Author Archives: Bruce Falstein

By now you’ve heard about two big, upcoming events at Shomrei Torah. The first is the tribute weekend honoring Leira Satlof, our beloved cantorial soloist, who is leaving with her family this summer to start a new life up north. … Continue reading →

In his message in the February Voice, Rabbi George reassures us that anti-Semitism in this country is, if not on the wane exactly, at least no longer an existential threat to the American Jewish community. But he closes with the … Continue reading →

In Bali, Indonesia, there is no concept of being religiously observant. Virtually the entire Balinese population practices a local variant of Hinduism, and to the casual observer there is no distinction between religion and culture – the two terms are … Continue reading →

A mountain lake is continually refreshed by water flowing in and out, a continuous circulation that sustains the life within it. Substitute people for water in an ecosystem and you have something akin to Shomrei Torah, where individuals and families … Continue reading →

Good evening, everyone, and l’shana tova. They say that there are three secrets to a successful Rosh Hashana speech: a good beginning, a good ending, and have the two as close together as possible. I’ll do my best. I’d like … Continue reading →

I recently attended a minyan in the home of a Shomrei Torah member who lost a parent. What struck me about the experience wasn’t so much the table burgeoning with food, or the astonishing number of people who turned up … Continue reading →

Perhaps you’ve seen that phrase on a postcard or in a Voice ad, and, if you’re like many members, maybe you’ve taken it to heart. How else to explain why so many of you have chosen to take personal responsibility … Continue reading →

Summer is supposed to be that time when we slow down, regroup and recharge, and prepare for the busy seasons ahead. Not so for Shomrei Torah. For us, this is a season of transition. If you’re reading this, then you’ve … Continue reading →