5780: Our Annual Rosh HaShanah Sermon Roundup
Typically, at some point in my work on this project, my wife will lean over my shoulder and ask me, in her own style, “So. How are the Jews this year?” Some years that is a difficult question to answer. This year the answer is clear: The Jews are afraid.
My Chinese and Jewish Family Celebrates Three New Years
My father is fond of reminding my family of how lucky we are to be Chinese and Jewish. “Three New Year celebrations means three chances for a fresh start!
Our Migrant First Family: Abraham Passed the Test, but Will We?
Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, presented this sermon on Rosh HaShanah morning, saying, "We need to face something so odious that we will try to avert our eyes. But we must not."
What I Learned From Researching My Family Tree
My interest in Jewish genealogy goes back to 1992, but it was a librarian at my local public library who put me on the path to research my family history.
This Lemon Cake Recipe Exposed a Family Secret
After a Shabbat dinner in my home for three Germans, one of them shared a lemon cake recipe and the incredible story of how it uncovered a long-held family secret.
Transforming Judgment and Mercy
Earlier this week, I testified in front of the Ohio state Senate Judiciary committee. Speaking on behalf of Reform Ohio, I represented clergy who serve more than 43,000 Jews in 34 synagogues in every corner of the state.
A Plea for Equality and Peace in Israel in a Children’s Sukkot Song
One iconic, modern Hebrew song about Sukkot is far more than a simple holiday song for children.
Greene Family Camp and Temple Emanu-El Rally to Help Families Impacted by Dallas Tornadoes
On Sunday night, the Dallas/Fort Worth area was hit by severe thunderstorms, including multiple confirmed tornadoes, which devastated parts of Dallas and the surrounding communities and directly impacted members of the Jewish community.
Why the Hebrew Month of Adar Will Never Be the Same for Me
Despite the imperative to be joyous during the Hebrew month of Adar, I cried recently at the Western Wall during Rosh Chodesh services marking the new month.
Why I'm Wishing My Fellow Jews a "Happy Yom Kippur"
Given that Yom Kippur is the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, it makes sense that it can, and should, be joyful.