Hearing God’s Whispers
Back in January, I spent the better part of a long Sunday afternoon at my parents' house going through the contents of my mom's desk and her wallet. Among the keepsakes I found in the wallet was a small newspaper clipping
Hearing Is Believing
The Torah has a way of conveying great drama in concise language. As a work of literature, it also incorporates some of the most sophisticated techniques of foreshadowing and thematic coherence.
Sacrifice: A Poem for the Akedah
Genesis 22:1-24, the story of God testing Abraham by instructing him to sacrifice Isaac on Mount Moriah, is known as the Akedah.
Learn About Hanukkah Traditions with Shalom Sesame
Yom Kippur: Seder Ha’avodah
More than any other biblical mo’ed (appointed time), Yom Kippur is pre-eminently a Temple-based observance. True, all Israelites were to fast on that day, but the ritual described in Leviticus 16 is exclusively focused on the Temple. It is about the purgation and pu
Learn About the Story of Hanukkah with Shalom Sesame
Four Pieces of Good News About Religious Freedom
We often hear a lot about negative stories about religious freedom around the world.
Listening to the Harmony of Life, Even While Losing My Hearing
The most important declaration of faith in our tradition is the Sh’ma, which means “Hear!” or “Listen!” When I chose my titles for my High Holiday sermons th
Rabbis in Training
Rabbi Joshua ben Perachya said: Make for yourself a teacher (rav), get yourself a study partner, and give every person the benefit of the doubt in judgment.
-Mishnah, Avot 1:6