Rabbi Jim‘s Podcast

Looking at B'ha-alotkha we find an observance from the Torah that might drive many of us to plan long trips during a certain Spring holiday.  The Torah speaks of the situation when one cannot observe Passover due to being ritually impure from contact with a dead body, or if one is on a 'long trip.'  This second Passover existed so that one could remain tied to the community's holiday of Jewish identity.  Ironically, the Haftara (reading from the prophets) for this Torah portion is shared with the haftara for the Shabbat during Hanukkah, another holiday that was also...a 'do-over.'

Numbers 9

Zechariah 4

For all of us affected by the storms in Oklahoma, a reflection, a biblical reminder and a prayer.

II Kings Chapter 2

In the aftermath of the recent shootings in our country, I felt that we needed to rethink how we react/respond to these horrible events.  As Jews we are familiar with the face of evil whether it be Pharaoh, Haman, or Hitler.  A natural response can be to become angry, yet this may actually get in the way of how grief really unfolds in our lives.  Perhaps we need to learn how to be with such events first, then try to figure out what we do to respond.

In the aftermath of the recent shootings in our country, I felt that we needed to rethink how we react/respond to these horrible events.  As Jews we are familiar with the face of evil whether it be Pharaoh, Haman, or Hitler.  A natural response can be to become angry, yet this may actually get in the way of how grief really unfolds in our lives.  Perhaps we need to learn how to be with such events first, then try to figure out what we do to respond.

With the events in Newtown, Conn. in hearts and minds I wanted to look to Torah.  There in the portions that surround parashat Miketz, the Torah portion of Hanukkah, we find two emotional moments echoing the events in Newtown.  In Genesis 45 we read the episode when Jacob is told that Joseph is still alive.  Think of the families who had this moment yesterday in the middle of this tragedy.  Consider what it meant to hear their son or daughter was, "...yet alive."  Then turn to Genesis 37:29-35 and we find the moment where Jacob is told the lie by the sons that Joseph was dead.  In the middle of the biblical story, are Jacob's daughters.  I believe as a nation we are Jacob's daughters today, we are those who witness the grief of devastated parents who mourn the loss of their children.

Genesis 45 - JPS Old

Genesis 37 - JPS Old

With the events in Newtown, Conn. in hearts and minds I wanted to look to Torah.  There in the portions that surround parashat Miketz, the Torah portion of Hanukkah, we find two emotional moments echoing the events in Newtown.  In Genesis 45 we read the episode when Jacob is told that Joseph is still alive.  Think of the families who had this moment yesterday in the middle of this tragedy.  Consider what it meant to hear their son or daughter was, "...yet alive."  Then turn to Genesis 37:29-35 and we find the moment where Jacob is told the lie by the sons that Joseph was dead.  In the middle of the biblical story, are Jacob's daughters.  I believe as a nation we are Jacob's daughters today, we are those who witness the grief of devastated parents who mourn the loss of their children.

Genesis 45 - JPS Old

Genesis 37 - JPS Old

I delivered this sermon at Kol Nidre this year.  It was sparked by several events including the scandal at Penn State during this past year.  We wonder how such events could happen, especially at a school known for academic integrity.  Yet, this is a lesson, and even the members of the Penn State football team are a lesson for us as we wrestle with our own efforts to forgive and become better.

Freeing David

Sports Illustrated - 3/17/1980

Is it just in our nature to be fearful of the stranger or the 'other' in our society?  What happens when Jews forget acceptance and understanding and even begin to create strangers out of fellow Jews in our midst?  This sermon examines the 'otherness' we experience in the world and in ourselves with a reminder that Nehemiah read before both men and women at Jerusalem's Water Gate.

The Wedding that was not

German Ban on Circumcision

Salt, Without a Blue Image

No Women Allowed...

Nehemiah Chapter 8

Shannah Tovah U'Metukah! A sweet and happy Jewish New Year to all of you.  This podcast is my Rosh Hashannah evening service and in it we will explore the meaning of the phrase, V'Ani Tefillati, I am my ... Tefillah.

I would invite you to give to the cause mentioned in this sermon and add your piece of Tikkun, of repair to our world through your Tzedakah (charity).

I have included the link below.

We Are Sikhs

Sikhs Donate to Wisconsin Officer Shot at Temple

Shalom and thank you for listening.  This week we are going to look at Parashat Shoftim, a Torah portion that speaks to the qualities  we are supposed to look for  when appointing judges.  Perhaps this parasha also has some lessons for those of us who are the chief justices in our court of personal opinions...