Tag Archives: Torah

Blogging the Torah: Parashat Vayeira, Ishmael, Isaac, and the Rabbi’s Bathroom

Posted on November 19, 2016 by

A few weeks ago a pipe burst in the ceiling above our tub. The building quickly repaired it and covered it up for a few weeks. When it came time to make sure that the pipe was holding, we decided … Continue reading →

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“The Other” Is You

Posted on December 23, 2015 by

In preparation for the new season of Downton Abbey, PBS ran a behind-the-scenes show the other night. I was struck by their insistence on propriety. Clothing, posture, and manners must adhere to the period. (Although, we have caught a few … Continue reading →

Posted in Judaism, Teaching/Education, Tefillah (prayer), Torah | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Shabbat Nachamu: If Only

Posted on July 31, 2015 by

This Shabbat is Shabbat Nachamu, the Shabbat of consolation. We, as a Jewish people, are supposed to be so bereft by the loss of the Temple in Jerusalem that even these many years later we need to be consoled. Unfortunately, … Continue reading →

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Blogging the Torah: Parashat Chayei Sarah, Ulai

Posted on November 14, 2014 by

On most days, I usually think that it must be a good day if I do not say, “mah la-asot?” (what can you do?) or “yiyeh-tov” (it will be all right) too early in the day.  On some days I say both. … Continue reading →

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Blogging the Torah: Parashat Noach, Even the Umbrellas are Closed

Posted on October 5, 2013 by

We are into the fast-paced section of the Torah. In just one portion, we covered all of creation, Adam and Eve, Eden, Cain and Abel and more. It seems that last week God create the earth and this week, God … Continue reading →

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Coincidence, I Think Not

Posted on September 28, 2013 by

I had a friend who lived with a terrible lung disease.  She used to say, “God doesn’t micromanage.” I’ve always felt uncomfortable with the idea that every little occurrence has some meaning beyond what it is.  Somehow I just always … Continue reading →

Posted in God, Jewish Holidays, Judaism, Spirituality, Sukkot, Torah | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Blogging the Torah: Parashat Pinchas, Whose Seed is it Anyway?

Posted on June 27, 2013 by

This post is dedicated to my teacher, my friend, Hazzan Faith Steinsnyder. If royal watchers were Bob Dylan fans, they might be singing “The Times They Are A Changin’.” The Parliament has passed a law allowing the monarchy to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Music, Spirituality, Teaching/Education, Torah, Women | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Blogging the Torah: Parashat Balak, Mah Tovu Ohalech WCN

Posted on June 20, 2013 by

I am renewed.  I am exhausted. There is music running around my brain.  I wake up with a song in my head.  My cup is filled after a glorious week with my chaverot at the Women Cantors’ Network annual conference.  … Continue reading →

Posted in God, Judaism, Music, Spirituality, Tefillah (prayer), Torah, Women | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Park or Shul? Who Decides?

Posted on May 21, 2013 by

As an American, I take a lot of rights for granted.  And when those rights are not available to all, I feel it in my bones.  For this is America. When it comes to prayer, I assume that I can … Continue reading →

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Blogging the Torah: Parashat Emor, The Blasphemer Revisited

Posted on April 23, 2013 by

I heard a d’var Torah today that focuses on the blasphemer in Emor, this week’s Torah portion.  It sparked my memory that I had written the Dvar Torah below last year.  At that point, I didn’t know that the story … Continue reading →

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