Syrian Refugees
With more than 500,000 people displaced to neighboring countries by the violent civil war in Syria, the Jewish Coalition for Disaster Relief (JCDR) has opened a fund to provide humanitarian aid to the refugees.
How Do You Inspire Trust?
As Jewish leaders, we are looked to as teachers, guides, mentors, advisers, counselors, and confidantes. People trust us; with their questions, with their challenges, with their significant moments, with their children and other cherished family members, with their spirits and with their so
Ending Gender Segregation on Israeli Buses
We are in the middle of the summer calm before we erupt into activity for Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. One fun part about the end of the summer is that we see a rush of new people coming into Jerusalem. Students flock to this city every August hoping to spend a meaningful year in Israel.
10Q: Reflect, React, Renew
“Just read my answers last night – what a difference a year makes! It's kind of mind-blowing.”
Galilee Diary: Different Drummers
We will dress you in a garment of mortar and cement, and we'll spread for you carpets of gardens; on the soil of your redeemed fields the grain will sing like bells.
Carrying our Temple's Torah Scrolls to Safety
That photo is of me, carrying Congregation Or Ami's two Sifrei Torah on the Las Virgenes bridge over the 101 Freeway in Calabasas, CA. I had just carried the two scrolls from our synagogue building, away from smoky fire.
The Archaeology of Self
“The danger, in short, is that instead of providing a basis for what already exists, instead of going over with bold strokes lines that have already been sketched, instead of finding reassurance in this return and final confirmation, instead of completing the blessed circle that
Can You Hear Me Now? Seriously! Can You Hear Me?
A few weeks ago, I had to plead with the people I called on my cell phone. As my calls went through, they answered but couldn't seem to hear my voice. Each time, I called out, louder and louder, "It's me! It's Jonah! Can't you hear me?"
Hey, Rabbi! An Elul Q&A with Rabbi Joseph Black
We asked clergy across North America which music, books, art, movies and more help them get into a reflective state of mind as they gear up for the High Holidays. Here’s what Rabbi Joseph Black from Temple Emanuel in Denver, CO, had to say.