As we approach the High Holy Days, the Hebrew month of Elul, which began last night, offers us a chance to hit the proverbial "pause" button, take a breath, and reset. Traditionally, Elul practices for High Holy Days focus on deep introspection, encouraging...

In Jewish tradition, naming newborns after loved ones who have passed away is a profound way to honor and keep their legacy alive. Have you ever looked at a child and seen not only the soul in front of you but someone you loved and lost? When my mother...

Sadly, this year I attended the funeral of the beloved husband of a former colleague. I’ve been to many funerals in the past, but none like this one. The words spoken by this man’s family and friends painted a picture...

“Justice, justice shall you pursue” is the double injunction found in Deuteronomy 16:20 and is the centerpiece of this section of the Torah we call Shoftim (Judges). The entire parasha is Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9 and begins by showing us, in...

We Jews have been called lots of things. Some of the less offensive appellations are “stubborn” and “obstinate.” Yes, we can be stubborn, obstinate or davka. Call it what you like. But, curiously, not all the rabbis see stubbornness as a fault. In...

Author Elie Wiesel tells the story of the one righteous man of Sodom, who walked the streets protesting the injustices of his city. People made fun of him, derided him. Finally, a young person asked:  “Why do you continue your protest against evil;...

Ekev also signifies “heel.” Every generation is a heel generation, in the sense that everything previous has contributed to everything we do, all previous actsrest on the heel of the present, and so every act, every word, every gesture, every mitzvah,...

Every parent has at one time or another instructed his/her child to “use your words” when asking for something instead of using pointing, grunting, crying, yelling or such nonverbal behavior.  Human beings are verbal creatures, and if children are...

Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, a Swiss American psychiatrist, told of a terminally ill woman who was in the hospital and begged the doctors to help her survive long enough to attend her son’s wedding. If she could just get to the wedding, she said, she could...

“A person is given three names: one that their parents call them, one their fellows call them, and one that they acquire with their deeds.” (Midrash Tanhuma, Va-yakhel) The naming process is unique to each individual and culture, yet names...

Would you hire Bilaam to work at your Jewish organization? Let’s check out his resume.  Bilaam’s previous job titles include dream interpreter, magician, and most recently, prophet via ruach hakodesh, the holy spirit.  His most recent employer...

In the Tanakh, one can often tell quite a bit about who people are just by the meaning of their names. Eve comes from the word life, Abraham means father of multitudes, David is beloved. So when you learn that Korach, the titular character in this week’s...