Baseless Hatred

November 26, 2018

The destructions of the first and second temples in Jerusalem are seen as two of the most devastating events in Jewish history. Rabbinic literature and tradition draw a direct line between sinat chinam, baseless hatred, and the destruction of these temples. We read a story in the Talmud about two men with similar names, Kamsa […]

Insights from Israel

August 21, 2018

After landing in Ben Gurion in June, my first four days were spent on an Encounter trip. Encounter is a nonpartisan educational organization cultivating more informed and constructive Jewish leadership on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The program I was invited to participate in was for North American Jewish Leadership. Before the trip started, we had two […]

Dear Micah and Noa —

July 19, 2018

I can’t believe summer has come and the time for our big adventure is finally here. You’re so lucky that you get to experience Israel for the first time at four and eight. I hope you will behave on the flight from San Francisco to Tel Aviv. Please, watch, as many movies as you want, don’t […]

The Glass is More than Half Full!

June 20, 2018

As I packed the trunk and buckled the kids in and set off for Camp Newman by the Bay, it dawned on me that this would be the longest drive I have ever taken to Camp Newman. Until this summer I have been the most blessed rabbi living only ten minutes from camp, my home […]

Passover is Coming

February 21, 2018

Passover is steeped with many lessons, all of which are relevant in the 21st century. Most years, when thinking about the symbolism of the seder plate, I focus on the sweetness of the escape from slavery while eating charoset, the complicated tears while dipping parsley into salt water, the smearing of the lamb’s blood while lifting up the […]

Hurricane Harvey

August 31, 2017

As the High Holy days approach, I turn inward. I take a personal accounting of my actions, words and thoughts. I also start to focus on the liturgy. I find that some of the metaphors and prayers offered throughout the days of awe are more easily digestible than others. Some years, the God who sits […]

Sheet Cake

August 22, 2017

I have never liked cheap humor, slapstick comedy or potty humor. I love satires, which is not completely surprising, since I am a tad bit sarcastic. Satire is cerebral and pithy, carefully crafted to make you think. It contains elements of truth twisted with fantasy, and it is up to the viewer to interpret a […]

Trip to Hebron

July 6, 2017

Trusting my chaver, colleague and friend, I signed up for a trip with T’ruah, a U.S.-based organization of rabbis active in promoting human rights and Breaking the Silence, a group of former IDF soldiers dedicated to fighting the Israeli occupation, who collect and publish personal testimonies about their military service in locations like Hebron. The […]

Camp Is An Inspiration For Everyone

August 6, 2013

Throughout the year, it is vital that clergy and other Jewish professionals take time to feed their souls. Jewish professionals spend much of our time making sure others get what they need, often forgetting about our own personal care. Between solving congregational disputes, trying to please everyone and attending numerous meetings, it’s easy to lose […]

Jewish Camp - Jewish Time

At a young age I fell in love with Jewish Identity — not just the services where I used to count the light bulbs in the sanctuary or the religious school classes where I went primarily to socialize. And not even the rabbis whom I admired greatly. Rather, I fell in love with the whole […]