny into their own hands and defending themselves: Likewise, Below we see an (NYT) article that attempts to undermine the work of the Brandeis … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 3/20
What just one person can do in a time of 'existential crisis' Instead of betrayal or collaboration, Esther rises to the occasion . . . of her Jewish identity. She chooses her people. י וַתֹּאמֶר אֶסְתֵּר לַהֲתָךְ, וַתְּצַוֵּהוּ אֶל-מָרְדֳּכָי. From Chapter 4 of Esther . . . 10 Then … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 3/17
Palace Manipulations in the District: Who is the Organ Grinder now . . . שַׁבָּת זָכוֹר Shabbat Zachor Shabbat of Remembrance (Q: What are we to remember, as time goes by)? Shabbat Zachor for Hebrew Year 5784 begins at sundown on Friday, 22 March 2024 Shabbat Zachor is the Shabbat … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 3/13
Welcome to the Hebrew Month of Adar: a season of "our acceptance among those we live," until it wasn't. _____ Wanting, begging, pleading with your oppressor to be just like him -- to be good enough, to prove your loyalty . . . and then proving it by turning on your own: " . . . a lesson that Jews … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Web 2/21
The Tribes are remembered in different ways . . . and yet the question arises: does Islam advocate rape, baby slaughter, and terror? or is it just another chapter of Murder Inc? This ^, while the Torah requires the names of tribes that long ago slipped away into a world of captivity and … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 2/14
When we remain together -- however fleeting -- we survive -- and we live. When we are 'separated out' -- we fall -- and as we have painfully learned throughout time, we die. Sounds like a cliche -- the very cliche we ignore at our own peril Mengele, -- to the right, to the left, to live or to die … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 2/11
We didn't know! What does that mean, "to not know" https://www.britannica.com/video/180241/Residents-Weimar-concentration-camp-Germany-Buchenwald-Allies-1945 ________ Who knew about the UNRWA and its terrorist cooperation and just as importantly, how did they know . . . . who is responsible … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 2/7
We, as the current Jews of Shushan Adar -- are we Persian hostages...are we all not all one-year-old Kfir? "Mi'sh'Nichnas "Adar" Marbim beSimcha " -- "When Adar begins, feel Joyous." In a time of Sadness, can there be joy? In a time of darkness -- can there be light? There's this . . … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 1/31
Mother Russia, the Protocols of the Elders of Zion, and our old friends, the American Blacks, their preachers, and their people. (See NYT Link -- no firewall -- at Bottom). A nursery rhyme of color for 'friends,' -- not for the making of a God, nor a religion: "Make new friends, but keep the old … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 1/24
(Ever wonder why we eat dried fruit on Tu b'Shvat? -- apparently, it's complicated). The Torah believes that in trees, we find life, -- even though to us, it appears as if time and circumstances (planted-ness) are arrayed against us. Of course, Western Literature has traditionally understood the … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 1/21
Tu BiShvat for Hebrew Year 5784 begins at sundown on Wednesday, 24 January 2024, and ends at nightfall on Thursday, 25 January 2024. Are there any trees for shade in Gaza? We remember what lies under the ground there . . . we will not forget. The Jewish tradition regards trees as a symbol of … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 1/17
Our children in the Auschwitz Birkenau camp of Gaza . . . kidnapping, murder, torture, rape, sexual assault . . . and our children in American Universities -- "How Long oh Lord, how long?" Tell our parents that you saw us, they said, but don’t tell them everything. Save their souls from the ghastly … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 1/3
The Ivy League and American Academia: DEI as a new lesson in Jew-Hate Please tune in this evening at 7:00 PM -- we have returned from Egypt just as the Israelites in this week's Torah portion have arrived. Pharoah has helped us to understand a bit of what is happening as the pages of the Torah … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 12/20
From this week's Haftara (taken only from the Prophets): Ezekiel Chapter 37 And you, O mortal, take a stick and write on it, “Of Judah and the Israelites associated with him”; and take another stick and write on it, “Of Joseph—the stick of Ephraim—and all the House of Israel associated with … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – 12/3
'Proportionality' in a historical context -- and just what of that 'Joseph the Dreamer' -- A savage beast . We speak of Jospeh's path, "homeward" and "bound". . . Kislev, it could be a month of illumination . . . And just what of the Biblical Joseph, 'the Dreamer' -- "A Savage Beast has … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 11/29
A War Against the Jews, (not on the Battlefield, in the press, media, UN, Academia et al) Here is a link to the AJC Glossary of Antisemitic Memes and Phrases -- have a look to see what may resonate with your own online and/or personal experience with your "friends" -- either former or current. … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 11/22
Dearest friends, students, and colleagues . . . for the record, at this time of year, there is so much to bethankful for and yet so much remains in doubt -- our gatherings, meetings, and private conversations have been described and noted as a wonderful cross-section of Jews, Christians & … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 11/12
Note 1: Regarding (the poison) Ivy League and the withholding of monetary donations: Please see Dr. Steven Barrer's "Letter to the Editor" of the Philadelphia Inquirer, towards the bottom (both literally and figuratively) Note 2: Let us continue to gather together, (this afternoon at 3:30 PM), … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 11/8
Blood Libel: a way to get baby blood for our matzah for the Jews' Matzah and for their sacrifices to their Jew-God The current phase of the ongoing War against the Jews has brought aboard any number of ancient accusations that never seem to die: The Jews are the Problem and if we could only kill … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 11/5
People no longer love dead Jews . . . https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/the-world-no-longer-loves-dead-jews/ Brief Excerpt here: In a word, the reaction to the atrocities in Israel revealed in many circles that in fact, not only did many people hate live Jews, as indicated by the surge in … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 10/29
Are we at Genesis 22 all over again? The world might be there -- we are not. More Jews were slaughtered raped and taken hostage on October 7th than on any other day since Auschwitz. 3:30 today for one hour: (from the Parsha: The Akeda as obscene -- The Sacrifice of Jewish babies is now 'wholly' … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 10/25
This is a war against the Jewish people -- everywhere From the Tanakh, for our consideration: Nehemiah, Chapter 4 vss 1 & 2 נְחֶמְיָה א וַיְהִי כַאֲשֶׁר שָׁמַע סַנְבַלַּט וְטוֹבִיָּה וְהָעַרְבִים וְהָעַמֹּנִים וְהָאַשְׁדּוֹדִים, כִּי-עָלְתָה אֲרוּכָה לְחֹמוֹת … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 10/22
. . . . and yet, in the stillness, there are no babies in Kibbutz Be'eri left alive to bathe. The Torah this week: Abraham retrieves what is left of his family and then ensures that it never happens again. Never again is now. Am Yisrael Chai. Today: 3:30 PM Eastern / … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 10/15
Some things are just too painful, even to think through . . . PEOPLE LOVE DEAD JEWS Reports From a Haunted Present The silence of 'friends' has been (quite) deafening, much of which has been punctuated by equivocations of moral equivalency, (all of which are) inherently immoral. 'Of course, … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 9/20
'There is a season, turn turn turn . . . and a time for every purpose, under heaven.' (based on Ecclesiastes ch 3 -- these words will ring true at a time of Sukkot, an Autumn reckoning infused with both memory and reflection) To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 7/30
from Abraham Avinu to Abraham L . . . . Merely a disagreement or possibly, 'a house divided' While not exactly gospel, still, let's take this seriously . . From this week's section, Parsha: Deuteronomy 10:20 אֶת־יְהֹוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ תִּירָ֖א אֹת֣וֹ תַעֲבֹ֑ד וּב֣וֹ תִדְבָּ֔ק וּבִשְׁמ֖וֹ … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 7/26
To friends, students, and colleagues, After a bit of soul-searching, I have decided not to hold class today and yes, Tisha b'Av is on my mind. I had thought originally that it would be a good idea to do so, especially because Noah had summoned me to Camp Vistors Day and it would mean that we would … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 7/19
Today -- 'Av is here, should we all beware' . . . destruction or opportunity? i.e. was this a destruction -- or was it an opportunity? And as for that so-called message of destruction and lamentation: "the lady doth protest too much, me thinks" Hamlet, Act III, Scene II Note: This phrase is used … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 7/16
Black Sabbath: not meant to be overly complicated . . . This coming Shabbat is: Shabbat Chazon (Which can be translated as the "Sabbath of Vision" / שבת חזון) and is named for the "Vision of Isaiah over Judah and Jerusalem" (here: Isaiah 1:1-27). It s read as the Haftarah on this coming Shabbat … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 7/12
Our hands . . . Where is the city of refuge now? What have we done . . . ? Pay attention, we are entering a time period of serious internal introspection among the Jewish people and among the Jewish communities of the world -- The Hebrew month of Av. -- A month of setback, a month of failure, and … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 7/9
Cities of Refuge -- No Place to run to -- No place to hide . . . What is a 'place' of refuge? A place to 'hide away' or is it a place to 'bring us closer together'? ____________ Some of you may remember Rabbi David Wolpe as he grew up here in the Philadelphia area before going off to the … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 6/28
Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award-winning actor, director, composer, and comedian, Mel Brooks (born Melvin James Kaminsky) turns 97 today . . . (Can Humor be (simultaneously) both self-deprecating and medicinal? No, Mel is certainly not a snake, although he might have been somewhat of a … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 6/25
Miriam dies: maybe that should have been the end of it. Do Rebels Ever Prosper? / Miriam as a rebel? / Perhaps depends on whom you ask. Here below, Henry the IV, Part l, SCENE V (5) -- "Rebels never Prosper" (Shakespeare), for our consideration: The rebellion quells, and Henry chides … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 6/14
Words and Symbols have meaning and importantly, tremendous power This is what Rachav (Rahab) says: (note: symbolically and for the record -- the Bible understands her as an Egyptian god and as a symbol of Egypt -- although apparently, she wants to join with this Israelite people on their way … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 6/11
Life on the fringes: People, places and our' wear-with-al* ' "What we wear and why -- maybe 'the cord' is meant to remind us of our not-so-secretive past . . . Numbers 16:37 -- are the cords an "allusion to our past pr-stitution?" יהוה said to Moses as follows: דַּבֵּ֞ר אֶל־בְּנֵ֤י … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 6/7
Smoke on the Water(s) a fire in the sky . . . From the Haftara of Zechariah: “Take the filthy garments off him!” When do words, performances, and costumes cross the line to 'harm?' And for the record, what does clothing say about the man? Does clothing make the man . . . . Waters, 79, … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 5/31
How do we pass on our values or even our identity? (Q: is it perhaps by 'tradition') Tevya: 'On the hand / On the other hand': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWGtjqv19ZA On the one hand, here is one way (below) to celebrate a young person's acceptance of or into the Jewish Tradition. On the … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 5/24
The Biden White House, the Oath of God to the Jewish People at Shavu'ot along with the Progressives who seek to define that . . . 'the progressive's new and old antisemitism / and their awoke friends in high places . . . 'a pox on both their houses . . . . ' As we begin to celebrate Shavu'ot … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 5/21
Shavuot 2023 / A Festival of 'Weeks' שָׁבוּעוֹת 5783 Is Ruth someone who allows herself to be used . . . 3:30 today -- is it Ruth or is it ruthless? The festival of Shavu'ot is a Jewish holiday that occurs on the sixth day of the Hebrew month of Sivan. Shavu'ot commemorates the anniversary … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 5/17
Far below, please see the considerations of the current White House in regard to 'the' Definition of Antisemitism. What the Hell? Just whom can send whom to Hell -- while David is saved -- it is by his friend Jonathan, who had a lot to lose. The story of a young David being 'flung out' is … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 5/14
Today is Mother's Day and we're dedicating this post to our mothers - past, present, and future - here below, an American Jewish classic: A Yiddishe Momme. The song, in English and Yiddish, is much sadder in the original Yiddish than in the English translation, (here) as the mother implicitly … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 5/10
A Talmudic story for this evening's consideration -- re safety, sheltering, perhaps even hiding (Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai lived during the 2nd century in Israel, under Roman rule) 'The Talmud relates the following story: Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai spoke critically of the Roman government, … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 4/30
The Ten Commandments: be aware of those who feign law, morality & ethics Beware the hand who dares to inscribe 'the writing on the wall' Daniel 4-5 (or for that matter, any writing, on any wall or any stone 'tablet' -- and for the record, not the Stone Chumash, and not the Apple … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 4/26
Here we examine the 'People of Israel' (in Israel and outside of Israel) -- as we continue to take a closer look at the (long and arduous journey) of the Jewish people, "homeward bound" Jarring notation on the words bound and bond: or perhaps we could also understand this as "to be bound up in … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 4/23
Joy, Memory and Loss A Jewish homeland, a Jewish mother, a son, and a mingling emotional Joy and emotional Sorrow Israeli Memorial Day Yom HaZikaron 2023 / יוֹם הַזִּכָּרוֹן 5783 Israeli Memorial Day remembers those who died in the War of Independence along with all those who have given their … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 4/16
An essay, or a gnawing thought, for our consideration: Did it really happen -- who tells this story (who listens) -- and how it is used . . . (* see note from the Haggadah at very bottom of this page) A 'retelling of a story' is especially critical when the 'retelling' itself demands that we … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 4/5
Here reminding us of the conclusion of the Passover Seder: "Next Year in Jerusalem" When we found ourselves trapped in a never-ending cycle of "Exile and Return" we said this: "If I forget thee Oh Jerusalem" Now we say this: "We have returned unto you, oh Zion" L’Chaim OG and Yedidia Jaiat … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 4/2
Can you handle the truth? -- The real story of the Haggadah -- The real story of the Haggadah for the Seder or for our use, today . . . Is it Rome or the Jews? -- It is certainly not Egypt . . . First, enter the army, then enter the Messiah, and his legions. Then hitch all that to 'fanciful' … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 3/29
A tale of two brothers, Yonatan and Bibi. One sacrificed himself for the sake of the nation. The other is sacrificing the nation for his own sake. This is not the first time we have seen this in our history. . . and sadly, it will not be the last. This evening: The Death of the First Born: A … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 3/22
a Gathering Storm in the Land -- or is it over here, in our world. (is it the Chamsin or is it a sandstorm, one of which is bound to come) Exodus 12:12 וְעָבַרְתִּ֣י בְאֶֽרֶץ־מִצְרַ֘יִם֮ בַּלַּ֣יְלָה הַזֶּה֒ וְהִכֵּיתִ֤י כׇל־בְּכוֹר֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם מֵאָדָ֖ם וְעַד־בְּהֵמָ֑ה … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 3/15
The Writing on the Wall and the Passover 21st-century trends: Reimagining the American Jewish experience https://ejewishphilanthropy.com/21st-century-trends-reimagining-the-american-jewish-experience/ Here are some thoughts (to be understood either as insights or data point … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 3/12
When there was strife or an impasse in the Torah between the people and Moses and/or Aaron, the Israelites at times managed to come to a reconciliation . . . when the Kingdom of Israel and the Kingdom of Judah struggled with each other, internally, the true writing of the nation was 'on the wall . . … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 3/8
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem א שִׁיר הַמַּעֲלוֹת, לְדָוִד: שָׂמַחְתִּי, בְּאֹמְרִים לִי-- בֵּית יְהוָה נֵלֵךְ. Psalm 122:1 A Song of Ascents; of David. {N} I rejoiced when they said unto me: 'Let us go unto the house of the LORD.' ב עֹמְדוֹת, הָיוּ רַגְלֵינוּ-- … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 3/5
Hamentaschen-Latka Debate at 7:00 PM Yes, friends, I will be representing the Lucky Latka Division -- and as many of you I am sure know by now -- the pathetic Hamentaschen are really nowhere's-ville -- As far as I am concerned, Haamentasch are just that: old hat. And as far as I know, who would … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 2/26
When bad things happen to evil people: first we weep, then we breathe, but do we learn? We have looked at this before -- but it is good, especially on this coming "Shabbat of Remembering," to remember . . . yet again. I wasn't sure which 'Amalek' in particular to choose -- but seeing as this … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 2/15
A difficulty with delineated 'boundaries' and perhaps even chaos . . . What is the Torah trying to tell us here: (for the text in question: see below at 'the bottom' of this email and think back to the crossing of the Red Sea -- a place of chaos) Is this about Gd and Moses . . . or is this … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 2/12
Something to ponder on a day like today -- in a time 'like these times' and on a side note: here are the Eagles as foreseen by the Prophet: 'They shall run and not be weary . . .' לא וְקוֹיֵ יְהוָה יַחֲלִיפוּ כֹחַ, יַעֲלוּ אֵבֶר כַּנְּשָׁרִים; יָרוּצוּ וְלֹא יִיגָעוּ, יֵלְכוּ וְלֹא … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 1/25
Who 'tells' what happened -- "our story" and how "we tell it" and the difference it all makes . . . Is this the story? -- really depends on who is telling the story When Israel was in Egypt's land Let my people go Oppress'd so hard they could not stand Let my people go Refrain: Go down, … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 1/22
What do the documents say & the fine art of "dwelling in the dark" You may laugh and scoff, if it’s spooky I’m off At the first sign of something not right It’s true what I’ve said, I’m afraid of the dead And (the) things that go bump in the night (Shel Silverstein) "and there was a … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 1/18
Jewish identity in an ever-changing world of identities -- is it a crime to claim it? Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8521122430?mc_cid=9a31d20c70&mc_eid=UNIQID#success Is it a crime in claiming "Jewishness" . . . after all, are we not unclear as to Moses' leanings . . . The … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 1/15
Leopoldstadt? Vienna, Austria or the world -- a place of modernity, of culture and of refinement . . . . Historical fact: Vienna and all of Austria welcomed the Germans as liberators -- later only to claim themselves, as Austrians, to be victims. --- Just a moment's throw from … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 1/11
Do words lead to final solutions . . . Cancel the words? Cancel the command? Cancel the person? "Just following orders" -- follow from a culture flowing with words of hate -- all of which tends to emanate from somewhere . . . And just "who" were these Hebrew midwives within this culture … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 1/8
Jewish Space Lasers funded by the Rothchilds ("Lions Tigers and Bears, oh my . . "). Exodus Chapter 1:10: "Let us deal shrewdly with them so that they may not increase; otherwise in the event of war they may join our enemies in fighting against us and rise from the ground.” "They are just not … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 1/4
'Jew-splaining' to the Jews' I have spoken of the various African American communities and individuals who claim that they are the real Israelites -- and no, it's not just Ye -- apparently, if you follow the Santos story -- it simply continues a continuing congressional virus as well . . . AOC … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 12/11
Joseph -- (is) life but a dream . . . Joseph and Chanukah: the search for light in a world of darkness The story of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a tale that follows the journey of a dreamer. Joseph is the son of Jacob and one of twelve brothers. He is given a coat of many colors … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 12/4
3:30: Begin the Beguine: Jacob as Israel: a return to the way things were or (divided as) a new path forward Some say: “Begin The Beguine” is a love song to a partner lost, asking to return to how things used to be . . . Begin the Beguine . . . And now when I hear people curse the chance that … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 11/30
'Climbing the Stairway' and reading the 'handwriting on the wall' - we know where the ladder is - but where is the wall and what is the meaning of what is written there? Here's where: Climbing the Stairway to Heaven There's a lady who's sure all that glitters is gold And she's buying a stairway … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 11/20
The newborn brothers -- of a brand New Moon of Kislev -- is/are almost upon us. Chanukah, a rather 'un civil war' at best. As time goes by . . . Moonlight and love songs Never out of date Hearts full of passion Jealousy and hate That no one can deny it's still the same old story A … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 11/9
"Trouble ahead, trouble behind -- and you know that notion just crossed my mind . . ." כו וַתַּבֵּט אִשְׁתּוֹ, מֵאַחֲרָיו; וַתְּהִי, נְצִיב מֶלַח. Genesis 19:26 But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt. How (do) we understand the identity of Lot’s … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 11/6
כ וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה, זַעֲקַת סְדֹם וַעֲמֹרָה כִּי-רָבָּה; וְחַטָּאתָם--כִּי כָבְדָה, מְאֹד. 20 And the LORD said: 'Verily, the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and, verily, their sin is exceeding grievous. כא אֵרְדָה-נָּא וְאֶרְאֶה, הַכְּצַעֲקָתָהּ הַבָּאָה אֵלַי עָשׂוּ כָּלָה; … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 11/2
Are African Americans re-emerging as pawns in a 'Ye' olde/new and ugly Game of Thrones . . . From the Parsha of Noah: Noah is angry at Ham, but lashes out at Ham with these words: "Cursed be Canaan . . . . " כב וַיַּרְא, חָם אֲבִי כְנַעַן, אֵת, עֶרְוַת אָבִיו; וַיַּגֵּד … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 10/26
To Eat and to Die in the Garden of Good and Evil . . בראשׁית ב:יו וַיְצַו יְ־הוָה אֱלֹהִים עַל הָאָדָם לֵאמֹר מִכֹּל עֵץ הַגָּן אָכֹל תֹּאכֵל. ב:יז וּמֵעֵץ הַדַּעַת טוֹב וָרָע לֹא תֹאכַל מִמֶּנּוּ כִּי בְּיוֹם אֲכָלְךָ מִמֶּנּוּ מוֹת תָּמוּת. Gen 1:10Genesis Ch 2: vs 16 And YHWH … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 10/23
The lessons of Noah come flooding back but where's the Dove? -- The Raven, never more . The Hope . . . (Where's the Dove, where's the Rainbow) Genesis 9:15, 16 וְזָכַרְתִּ֣י אֶת־בְּרִיתִ֗י אֲשֶׁ֤ר בֵּינִי֙ וּבֵ֣ינֵיכֶ֔ם וּבֵ֛ין כׇּל־נֶ֥פֶשׁ חַיָּ֖ה בְּכׇל־בָּשָׂ֑ר וְלֹֽא־יִֽהְיֶ֨ה ע֤וֹד … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 10/19
Is it good or is it bad . . . Kanye, slavery or freedom; the darkness of the past creeps back again . . . First, we see וַיַּ֥רְא אֱלֹהִ֖ים כִּי־טֽוֹב in Genesis 1:10 and then (on the exact same day of creation) we see it again -- as if something unusual is happening -- could this allude to a … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 10/12
This just in from the Twitterverse: Sukkot and the State Department? (I wonder if Kanye was also invited)? Here's the Tweet: "Second Gentleman Emhoff will hold a roundtable discussion at the State Department's Sukkot celebration tomorrow at the Blair House" _______ This Twitter pretty much … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 10/9
What? --- Ushpizin! < -- even the mystical Kabbalists have a word to say on the subject. The Festival of Sukkot (Hebrew: סוכות or סֻכּוֹת, sukkōt, or the Festival of Booths, is one of the three festivals listed in the Torah, also known as the "Shalosh Regalim" -- 'times' when the Israelites … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 9/28
So soon after Rosh Hashanah, we observe a 'fast day' . . . what could possibly happen that would merit such an observance? Incidentally, why do the Bride and Groom fast on the day of their wedding . . . very possibly, it is all a matter of life and death. The end of one life and the very beginning … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 9/14
Taking Stock: A Market That Goes Up and Down -- nobody knows where . . . It is estimated to be worth $500,000 to $1 million. Experts say the coin, a quarter-shekel piece featuring palm branches and a wreath and dated to A.D. 69, is among the rarest coins remaining from the bloody … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 9/11
Leil Selichot 2022 / סליחות 5782 WHAT!? 'Praying' in preparation for the High Holidays at Midnight? What is going on here? The13 Attributes perhaps? Seems like a 'massive' undertaking . . . to say the least. סא חֶבְלֵי רְשָׁעִים עִוְּדֻנִי; תּוֹרָתְךָ, לֹא … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 9/7
What is this and why is this -- and why is this now (i.e. in this week's Parsha)? יא לֹא תִלְבַּשׁ שַׁעַטְנֵז, צֶמֶר וּפִשְׁתִּים יַחְדָּו. {ס} Deut 22: 11 Thou shalt not wear a mingled stuff, wool and linen together. {S} Oh, that's a relief - it's Shatnez Free - so don't sweat … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 8/31
Sounding the Shofar -- causes . . . confusion Blowing the shofar — which is actually a Rosh Hashanah activity <— for a month in advance, confuses the prosecuting angel, (also known as 'Satan'), who, in addition to not knowing which day is the real Rosh Hashanah, is actually . . . wait for it . . … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 8/28
Every day of Elul? Shofar, so good? The beginning of the Shofar: is today the day? א וּבַחֹדֶשׁ הַשְּׁבִיעִי בְּאֶחָד לַחֹדֶשׁ, מִקְרָא-קֹדֶשׁ יִהְיֶה לָכֶם--כָּל-מְלֶאכֶת עֲבֹדָה, לֹא תַעֲשׂוּ: יוֹם תְּרוּעָה, יִהְיֶה לָכֶם. Number 29:1 And in the seventh month, on the first day of the … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 8/24
Like a blessing for the Czar, let it be far far away from us . . . Can love and commitment (which have come into being), ever be broken? In the greater scheme of things, this is the month in which to think it over . . . This Friday evening through Saturday evening, Rosh Chodesh Elul 2022 … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 8/17
Resurrection -- somewhat of a 'grave situation' (It falls on the Shabbat immediately preceding the new month of ELUL (or E.l.u.l: "I am for my beloved as my beloved is for me" -- "Ani l'Dodi v'Dodi li"). It is also a month in which we visit the graves of our loved ones, whom we consider to … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 8/14
Memories Light the corners of my mind -- Misty watercolor memories of the way we were Scattered pictures of the smiles we left behind --- smiles we gave to one another, for the way we were Can it be that it was all so simple then? or has time re-written every line? If we had the chance to do … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 8/10
"How" a destroyed Temple might have appeared -- should it have been spared . . . This Shabbat (Sabbath) is 'Shabbat Nachamu' -- which, considering the historical and commemorative stories of this immediate last month, has come pretty much in the nick of time, however perhaps too late for this … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 8/3
How is it that Jerusalem is both reunited and rebuilt and yet this book and its chant are still around . . . what is its purpose any longer? Lamentations ... "Our dancing is turned into mourning. נָֽפְלָה֙ עֲטֶ֣רֶת רֹאשֵׁ֔נוּ אֽוֹי־נָ֥א לָ֖נוּ כִּ֥י חָטָֽאנוּ׃ The crown has fallen from our … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 7/27
The period of the 'Three Weeks' in which we find ourselves . . . and it is often associated with blame and even messianism . . . There are serious issues associated with these 'three weeks' -- and they become even more serious from the beginning of the month of Av (this Thursday evening) for the … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 7/20
A Jerusalem Visit in a Never Ending Time of Change Where are these women from and how did they get in there . . . In the Wilderness 27:6 (Book of Numbers) Tribal Allotments . . . And יהוה said to Moses, כֵּ֗ן בְּנ֣וֹת צְלׇפְחָד֮ דֹּבְרֹת֒ נָתֹ֨ן תִּתֵּ֤ן לָהֶם֙ אֲחֻזַּ֣ת נַחֲלָ֔ה … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 7/10
Reading the future? There is a people that dwells apart, Not reckoned among the nations . . . What the Hell -- you hired a hitman to curse me? The Book of Numbers 22–25 (also known as "In the Wilderness") presents an intricate and carefully crafted story about Balak, the king of Moab, who … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 6/26
"Neither before nor since has there ever been such a day, when the LORD acted on words spoken by a man." (Joshua 10:14) Note: asking Gd to make the sun and the moon stand still -- that's quite a trick for a mere mortal -- and it's explained 'somewhere' . . . So, welcome to the month of … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 6/22
Our stories ~ Our truths ~ Side by Side / Miriam, the Spies, and our very own Rashomon . . . Juxtaposition, reframing and 'the art of many understandings . . . .' What do the Spies of this week have in common with Miriam? Why are they so close -- "side by side"? And just what is "the … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 6/15
Watching 'our words' -- when we feel, and can we heal Numbers 12:12 אַל־נָ֥א תְהִ֖י כַּמֵּ֑ת אֲשֶׁ֤ר בְּצֵאתוֹ֙ מֵרֶ֣חֶם אִמּ֔וֹ וַיֵּאָכֵ֖ל חֲצִ֥י בְשָׂרֽוֹ׃ Please let her not be as if dead, emerge (ing) from its mother’s womb with half its flesh eaten away!” וַיִּצְעַ֣ק מֹשֶׁ֔ה … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 6/12
G-d near? -- 'best beware' -- trouble 'a head' trouble behind Throughout the Bible, we are told to draw near to Gd -- and yet, we are also aware of the need to see danger (in this) closeness . . . . Gd is not easily managed nor manipulated. 'Drawing near' is danger, one we should be more … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 6/1
At the very least, it's 'bound' to be interesting . . . ('im lo l'mala mizeh.') This Shabbat, in synagogues around the world, Jews will begin their study of the biblical Book of Numbers. The Book of Numbers contains some of the most important and consequential tales of Israel's journey through … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 5/22
"Jews will not replace us" -- with them: from Ramses to Goshen and beyond . . . יב וְכַאֲשֶׁר יְעַנּוּ אֹתוֹ, כֵּן יִרְבֶּה וְכֵן יִפְרֹץ; וַיָּקֻצוּ, מִפְּנֵי בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל.12 But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And they were … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 5/18
7:00 -- The Plague lets up after 33 days . . . and then, a rather deadly "Mandate" . . . Tonight we will look more deeply into the original(s) of this important story . . . for it is "the story which always counts" "Lag BaOmer" this year begins at sundown tonight The ל״ג בעומר -- 33rd day of … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 5/11
Lavush signon l'machshavah, "The garment is indicative of identity." What else does it say? Jewish travelers on a German plane -- dressed as Jews -- 'seams' as if fashion never goes out of style What does it say about Joseph's brothers who sell Joseph as a slave? What does it say about Potifar's … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 5/3
Sergey V. Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, said Hitler had Jewish roots . . . Are the Russian foreign minister’s comments antisemitic -- which makes me wonder, who gets to define what is and what is not antisemitism? Following an interview Mr. Lavrov gave on Sunday to an Italian television … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 4/20
Mo'edim l'Simcha . . . Is this what is read on the Sabbath of Passover? (Is this our legacy? Is this the meaning of our lives?) "What's love got to do with it . . . What's love but a second-hand emotion? -- Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken?" or this . . . Warm regards … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Web 4/13
Seems like everyone is getting into the Act(s) or perhaps just 'putting in his own two zuzim' (i.e. his or her own two cents). "Expounding on the Passover/Exodus?" What's *the story* with the Seder -- or are we talking about Evil Egypt or Ruinous Romeo (Pax Romana)? And why would *anyone* stay up … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 4/6
Dear everyone -- yes, this week we read of Elijah, this Passover, we open the door for Elijah, we welcome the newborn with the chair of Elijah, we usher in the new week with the chanting of welcome, to Elijah. How will we know . . . whom will we ask? It will come as no surprise, Elijah comes in … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 4/3
Today at 3:30: 'Passover: Preparing to leave Egypt as an 'angel of death' flies overhead . . . 'a fly zone in a time of life renewed כג וְעָבַר יְהוָה, לִנְגֹּף אֶת-מִצְרַיִם, וְרָאָה אֶת-הַדָּם עַל-הַמַּשְׁקוֹף, וְעַל שְׁתֵּי הַמְּזוּזֹת; וּפָסַח יְהוָה, עַל-הַפֶּתַח, וְלֹא יִתֵּן … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Wed 3/30
(An earthly time of both) Heaven and Hell, In certain parts of the world, it's . . . . Black Sabbath They say that life's a carousel Spinning fast, you've got to ride it well The world is full of kings and queens Who blind your eyes and steal your dreams It's heaven and hell, oh well -- And … [Read more...]
Weekly Torah Gatherings – Sun 3/27
Why a pig as 'the' overwhelming symbol of that which is not Kosher -- who's the pig today? The pig was chosen as 'the' overwhelming symbol of that which is Treif, -- so, who's the pig today . . . here's a seal of a real pig . . . oh, and there's more. Here's a hint, it is not the accused … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Sun 03/20
Put in these terms: 'Can't touch this . . .' Sometimes you just cannot touch something that crosses a boundary or a border . . . You can't touch this . . . MC Hammer "My, my, my . . . my music hits me so hard, makes me say, "Oh my Lord bless my time . . . Thank you for blessin' me with a mind … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 03/16
Dear everyone, (Be sure to read to the end, today -- it might be worth it this time). Below, note the words: "Eid Mar" . . . "Beware the Ides of March" Instead of our regularly Lerhaus Newshul gathering this evening, as it is the beginning of the Festival of Purim, our very own fellow … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Sun 03/13
Dear all . . . We and the World should be so fortunate this Purim . . . "Remember - Do not Forget . . . לֹא תִּשְׁכָּח" מִלְחָמָה, בַּעֲמָלֵק--מִדֹּר, דֹּר. . . . / Exodus 17:16 . . . There will be a (savage) war with Amalek from generation to generation. Could it be that Agag and Haman … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 03/09
Please don’t let our country to be exterminated,” Zelensky said before signing off. “They deserve to live. Extermination, metaphor or reality . . . in: "As You Like It" All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 11/10
Apparently the cheater -- is now cheated . . . . Can something which is crooked become straightened? Our Tradition teaches that anyone (or really anything, for that matter) can change for the better -- but it is not something that can be left to chance, it requires a lot of work 'to turn' -- 'to … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 6/30
Download Weekly Study MaterialsSpecial to the Washington Post / National Few American Jews are non-White, but a new poll shows that is likely to change . . . . . . . what will it require for us to remain together as a ‘people’ -- what will be the dimensions of our identity and our future -- and … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 6/23 Sun 6/27
Download Weekly Study MaterialsJune 18, 2021 / Variety Magazine Can we as Jews live with ‘others’ telling us who we are and what we are -- ‘Jewish Identity’ -- Who determines it -- Who defines it . . . Too Jewish For Hollywood: As Antisemitism Soars, Hollywood Should Address Its Enduring … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 6/16 & Sun 6/20
Download Weekly Study MaterialsDear everyone, In keeping with our forum-like (in class) discussions of Jewish Identity, we have examined a tendency among the Jewish people to unify, especially in the face of others telling us who we are and who and what we, as Jews, should be . . . . for our own … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 6/9 & Sun 6/13
Download Materials - Biblical References Download Materials - The Pew StudyWashington Post / May 11, 2021 ReligionNew poll: Young U.S. Jews becoming more Orthodox as American Judaism splits between devout and secular Young U.S. Jews are far more Orthodox than their parents or grandparents, a … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 6/2 & Sun 6/6
Download Materials - Torah Quotes Download Materials - GoysplainingDonna Brazile, former chair of the Democratic National Committee, writes in the Wall Street Journal regarding the rise of antisemitism in the United States today. Of course, please note that there is a serious rise in … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 5/26 & Sun 5/30
Download Weekly Study Materials 'Neighborhood Bully' Bob Dylan turned 80 on Monday as the People of Israel now approaches 4,000 years. This is painful to people who hate Jews, and hide behind hating Jewish Israel . . . the Gd of Israel, the land of Israel and the people of Israel . . . Happy … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 5/19 & Sun 5/23
Download Weekly Study MaterialsDepending on when you receive this email, we would be remiss if we didn't include in the class-notes-attachment what we now know as the second sacred and historical festival of the Jewish calendar. We have spent an inordinate amount of time in our gatherings pouring … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 5/12 & Sun 5/16
Download Weekly Study Materials In honor of Shavu'ot this Sunday evening, I wanted to introduce a new young Israeli singer, songwriter, and composer from the town of Ashdot in Israel, Yuval Dayan (יובל דיין). When she was interviewed about this song, she said that it was inspired by what Ruth had … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 5/5 & Sun 5/9
Download Weekly Study Materials Pirke Avot Chapter 2, Siman 5 . . . וּבְמָקוֹם שֶׁאֵין אֲנָשִׁים, הִשְׁתַּדֵּל לִהְיוֹת אִיש: In a place where there is no man, strive to be a man . . . in Yiddish: 'zai a mensch' in a place where no one is . . . In a world devoid of humanity, Israel as a … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 4/28 & Sun 5/2
Download Weekly Study Materials There is nothing new coming from many political and 'religious' quarters of the world, all claiming Israel as racist and further pushing forward the claim of Israel as an apartheid state. I think our ancestor Ruth would find that to be simply incredulous. We have … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 4/21 & Sun 4/25
Download Weekly Study Materials Not 80 years have gone by since an attempt at an almost full destruction of the Jewish people -- and yet both in Israel and abroad, there have arisen an outpouring of new expressions of Jewish culture, all of which are emerging from what one might describe as from … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 4/14 & Sun 4/18
Download Weekly Study Materials The Israeli Independence Day (יום העצמאות,Yom Ha'atzmaut) --Jewish Miracle or Jewish Blasphemy The Israeli Independence Day (יום העצמאות, Yom Ha'atzmaut) is a day commemorating the Israeli Declaration of Independence in 1948. It is 'marked' by official and … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 4/7 & Sun 4/11
Download Weekly Study Materials So many messages following the Passover and in reflection of the times we live. I often speak of translation and change, and as a result, I will often reflect on 'translation' which appears to be more in the realm of 'interpretation' -- and by that, we can … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 3/31
Download Weekly Study Materials Church membership in the U.S. has fallen below the majority for the first time in nearly a century Full article from the Washington Post here: From the Washington Post: Religion (Where it says Church, read also Synagogue) … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 3/24 & Sun 3/28
Download Weekly Study Materials A very wise pre-Passover reminder: "Man does not live by bread alone . . . ב וְזָכַרְתָּ אֶת-כָּל-הַדֶּרֶךְ, אֲשֶׁר הוֹלִיכְךָ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ זֶה אַרְבָּעִים שָׁנָה--בַּמִּדְבָּר: לְמַעַן עַנֹּתְךָ לְנַסֹּתְךָ, לָדַעַת אֶת-אֲשֶׁר בִּלְבָבְךָ … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 3/17 & Sun 3/21
Download Weekly Study Materials The Torah, The Nevi'im and the Ketuvim -- The TaNaKh -- תנ’’ך Some people call it the Old Testament and some people call it the Bible. We call it the Tanakh, the unbreakable Covenant between Gd and the people Gd has chosen to be his people. Israeli archeologists … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 3/10 & Sun 3/14
Download Weekly Study Materials Below is a briefer version of an article which appeared in the New York Times this past week. At first glance, it appears as a newsy or perhaps as a political update in the ongoing religious tensions and conflicts among the various Jewish communities in … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 3/3 & Sun 3/7
Download Weekly Study Materials In the same week we read in the Torah of The Red Heifer, we are forced to confront its' child, a Calf of Gold (i.e. the Mask of Masecha) / the contrast, like the sheen of Gold, is blinding. The image of a lethal Golden-touch stretches back millennia, even to … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 2/24 & Sun 2/28
Download Weekly Study Materials Ahasuerus, Haman & Mordechai / Assassination and Lynchings in Shushan Either we all hang together, or perhaps we will all hang separately . . . Here's a truth: targeted assassinations and their equally evil stepchild, 'high tech lynchings' change history, … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 2/17 & Sun 2/21
Download Weekly Study Materials Two days after Mr. Kinzinger called for removing Mr. Trump from office following the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol, 11 members of his family sent him a handwritten two-page letter, saying he was in cahoots with “the devil’s army” for making a public break with the … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 2/10 & Sun 2/14
Download Weekly Study Materials A video shows a retired police employee in the midst of an anti-Semitic rant. She says she’s the one being ‘persecuted.’ When an SUV blocked-in Leslie Socolov’s Toyota Prius outside of a Vietnamese restaurant in Boca Raton on Saturday, the retired homicide … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 2/3 & Sun 2/7
Download Weekly Study Materials Anti Semitism today (as if it were different from yesterday). Our good friends from YidLife Crisis discuss, in the Yiddish of our own times, antisemitism. Download Weekly Study Materials … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 1/27 & Sun 1/31
Download Weekly Study Materials COVID UPDATE FOR THE ENTIRE WORLD TO SEE Israel, Palestinians, and COVID vaccines: A reality check excerpted from The Times of Israel Written by David Harris January 26, 2021 Dear All, This is what we are dealing with now. Nothing short of Jew hatred in the … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 1/20 & Sun 1/24
Download Weekly Study Materials Rabbis who bless Congress . . . By Howard Mortman, January 16th, 2021, Special to the Forward Rabbi Seth Frisch, The New Shul of America, the last Rabbinic Address before the advent of Covid 19. This message before Congress remains in effect, even and … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 1/13 & Sun 1/17
Download Weekly Study Materials Rabbi Seth Frisch: My Washington Notebook Notes of Lot as a resident alien, a slavery like no other and an attempt to violently change the United States Goverment -- a Modern Merism -- i.e. 'from the highest levels down to the rank and file thugs who stormed the … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 1/6 & Sun 1/10
Download Weekly Study MaterialsDear everyone, Today we have a video clip of 'British-keit' from our friends at YidLife Crisis, who I might add have been very helpful in parsing out and in assisting us with some of the more difficult nuances of our Yiddish-common-parlance, along with the … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 12/30 & Sun 1/3
Download Weekly Study Materials The Double Date - Yid Life Crisis -- with Mayim Bialik Actress plays no-nonsense neurosurgeon pre-screening her schmendrick suitors in less-than-romantic ‘YidLife Crisis’ episode “Big Bang Theory” actress and attachment parenting guru Mayim Bialik guest stars in … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 12/23 & Sun 12/27
Jews, Christmas Eve, Chinese Food, and Yiddish -- be sure to note the references to 'Tuches ofen Tish' and 'a Shanda fon Der Goyim' (also known as 'a Shanda for the Goyim'). Importantly, please make sure to watch this before Christmas Eve this Friday evening -- and importantly before the Aserah … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 12/16 & Sun 12/20
Download Weekly Study Materials Dear everyone, This week, it's the Menorah which readily comes to mind. Not because we're discussing seized Jewish art in light of the 'reluctance' of European governments and institutions to even consider 'return,' but because of the importance of possessing … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 12/9 & Sun 12/13
Anne Frank – is she still Jewish or is she owned by the Dutch. . . Download Weekly Study Materials Friends, I am always intrigued when the subject of Holland or the Netherlands comes up in conversation. As you know, and as the story goes, the Dutch as feted, heroically saved their Jews in … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 12/2 & Sun 12/6
Download Weekly Study Materials Dear Everyone, We have been honest in our usage of 'History' especially with the added benefit of ‘intertextual’ studies. Once we place the various accounts of history alongside of each other, almost like a ‘Barnes Arrangement,’ a new understanding tends to … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 11/25 & Sun 11/29
Download Weekly Study MaterialsDear everyone, COVID-19 first started as a public health crisis and quickly morphed into one of the worst economic crises we have experienced since the Great Depression. It has also created one of America’s worst hunger crises that we have seen in … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 11/18 & Sun 11/22
Download Weekly Study Materials Dear everyone, The great non transition of our government continues to proceed alarmingly apace with very little let-up in sight. I am not sure how this non transition can possibly be construed as good for America and for what we all face together as a nation at … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 11/11 & Sun 11/15
Download Weekly Study Materials 'The Handwriting on the Wall' We are going to a slightly different format this week. Immediately below are the materials for this week's Torah Study which includes an actual picture of a wall of the Barnes Museum in order to better demonstrate the idea of … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 11/4 & Sun 11/9
Intimacy in the Shadow of Separation "Abraham and Lot Depart for Canaan" Attributed to David Vinckboons (1585-1600) ________________________________________________ ה וְגַם-לְלוֹט--הַהֹלֵךְ, אֶת-אַבְרָם הָיָה צֹאן-וּבָקָר, וְאֹהָלִים. Gn 13: 5 And Lot also, who went with … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 10/28 & Sun 11/1
Here we have something we have not seen before, we have ‘a man given a plan and a blessing.’ But before we begin to extol the great blessing bestowed upon our new(ist) hero Abraham, let us at the very least understand the context in which he emerges. We have spent an inordinate amount of time … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Sun 10/25
We find ourselves in the midst of the Torah's beginning cycles -- somewhere between reading about 'Noah and the Flood' on the one hand and Abraham and the challenges he meets on the other. It is of special interest to us that Noah is depicted in such superlative terms, especially in that his … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 10/21 & Sun 10/25
David Takes a Census 1 Chronicles 21 (parallel text: 2 Samuel 24) Satan rose up against Israel and caused David to take a census of the people of Israel. 2 So David said to Joab and the commanders of the army, “Take a census of all the people of Israel—from Beersheba in the south to Dan in the … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 10/13 & Sun 10/17
So, in essence, this Haftarah -- of the day before the new moon -- is the Story of David and Jonathan . . . and here is a brief set up, before the haftarah begins: David runs to Jonathan. “Jonathan, your father is still trying to kill me.” The haftarah starts here: “Tomorrow is Rosh Chodesh. … [Read more...]
Our Torah Gatherings – Wed 10/7
Although Hoshana Raba may technically be the “last day of Sukkot, the Rabbis (not the Rabbis of the Talmud, rather much later, the Rabbis called ‘the Geonim,’ (< -- yes, they were the Babylonian rabbis) decided to treat Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah as part of Sukkot. Essentially, they … [Read more...]
Leading in prayer, honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
https://youtu.be/mlX6GE5sOKw … [Read more...]
Join us for a discussion on Social and Racial Justice
We hope to see you there this Shabbat, January 17 at 8 pm. … [Read more...]
Racist expressions cloaked in anti Semitic outbursts?
The Lerhaus Newshul Community, www.newshulofamerica.org, chooses to express disgust with racist expressions cloaked in anti Semitic outbursts by Linda 'Sarsour.' … [Read more...]
Volunteer at Philabundance (Philabundance.org)!
It’s inconceivable that people should know hunger any longer in America — and yet they do. I am pulling together a group to volunteer at Philabundance (Philabundance.org) and I’m hoping you will consider joining together for this important mitzvah. Please let me know if you would like to help — … [Read more...]
Mazel Tov!
Please join me in congratulating Sabrina Mintz on the occasion of her Bat Mitzvah and welcoming her as our newest young adult into The Lerhaus NewShul Community. Mazal Tov! Her dad was a little teary-eyed, her mother and sisters held it together and the Fleischer Art School will never be the same! … [Read more...]
The Lerhaus/Newshul project and the realm of Black Jewish relations.
Friends, As many of you know, our Lerhaus/Newshul project has chosen to enter and engage in the realm of Black Jewish relations for a number of reasons, the most important of which is the re-emergence of anti-Semitism and the ongoing challenge of racism in America and frankly around the world. I … [Read more...]
Here is a statement in the form of a FB post from Rabbi Uri Pilichowski, colleague in Israel, in which he gives his opinion of Warren and Sanders and the Progressive wing of the Democratic Party.
It is very clear what his orientation is, one that I do not always agree with, but at the same time, I do find his view interesting enough to share with the Lerhaus New Shul community. As a side note: All opinions welcome , but Ad Hominem attacks and defensiveness in light of what he wrote are not … [Read more...]
A delegation of the New Shul of Lerhaus was invited to attend this past week’s inauguration of the newly formed Black Jewish Caucus of the United States Congress House of Representatives in Washington D.C.
It was an important event for a number of the more obvious reasons, including the well documented rise in hate crimes throughout the United States over the past few years, many of which were aimed at the African American community along with seriously noted rise in hate crimes directed towards the … [Read more...]
Kol Shofar / New Shul Announcements
Shabbat and Shalom at the New Shul Tekiah, Todah Rabbah -- Thank you! Sally Mitlas and the Boys to Menschen Jonathan and Jonathan of J2 Catering (Schecter and Hartig respectively) Special thanks to Harvey and Bonnie Weiner for their friendship and there incredibly generous assistance. … [Read more...]
Welcome to the New Shul! – Newsletter, September 17th 2018
Welcome to Our First Newsletter! Welcome to the beginning of a new venture, a new kind community, or a *New Shul of Jewish Thought.* As we all know, the Jewish community is experiencing tremendous change, which in turn is having a significant impact on what it means to be Jewish, for all of us. … [Read more...]