Judaism

“The Evolving Holiday”
(updated and revised from Simchat Torah 5767-2006)

One of the most joyous days of the Jewish calendar, Simchat Torah, as it is celebrated today, is a relatively new holiday that became popular in the Middle Ages, around the 14th century. The customs and rituals of this holiday have interesting origins, and, in fact, seem to still be evolving and developing in contemporary times.

“Worshiping G-d Wholeheartedly”
(updated and revised from Sukkot 5765-2004)

In an affluent society, such as the one in which we live, it is often difficult to find opportunities to worship G-d wholeheartedly. By sacrificing our creature comforts and entering the ill-furnished sukkah, we send G-d a message that we are prepared to give up some of our earthly conveniences for Him. History shows that when we make these sacrifices, we often get paid back--big time!

A Propitious Time for Repentance"
(updated and revised from Haazinu 5762-2001)

Our rabbis say that the month of Tishrei is a propitious time for Teshuva, repentance. It is a time when G-d comes out into the “field” to meet us. G-d does not desire for
anyone to die, but rather that the wicked will return from their evil ways and survive.

“Actions and their Implications”
(updated and revised from Rosh Hashana 5766-2005)

Rosh Hashana provides us with a unique opportunity for introspection and self-evaluation. Unfortunately, most people often fail to realize the implications of their actions, deeds and words. What we think is innocuous, can often be terribly destructive.

“The Promise of Total Return”
(updated and revised from Nitzavim-Vayeilech 5762-2002)

It has been said regarding Jewish life in America that our grandparents prayed for a “Melting Pot,” but what we've gotten instead is a meltdown! Despite the staggering losses of Jews to assimilation, the Torah in parashat Nitzavim gives us hope for the future. If we are to bring our lost brothers and sisters back, we need to mobilize the community of committed Jews to reach out to the non-committed. “For the price of a chicken, we can bring a Jew home!”

"The Centrality of Joy in Jewish Observance"
(updated and revised from Kee Tavo 5764-2004)

Parashat Kee Tavo is one of the two parashiot in the Torah that features the terrifying prophecies known as the "Tochacha"--G-d's reproof of the Jewish people for not following His Torah. The Tochachapredicts that the Jewish people will bear sons and daughters who will not be theirs. It warns that these children will go into captivity because, "You failed to serve the Lord, your G-d, amid gladness of heart, when everything was abundant." More than anything else, what is needed in Jewish life today to help stem the horrific losses from assimilation, is the transmission of the inherent sense of joy in Judaism, and a much greater emphasis on how the very process of seeking G-d is a source of great pleasure.