Entries for September 2013

B'reshit: The Jewish Guide to Investing

B'reshit: The Jewish Guide to Investing
“Now is the time for turning.” “Let us declare the power of this day; it is filled with dread and awe.” “Who shall live and who shall die.” “Man is like a breath, his days are as a passing shadow.”... Continue Reading »
Sep 27
Posted in: Torah Commentary

Sukkot: Your contribution to Jewish continuity.

Sukkot: Your contribution to Jewish continuity.
As we assembled our arba minim (four species) to waive the lulav and etrog in six directions, the rabbi said: “If I weren’t Jewish, I would think this is a crazy ritual.  But the more things Jews do that are different from non-J... Continue Reading »
Sep 20
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Jewish Holidays

Yom Kippur: Oh, Happy Day!

Is Yom Kippur a solemn day, or a happy one?  It may seem a strange question.  Yom Kippur is the ultimate day of Jewish prayer, humility, repentance, and self-denial, including fasting.  How, therefore, can it be “happy?” &n... Continue Reading »
Sep 13
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Focus on Prayers, Jewish Rituals

Ha'azinu: Who are we? Q&As About Jews and Judaism

As I noted last week, I am again conducting High Holiday services aboard a cruise ship in Europe.  The ports are beautiful.  Yet, as Barbara and I walk the streets and admire the architecture – especially the magnificent churches and ... Continue Reading »
Sep 06
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Jewish Rituals

A bird that you set free may be caught again, but a word that escapes your lips will not return.
Jewish Proverb