by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 9, 2022 | Covenant, Faith, Fear of God, Freedom, God, Hebrew Language, Humility, Psalms, Responsibility
By Rabbi Avi Baumol These two verses form the bridge between the two halves of Psalm 8. In the first verse, King David asks “what is man that you have been mindful of him?” implying that Man is nothing at all. In the second verse, David continues...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 4, 2022 | Faith, God, Gratitude, Lech Lecha
By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, known as the “Singing Rabbi”, was a rabbi and composer. Most of the popular tunes sung in synagogues today were composed by him. He also revitalized the study of Hassidut. Active in the 60s, most of his followers were...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 2, 2022 | Chosen Nation, Faith, God, Israel, Lech Lecha, Miracles, Prayer
By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz A wonderful aspect of reading the weekly Torah portion is the synchronicity that happens when the scripture matches up with current or historical events. This week, we read the section of the Torah containing God’s promise to bless those who...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 31, 2022 | God, Happiness and Joy, Israel, Psalms
By Rabbi Avi Baumol Despite all the dangerous threats surrounding the modern Jewish State, Israeli citizens consistently rate extremely high in global surveys measuring quality of life and happiness. This year, Israel ranked ninth in the 10th annual World Happiness...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 31, 2022 | God, Israel, Psalms, Temple
By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz King David was a complicated person. Perhaps the most perplexing part of his life was his dual identities as a musician and as a warrior. David went from playing his harp to soothe King Saul, to having run from and fight his patron king. He...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 30, 2022 | God, Happiness and Joy, Israel, Lech Lecha
By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz I have a special personal connection with this week’s Torah reading. 31 years ago, I was a chef in a fancy restaurant in Manhattan. I had a cool motorcycle and lots of cash to party and play. I had long hair and a tattoo. But I was angry all...
