Rabbi Stephanie M. Alexander

Public Officials Need To Be Honest and Appear Honest

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Stephanie M. Alexander

 March 2, 2020
Parshiyot Vayak’heil and P’kudei each cover the many details of the building of the Tabernacle. But the first blueprint is found in Parashat T’rumah, when Moses receives the instructions for how to build the Tabernacle. Now, in Vayak’heil, construction finally begins, and we hear the instructions again. Then in P'kudei, where Moses gives an accounting, there’s still another itemization of every component used to build the Tabernacle.
Vayak'heil - P'kudei
Torrah and Kippah
Va-eira

What It Takes to Fulfill the Promise

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Stephanie M. Alexander

 January 13, 2020
There is a section of Parashat Va-eira that might sound familiar to those who have experienced a Passover seder: It's a list of five promises God makes to the Children of Israel: I will free you..., and deliver you...; I will redeem you...; I will take you to be My people; and , I will bring you into the land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob... (Ex. 6:6-8).
Torrah and Kippah
Sh'mot

Why Should Leaders Get Close to Those Who Suffer?

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Stephanie M. Alexander

 January 6, 2020
After the individual sagas that comprise so much of Genesis — Joseph’s story alone consumes the better part of 19 chapters — the speed at which the Israelites’ fortune reverses at the beginning of Exodus is stunning. And all it takes is one verse. In this week’s portion, Parashat Sh’mot, we read: “A new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph.” (Ex.1:8)