From the Rabbi's Desk

A synopsis of this week's reading: The laws of the Red Heifer, a mixture of which is used to purify one who is contaminated by contact with death. The journey continues; Miriam dies and is buried. The people complain about a lack of potable water. Violating G-d's direct command, Moses strikes a rock to produce water. Moses is punished by not being able to enter the Promised Land. Edom refused the people access through its territory. Aaron...Read more...

Father's Day. Why must there be a special day to honor our fathers? Aren't we supposed to honor them every day? We are. And yet, this day is very much in keeping with Jewish tradition.

I heard an interesting statistic on the radio. While most long-distance calls are made on Mother's Day, the day with the most collect calls is - you guessed it - Father’s Day.

The Torah realized that fathers often come up short in the honor...Read more...

"The Lord spoke to Moses saying, speak to the children of Israel and instruct them to make for themselves fringes on the corners of their garments throughout the ages; let them attach a cord of blue to the fringe at each corner." (Numbers 15:37-38)

Most of this portion of Shelakh deals with the story of the twelve spies sent into the Holy Land, the ten who brought back an evil report, and the punishment of forty years of wandering....Read more...

"The Lord spoke to Moses saying, Speak to Aaron and say to him, when you mount the lamps, let the seven lamps give light at the front of the lampstand." (Numbers 8:1-2)

The beginning of this portion is read twice a year, for this week and on the last day of Hanukkah. The Haftarah is also done twice a year, this week and on the Shabbat of Hanukkah. Both speak of the lighting of a seven branched lampstand or menorah. (This is different...Read more...

SHABBAT SHALOM and MEMORIAL DAY

Memorial Day should be quite significant in our lives. Many among us have seen their share of wounded troops and deaths that have devastated families, and they have also celebrated the safe return of young men and women who are happy to be home.

We remember all those who died in service to our country, as well as applaud those who serve our country today to protect the freedoms guaranteed by our...Read more...