Omer 5786/2026 At seder last night and again this evening, we will participate in counting the Omer. These 49 days, seven full weeks from the second night of Passover to the night of Shavuot, invite us to be more attentive and thankful for the gift of time. Rabbi Karen Kedar has assembled a remarkable anthology, “Omer: […]
A Passover Prayer of Freedom for Shabbat HaGadol The sabbath before Passover in known as Shabbat HaGadol, The Great Sabbath. Not the Shabbat before the High Holy Days, Sukkot or Purim, but rather before Pesach. Why? Because more than any other sacred occasion, Passover is about freedom. Z’man Cheiruteinu — Season of our liberation. So on this Sabbath before […]
A Family of Foreigners: Reunion on the Eve of Evelation Before we get to the dramatic revelation of the Ten Commandments, before we get a comprehensive restructuring of a judicial system, the first thing we get in this week’s Torah portion is a family reunification story. When a tired, thirsty, hungry, stateless and homeless person winds up at his door, Jethro, a priest of Midian and a prosperous shepherd, does not ask […]
A Prayer for Shabbat Shirah: Keeping the Faith on a Long Hard Journey God Who parted the waters for our ancestors, Source of miracles Who taught Moses and Miriam the Song of the Sea Creator of the universe Who rescues the helpless from destruction. Be with us as you were with those who went before us. When we are doubtful, strengthen us with confidence. When we are fearful, guide […]
Significant Firsts in the Second Round of Plagues: The Meaning of Parshat Bo Amid the Anxiety of ICE Within the narrative arc of The Ten Plagues on Egypt, Exodus 10:1-12 represents several significant firsts for Pharaoh and his court during the eighth punishment, locusts. It is the first time Pharaoh’s inner circle challenges the all-powerful ruler. They ask him, […]
Pillar of Strength When Things Keep Getting Worse: Rosa Parks and the 70th Anniversary of the Montgomery Boy Boycott We gather tonight for Martin Luther King Jr. Shabbat after another long and difficult week for our nation. The message of tonight’s speaker, Professor Nikki Brown, promises to bring hope and inspiration after the death this […]
An Ounce of Compassion: The Courage of Pharoah’s Daughter and Call to Action Sometimes an ounce of compassion amid an ocean of cruelty can make all the difference. Take for example this week’s Torah portion. As Exodus begins, the Hebrews have been subjected to slavery and systematic murder of their infant sons when the narrative […]
Happy Hanukkah The festival of lights begins at sundown Sunday. Here at Temple Adath Israel, we have a terrific lineup of events and programs (weather permitting). Vodka Latke, a celebration of food and fun, is tomorrow night at 6. Our annual Hanukkah Carnival, presented by the Social Action Committee, starts Sunday immediately after Religious School. […]
Wrestling: A Poetic Approach Three Writers on Jacob’s Altercation With the Angel For all the poetry lovers out there, this Shabbat is another especially good one for you. After 20 years away from home, Jacob returns but not without confronting his past. All this time, the guilt of deceiving his father and robbing his brother […]
