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Parashat Emor “Speak” I recently learned a wonderful Hassidic tale about the holiness of Shabbat. In this story, Rabbis Zusha and Elimelech wonder if the intense holiness they feel on…

Parashat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim “After Death-Holy” In this week’s parashah, Acharei Mot–Kedoshim (Leviticus 16:1–20:27), we’re reminded of the importance of building an inclusive and welcoming community. In the Torah, we are…

Yom Ha’atzmaut “Independence Day” In his final public speech, the great Israeli writer and peace activist Amos Oz said: “You could not find — in my childhood and certainly not today —…

Yom HaZikaron “Day of Remembrance” With the state of our world right now, it’s easy to get caught up in the politicization of moments and forget the daily human elements and connections…

Parashat Tazria-Metzora “She Bears-Leper” The double parashah of Tazria-Metzora describes in great detail the kinds of bodily afflictions known as tzaraat, often translated as leprosy or some other skin disease. But it is not only…

Rosh Chodesh Iyyar Rosh Chodesh Iyyar for the Hebrew year 5786 begins at sundown on Thursday, April 16, 2026, and ends at nightfall on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Rosh Chodesh is a monthly…

Yom HaShoah “Holocaust Remembrance Day” Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) is an interesting day. We are somber for all that was lost: pieces of our culture, our people, our places, our…

Parashat Shemini “Eighth” It can take a lot of discipline to stand out in a crowd and not follow a popular trend. However, when one adapts a unique practice that…