Parashat Yitro - February 2021
Combatting loneliness is not about being physically close to others, but about sharing meaningful connections and experiences with others. It’s about going to Torah study on Shabbat morning with the knowledge that you can bring your whole self. It’s about having Zoom calls with friends simply to catch up and share some laughs. And for Moses, it’s about sharing his burden with the larger community so they too can participate in the project of nation-building.
Parashat Mishpatim - February 2020
The Psalmist tells us that God is close to all who come near. This is, in essence, an invitation. We cannot pretend to know God or understand anything about God, but we can try to recognize when God feels near to us, when God’s presence surrounds us. And where do we recognize this presence? Along the journey, of course.
Parashat Bereishit - The Tree of Life October 2019
The book of Proverbs teaches us that God’s teaching is a tree of life to those who hold fast to it, and all who hold onto it are happy. Not only does the tree of life represent immortality and resilience, but it represents the joy of our tradition. The Torah sits at the center of our lives as Jews, and the Tree of life sits at the center of the Garden of Eden. So too, the Tree of Life synagogue in Squirrel Hill sits at the center of our narrative as American Jews. It defines our current experience, including our uncanny ability to show up and exhibit resilience in the face of fear and uncertainty.
Yom Kippur 2018
Narrowness of vision does not only harm our communities; it can also harm our own spiritual lives at a time when repentance and reflection are crucial. But how can we guard against it? At times, isn’t this narrowness used as a protection mechanism, an instinctive tool used to guard ourselves from getting hurt? Our opening story about Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai can help us answer this question.
Parashat Matot-Masei - July 2018
Just like the Israelites, we have a difficult task ahead of us when considering our relationship to the land of Israel. And according to this parashah, there are two ways we can approach this relationship: we can either go 75% of the way, settling down where we are comfortable and where we will prosper, or we can continue the journey, unsure of what is ahead but hopeful that it will lead to better things. While it is much easier to focus on our personal comfort and well-being, we must consider the ramifications for our community.