For those who know the history of the Maccabees, you know the story of their struggle against the Seleucids 2,186 years ago is both long and complicated. Although we often reduce the Hanukkah narrative to the legend of the oil, the truth of the matter is that pitched battles lasted...
This week’s Torah portion, Vayishlach (Gen 32:4), includes the story of Jacob’s name becoming Israel. Basically, Jacob was returning from years of flight from his brother Esau. The night before they met, Jacob wrestled with an angel who wounded him in the leg and renamed him Israel or “one who...
A Thanksgiving Family Prayer As we gather together with family and friends for Thanksgiving this year, we are mindful of the many blessings which enrich our lives. We pray for the wellbeing of all our loved ones and for the wellbeing of our country. Together, let us offer our deepest...
This week’s Torah portion, Toldot (Genesis 25:19), reports on the life of the twins, Jacob and Esau, born to Isaac and Rebecca and their complex family dynamics. The Hebrew word Toldot is generally translated as “generations” but literally is closer to “descendants” in English but can also be used as...
In this week’s Torah portion, Vayera (Genesis 18), we read about the first “Jewish Supply Chain Crisis.” Basically, because of a fight within Abraham’s family, the first ‘Jewish’ family, half of the Jewish population is sent away. It is a complex and uncomfortable story. Abraham had been promised to be...
Back in June, Liz and I moved from Elkins Park to Center City. The move went smoothly and, luckily, our new place came with our own parking spot, the key to happy urban living. Block by block, store by store, coffee shop-by-coffee shop, we learned our way around town. Then...
Next Monday night, September 27 and Tuesday morning September 28, we will be celebrating the last of the Jewish Fall holidays together online. Following Reform tradition, we will celebrate Simchat Torah on Monday night and Shemini Atzeret-Yiskor on Tuesday. Observances will be online only, both for health reasons and to...
Twenty years ago on the morning of 9.11 I was watching TV like I always do with some coffee and an occasional yawn and an outstretched arm. It was a beautiful morning that 9.11. blue sky, crisp air, until the news flashed a weird story about a passenger plane hitting...
From Rabbi Sussman on 9.11~ 9.11.2021 Twenty years ago On the morning of 9.11 I was watching TV. It was a beautiful morning Blue sky Crisp air Until the news flashed a weird story About a plane hitting the North Tower of the World Trade Center without explanation A terrible...
By the time you receive this message, the weekend of Labor Day 2021 will have already begun. Rosh Hashanah, 5782, will commence on the evening of Monday, September 6. We will gather in person and online to usher in the New Year with solemnity, seriousness and high purpose. A difficult...
