Category: Rabbi’s page

Today I met Natan Sharansky. A legend. An icon. A man, who had the audacity to stand up to the entire Soviet machine and insist that Jews, even Russian Jews, even Soviet Jews, had a right to explore their Jewish identity by learning Hebrew and being Zionists and – shock and horror – move to Israel if they felt so moved. A man whose stubborn refusal to give up that dream made him a pariah at home – and a hero worldwide, the very symbol of defiance of free human spirit against the totalitarian system. I never heard about Sharansky… more

Yom HaAtzmaut, Israeli Independence Day, marks the establishment of the modern state of Israel in 1948. It is observed on or near the 5th of Iyar in the Hebrew calendar, which usually falls in April. This year on April 15/16th we shall be marking the 65th anniversary of the creation of the modern State of Israel. A miracle. A promise. A challenge and a joy. A country that has captured the imagination of people all over the world with its amazing narrative of rebirth. A country that is deeply rooted in the past, boasting three millennia of rich history –… more

As I write this column, the music from our 2nd Annual Debbie Friedman z’l memorial concert is still ringing in my ears – what an incredible event it was! I want to take this opportunity to once again thank all our wonderful musicians who dedicate their time and talents to the TE band which, under Laurel Shader’s remarkable leadership, continues to go from strength to strength! I also want to thank all the volunteers who made the event such a success, as well as all the TE bakers for a yummy reception! This year’s calendar is quite unusual as many… more