This week we put Purim in the rear-view mirror and set our sights on Passover. Indeed, as Jews we know that it is important to look back but we must find a way to look ahead as well. Just as we needed Purim, this story of an inspiring queen who...
When I traveled to Israel with members of our synagogue, we were in awe of the resilience, courage and strength of our Israeli brothers and sisters. In the wake of an attack like no other, Israel had come together, united in its mission to survive, to move forward and to...
The Iron Swords War: How We Are All Affected! B’Yachad N’Natzeach/Together We Shall Be Victorious! On Tuesday morning, Ellen and I attended a profoundly moving and truly painful session at Gratz College presented by Esther Marcus and Gal Horev, two survivors of October 7th Massacre. It was overwhelmingly difficult and...
In the last nine years, we have served thousands of dinners for the food insecure in our area. Rabbi David and Cantor Amy create a spiritual connection at each meal by leading the HaMotzi prayer and providing a unique connection with our guests. They continually inspire and encourage our volunteers. Cantor...
Many of the healthy snacks I make at home tend to fall apart until I perfect the recipe. Healthy snacks, especially on a grain-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free diet, require a delicate balance. The importance of binding agents in baking often leaves me pondering how to perfect the science of creating...
There are so many Jewish smells that I love- the baking of challah being my favorite, especially before I became Gluten-Free. Scent is extremely important in our spiritual life because it changes our relationship with time and place. A scent can bring us back to memory. I remember my grandmother...
On Saturday night a group of us will get on a plane for Israel. We are going there to see our beloved Holy Land with our own eyes. We will take in the landscape together. We will volunteer. We will meet with families most directly affected by that awful day...
“Acheinu” Resounds Throughout Our Community and the Jewish World! This week’s portion teaches us about G-d’s requirement to bring gifts to the community’s leadership for the community’s maintenance. Moses ascends Mount Sinai for a second time in order to learn what G-d expects of him and the Israelites. G-d gives...
Next week, I will reach a huge milestone birthday!!!! When I came to KI, I was 30 years old. Next week I will be 50, and also this year we are celebrating our 20 years together. There is so much to celebrate and so many events and opportunities for you...
Langston Hughes wrote: ‘I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen when company comes, but I laugh, and eat well, and grow strong… I, too, am America.’ It was 1926 when he published the iconic poem. America was a different place...
