Entries for May 2013

Shelach: Cutting the Cord?

Shelach: Cutting the Cord?
When Jews recite the Sh'ma and V'ahavtah, our custom is to gather the tassels (tzizit) of our Tallit and recite aloud the following verse from this week’s parasha, Shelach, (among others):  דַּבֵּר אֶל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאָמַרְ... Continue Reading »
May 31
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Focus on Prayers, Jewish History, Jewish Rituals, Israel

Behaalotecha: “Throwing the Book” at Our Enemies

Behaalotecha: “Throwing the Book” at Our Enemies
7,500 miles, and perhaps an even greater distance in liturgical philosophy, separate the two synagogues to which I belong.  One is a Conservative (Masorti) congregation in Jerusalem, a less-than 20-minute walk from where the Ark of the Covenant ... Continue Reading »
May 24
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Jewish Rituals, Israel

Naso: The Enzyme of Blessings

Naso: The Enzyme of Blessings
The night before I commenced rabbinical school, I opened my new copy of The Complete Artscroll Siddur, an assigned text for my first class in Jewish liturgy.  The introductory essay by Rabbi Nosson Scherman included this intriguing sentence... Continue Reading »
May 17
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Focus on Prayers, Jewish Rituals

Bamidbar: Where do you teach?

Bamidbar: Where do you teach?
This week I attended a university professor’s retirement party.   The guests were mainly either his grey-haired colleagues and former students (now professors at other institutions) or his other-color-haired current students.   Hav... Continue Reading »
May 10
Posted in: Torah Commentary

Behar-Bechukotai: Your Sabbatical Year

Behar-Bechukotai: Your Sabbatical Year
Forty years ago in college economics I learned the concept of “opportunity cost.” The cost of doing “x” is the foregone benefit of the best alternative action.  Although an economic principle, it applies to every kind of ... Continue Reading »
May 03
Posted in: Torah Commentary

He who guards his mouth preserves his life
Proverbs 13:3