Rabbi’s Thoughts

A new year frequently brings change, sometimes welcome, sometimes less so. As the new Jewish year 5,778 approaches we have learned of a change that will impact an institution [...]

Jewish tradition identifies three basic categories of prayer: petitionary, thanksgiving and awe. (Someone suggested that these three categories might be better identified as “Gimme, Thanks & Wow!”) I’d like [...]

On Saturday, June 24, I will have the opportunity to experience four sacred experiences, three of which you, too, can experience! It will begin with Torah Study, from 8:30-9:30 [...]

I conducted an interesting experiment as a prelude to writing these words. I entered into Google’s search engine the phrase “antidote to despair”. I found the results intriguing. Among the [...]

In May 1897, the great American humorist, novelist and social critic Samuel Clemens — best known by his pen name, Mark Twain — was in London. It was one [...]

Preparing to write this column for the month in which we celebrate the holiday of Purim, I engaged in a fascinating and painful Google search. I entered “Purim + [...]

Since 2009, North American Jewish Communities have been celebrating Jewish Disability Awareness Month in February. Now known as Jewish Disability and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), it is an opportunity to [...]

To the New Year W. S. Merwin With what stillness at last you appear in the valley your first sunlight reaching down to touch the tips of a few [...]

November 9, 2016.......The Morning After I am not a believer in serendipity. Nonetheless, I am always pleased when it shows up. I went to sleep late on the night [...]

In one of my High Holy Day sermons this year, I explained my support for Massachusetts Ballot Question #3, which would prohibit certain methods of farm animal containment, a [...]