From the Rabbi's Desk

Each year prior to Pesach, we have four special Shabbats each named for their special maftir readings. The first of the four is this Shabbat and it’s called Shekalim. The reading recalls the practice of a mandatory yearly tax of half a shekel for each adult male. This served two purposes: to raise funds for the Temple and to attain a census of the people. As always, we are called upon to dig deeper and examine the text more closely. In this...Read more...

Theology and philosophy are tricky subjects to teach and learn. We live very physical lives and demand to see evidence rather than accepting things on faith. This issue is exasperated by our adherence to the law of consistency. We demand consistency for the simple fact that, in almost all areas of life, consistency is necessary. But when it comes to theology and philosophy, strict adherence to a black and white consistency handcuffs the...Read more...

I’m embarrassed to admit I went through a rebellious phase as a teenager. Now, it wasn’t very obvious. I was still a teacher’s pet and rule follower. In school, at track practice, or out with friends, I had an overall kind and patient demeanor. This all lasted until I got home. My parents will attest to the fact that once I was alone with them, “kind and patient” could not be further from the truth. And looking back, I can see I was...Read more...