I remember one of the last times Rabbi Aaron Panken z'l lifted his hands and blessed the people. It was the Rabbinic and Cantorial Ordination ceremony in 2017, nearly a year before his life was tragically cut short. Standing in front of the holy ark at Congregation Emanu-El of New York, he lifted his hands and conferred a private blessing upon each ordinee, marking each student's sacred transition into the role of clergy.
Imagine that you have just been liberated from slavery. After centuries of oppression, you and your people escape, fleeing into the unknown in hopes of a better life. Your oppressors follow you, hoping to return you to slavery, or perhaps even kill you.
Years ago, I was privileged to serve on the beit din for a conversion I will never forget. The forthright geir (the individual choosing Judaism) announced to the intergenerational and interdenominational beit din , "I am becoming an observant Jew.
Torah Commentary
When Aaron Blessed the People
Liberation Is a Journey
Imagine that you have just been liberated from slavery. After centuries of oppression, you and your people escape, fleeing into the unknown in hopes of a better life. Your oppressors follow you, hoping to return you to slavery, or perhaps even kill you.
Observing and Remembering: Joseph's Bones and Ours
Years ago, I was privileged to serve on the beit din for a conversion I will never forget. The forthright geir (the individual choosing Judaism) announced to the intergenerational and interdenominational beit din , "I am becoming an observant Jew.
Integrated Judaism
FOCAL POINT