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# Rodef Sholom Temple

Conservative Synagogue in Newport News

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## Posts

- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Ekev 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2026/07/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-ekev-5786/) - Remember the long way that the Eternal your God has made you travel in the wilderness these past forty years, in order to test you by hardships to learn what was in your hearts: whether you would keep the commandments or not. [God] subjected you to the hardship of hunger and then gave you manna
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Va’etchanan – Shabbat Nachamu 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2026/07/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-vaetchanan-shabbat-nachamu-5786/) - Know therefore this day and keep (it) in mind: that the Lord alone is God in heaven above and on earth below; there is no other. D'varim 4:39 Our teacher, Rabbi Mordechai Leiner of lshbitz (1), writes: Our verse is juxtaposed with the [next] passage
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Pinchas 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2026/07/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-pinchas-5786/) - On Thursday the Jewish community entered the period known as the three Weeks by observing the minor fast day known as 17 Tammuz. The Fast of Tammuz commemorates a series of tragic events in Jewish history, two being especially notable. First is the smashing of the original Ten Commandments by Moses who descends from Mt.
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Chukkat/Balak 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2026/07/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-chukkat-balak-5786/) - The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying: 2 This is the ritual law that the Lord has commanded: Instruct the Israelite people to bring you a red cow without blemish, in which there is no defect and on which no yoke has been laid.
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Korach 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2026/06/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-korach-5786/) - Scarcely had [Moses] finished speaking all these words when the ground under them burst asunder, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up with their households, all Korach’s people and their possessions… the earth closed over them, and they vanished from the midst of the congregation. Bamidbar / Numbers 16:31-33 This dramatic scene
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Sh’lach L’cha 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2026/06/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-shlach-lcha-5786/) - When Moses sent them to scout the land of Canaan, he said to them, “Go up there into the Negev and on into the hill country, and see what kind of country it is…” B’midbar / Numbers 13:17-18 Our teacher, Rabbi Yitzchak Leib Eiger1 taught: Moses said to the scouts, “See the land of
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat B’ha-ahlotcha 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2026/06/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-bha-ahlotcha-5786/) - Speak to Aaron and say to him, "When you make the lamps go up, let the seven lamps give light at the front of the lampstand." B’midbar / Numbers 8:2 Rashi’s comment, “One must keep lighting them until the flame catches and goes up” prompts Rabbi Yakov Katina1 to write in his book Korban Heh-ani, “The
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Naso 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2026/05/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-naso-5786/) - When a man or woman commits a wrong (theft) toward a fellow man, thus breaking faith with the Lord, and that person realizes their guilt. They shall confess the wrong that they have done. They shall make restitution for their guilt in full and add on fifth to it, giving it to the one whom
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Shavuot 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2026/05/a-tidbit-of-torah-shavuot-5786/) - Like each of the pilgrimage festivals, Shavuot has both an agricultural and an historical basis. As Chag Habikkurim, the celebration of the first fruits to ripen, and the gift of new grain and produce that were brought to the Temple as an expression of gratitude for their nascent bounty, the holiday was filled with excitement
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Bemidbar 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2026/05/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-bemidbar-5786/) - With the start of Bemidbar/Numbers, the Israelites begin their final preparations for the long journey through the wilderness in preparation for entry into the Land of Israel. Entry into the promised land first requires an arduous period of wandering in a space outside the dwelling places of society; a withdrawal for the sake of spiritual
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat B’har/B’chukkotai 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2026/05/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-bhar-bchukkotai-5786/) - A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat B’har/B’chukkotai 5786 If your kinsman, being in straits, comes under your authority, and you hold him as though a resident alien, let him live by your side: … Let him live by your side as your kinsman. Vayikra / Leviticus 35:25 Many of us are familiar with this
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Emor 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2026/05/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-emor-5786/) - The kohen who is exalted above his fellows, on whose head the anointing oil has been poured and who has been ordained to wear the vestments... Vayikra/Leviticus 21:10 Through the ages, biblical commentators sought to define in what way the Kohen Gadol designated in our verse was elevated above other kohanim other than by the office
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Tazria-Metzora 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2026/04/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-tazria-metzora-5786/) - Our designated Torah reading for this week, the double parashiyot of Tazria and Metzora are devoted entirely to the Torah’s concept of tumah, generally translated as “impurity.” The Torah presents three of the major sources of tumah: childbirth; a condition known as tzara’at, which can manifest on skin, clothing, or the walls of one’s house; and bodily secretions. Isaac
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Acharei Mot/Kedoshim 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2026/04/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-acharei-mot-kedoshim-5786/) - Dear Friends, The Lord spoke to Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron who died when they drew too close to the presence of the Lord... 16 Thus he shall purge the Shrine of the uncleanness and transgression of the Israelites, whatever their sins; and he shall do the same for the Tent of
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Shmini 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2026/04/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-shmini-5786/) - Moses said: "This is what the Lord has commanded that you do, that the Presence of the Lord may appear to you." Vayikra / Leviticus 9:6 Moshe uttered these words as the Israelites were preparing for the final dedicatory offerings
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Pesach 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2026/04/a-tidbit-of-torah-pesach-5786/) - Written in 2024 and published by the Hartman Institute in its 2025 Haggadah Supplement, the message, other than changing the word “still” to “again”, remains enduring and so I share it with you as we prepare for Pesach. Chag Kasher v’Sameyach – Rabbi David M. Eligberg Singing as an Act of Faith and Commitment Dr.
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Shabbat Hagadol Parshat Tzav 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2026/03/a-tidbit-of-torah-shabbat-hagadol-parshat-tzav-5786/) - Writing about Shabbat HaGadol in his Ḥibbur Perush haBerakhot vehaTefillot, ("Commentary on the Blessings and Prayers"), Rabbi David Abudraham1 states: For this is the Shabbat in which the Israelites first began observing mitzvot as the text in Exodus reads: Speak to the entire people of Israel saying, “On the tenth day of this month, each
- [Havdallah Happening at Home - Earth Hour 2026 Saturday, March 28 at 8:00PM](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2026/03/havdallah-happening-at-home-earth-hour-2026-saturday-march-28-at-800pm/) - Since it began in 2007, Earth Hour has been known for the “lights off” moment, with individuals from around the globe switching off their lights to show symbolic support for the planet and to raise awareness of the environmental issues affecting it. Shabbat itself is a reminder of our responsibility as stewards of God’s creation
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Vayikra 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2026/03/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-vayikra-5786/) - The Lord called to Moses and spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting, saying: Speak to the Israelite people, and say to them… Vayikra/Leviticus 1:1-2 These opening words, addressed to the entire nation, appear dissonant to much of the book of Vayikra which cha”zal, our ancient, blessed sages titled, “Torat Kohanim – Instructions for
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Vayak-hel-Pekudey 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2026/03/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-vayak-hel-pekudey-5786/) - When Moses had finished the work, the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the Presence of the Lord filled the Tabernacle… over the Tabernacle a cloud of the Lord rested by day, and fire would appear in it by night, in the view of all the house of Israel throughout their journeys.
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Ki Tissa 5786(1)](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2026/03/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-ki-tissa-57861/) - The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: When you take a census of the Israelite people according to their enrollment, each shall pay the Lord a ransom for himself on being enrolled, that no plague may come upon them through their being enrolled. This is what everyone who is entered in the records shall pay: a half-shekel by
- [Purim in a Time of War and Turmoil](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2026/03/purim-in-a-time-of-war-and-turmoil/) - כִּֽי־תֵצֵ֨א לַמִּלְחָמָ֩ה עַל־אֹיְבְֶךָ וְֽרָאִ֩יתָ ס֣וּס וָרֶכֶבֶ עַ֥ם רַ֤ב מִמְּךָ֭ לֹ֜א תִירָ֝א מֵהֶ֞ם כִּֽי־ד' אֱ-לֹ-הֶיךֶָ עִמָּ֭ךְ הַמַּֽעַלְךָ֝ מֵאֶ֜רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם.“When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses and chariots, a people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, who freed you from Egypt, is with you”.
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Shabbat Zachor, Parshat T’tsaveh 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2026/02/a-tidbit-of-torah-shabbat-zachor-parshat-ttsaveh-5786/) - …'Cause everyone’s crazy 'bout a sharp-dressed man.1 ZZ Top Make sacral vestments for your brother Aaron, for dignity and adornment. Next you shall instruct all who are skillful, whom I have endowed with the gift of skill, to make Aaron's vestments, for consecrating him to serve me as priest. Exodus 28:2-3 The great medieval commentator
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Mishpatim 5786, Shabbat Shekalim](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2026/02/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-mishpatim-5786-shabbat-shekalim-2/) - And these are the rules that you shall set before them: Sh’mot / Exodus 21:1 Parshat Mishpatim presents as an eclectic and inchoate collection of laws, primarily what would be regarded as secular law dealing with torts, theft, damages, loans, murder, injury, and property. Many of these laws have equivalents in the legal traditions of
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Mishpatim 5786, Shabbat Shekalim](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2026/02/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-mishpatim-5786-shabbat-shekalim/) - And these are the rules that you shall set before them: Sh’mot / Exodus 21:1 Parshat Mishpatim presents as an eclectic and inchoate collection of laws, primarily what would be regarded as secular law dealing with torts, theft, damages, loans, murder, injury, and property. Many of these laws have equivalents in the legal traditions of
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Yitro 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2026/02/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-yitro-5786/) - Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath of the LORD your God: you shall not do any work… Sh’mot / Exodus 20:9-10 Rabbeinu Bachya1 roots his comment on our verse in the teaching of the Rambam2 who says, “… Six days you shall worship God by
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat B’Shalach 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2026/01/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-bshalach-5786/) - Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the Lord. Sh’mot / Exodus 15:1 On that day Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang… Shoftim / Judges 5:1 This Shabbat, Shabbat Shira, marks the beginning of Jewish Music Season in communities throughout North America. Originally, the designation of this special Shabbat referred to the reading
- [Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Bo 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2026/01/tidbit-of-torah-parshat-bo-5786/) - Then the Lord said to Moses, “Hold out your arm toward the sky that there may be darkness upon the land of Egypt, a darkness that can be touched.” Moses held out his arm toward the sky and thick darkness descended upon all the land of Egypt for three days. People could not see one
- [Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Va-ehra 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2026/01/tidbit-of-torah-parshat-va-ehra-5786/) - The parsha opens with God telling Moshe that, “I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob... as El Shaddai, but I did not make Myself known to them by My name Adonai.” Sh’mot/Exodus 6:3 Rashi, in his commentary, questions the purpose of the grammatically unnecessary use of the extra “to”s before the names
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Sh’mot 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2026/01/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-shmot-5786/) - A new king arose over Egypt who did not know Joseph. And he said to his people, “Look, the Israelite people are much too numerous for us. Let us deal shrewdly with them, so that they may not increase; otherwise in the event of war, they may join our enemies in fighting against us and rise from
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Vay'chi 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2026/01/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-vaychi-5786/) - Jacob lived seventeen years in the land of Egypt, so that the span of Jacob’s life came to one hundred and forty-seven years.
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Vayigash 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/12/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-vayigash-5786/) - “Then Judah went up to him and said,” B’reysheet / Genesis 44:18 The opening verse in our Torah portion is generally rendered, as the JPS translation above does, to indicate that Judah moves closer to the Egyptian vizier before beginning his impassioned plea on behalf of his brother Benjamin. Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk suggests that this may
- [A Tidbit of Torah for Parshat Miketz, Shabbat Hannukah 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/12/a-tidbit-of-torah-for-parshat-miketz-shabbat-hannukah-5786/) - After two years’ time, Pharaoh dreamed that he was standing by the Nile, when out of the Nile there came up seven cows, handsome and sturdy, and they grazed in the reed grass. But presently, seven other cows came up from the Nile close behind them, ugly and gaunt, and stood beside the cows on the bank
- [Response to Terror Attack](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/12/response-to-terror-attack/) - This morning, we woke to hear terrifying and tragic news about the terrorist attack on Jews gathered to celebrate the first night of Hannukah on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. Throughout the world we stand together with all Jews as “Am ehad im lev ehad – one people with one heart,” offering one another solace and strength
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Hanukkah 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/12/a-tidbit-of-torah-hanukkah-5786/) - Hanukkah is a winter holiday. It shines light in the darkest time of year. Each night we add another light, increasing until the entire Hanukkah menorah is illuminated. The lights have been kindled in millions of homes over thousands of years. It was not always easy: Already in the Talmud there are provisions for lighting
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Vayishlach 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/12/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-vayishlach-5786/) - And Jacob came to his father Isaac at Mamre, at Kiriath-arba — now Hebron — where Abraham and Isaac had sojourned. Isaac was a hundred and eighty years old when he breathed his last and died. He was gathered to his kin in ripe old age; and he was buried by his sons Esau and Jacob.
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Vayeytseh 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/12/a-tidbit-of-torah-vayeytseh-5786/) - Your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All the families of the earth shall bless themselves by you and your descendants. (B’reysheet / Genesis 28:14) Rabbi Aharon Levin1 begins his comment by noting that the
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Toldot 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/11/a-tidbit-of-torah-toldot-5786/) - And Abimelech said to Isaac, “Go away from us, for you have become far too big for us.” So, Isaac departed from there and encamped in the wadi of Gerar, … But when Isaac’s servants, digging in the wadi, found there a well of spring water, the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Chaye Sarah 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/11/a-tidbit-of-torah-chaye-sarah-5786/) - Sarah’s lifetime-the span of Sarah’s life-came to one hundred and twenty-seven years. Sarah died in Kiriath-arba-now Hebron-in the land of Canaan; and Abraham proceeded to mourn for Sarah and to bewail her. Then Abraham rose from beside his dead, and spoke to the Hittites, saying, “I am a resident alien among you; sell me a burial site among
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Vayera 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/11/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-vayera-5786/) - The Lord appeared to him by the terebinths of Mamre; he was sitting at the entrance of the tent as the day grew hot. (B’reysheet / Genesis 18:1) Rabbi Menachem Mendel Krengil (1) echoes the question asked by centuries of biblical commentators regarding the unusual phrasing of
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Lech L’cha 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/10/a-tidbit-of-torah-lech-lcha-5786/) - Abram took his wife Sarai and his brother’s son Lot, and all the wealth that they had amassed, and the persons that they had acquired (literally, made) in Haran; and they set out for the land of Canaan. Breysheet / Genesis 12:5 The souls which Abram had brought beneath the sheltering
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Noah 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/10/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-noah-5786/) - The earth became corrupt before God; the earth was filled with lawlessness... God said to Noah, ‘I have decided to put an end to all flesh, for the earth is filled with lawlessness because of them: I am about to destroy them with the earth. Make yourself an ark...” (B’reysheet / Genesis 6:11-14) With
- [A Tidbit of Torah – B'reysheet 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/10/a-tidbit-of-torah-breysheet-5786/) - And God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness”. Breysheet / Genesis 1:26 This is one of the more enigmatic passages in the incredibly terse presentation of the story of Creation prompting many commentators to ask why God speak in the first-person plural. The Torah, and thus Judaism’s, absolute rejection of
- [A Reflection Before the Festival](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/10/a-reflection-before-the-festival/) - This morning, as Jodi came into our Family Room where I was watching the news, I was able to tell her that the 20 still living Israelis who were being held by Hamas in Gaza were now home, reunited with their loved ones, and in special hospital facilities around the country designed help them recover
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Shabbat Chol HaMoed Sukkot 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/10/a-tidbit-of-torah-shabbat-chol-hamoed-sukkot-5786/) - After the ingathering from your threshing floor and your vat, you shall hold the Feast of Booths for seven days. You shall rejoice in your festival, with your son, and daughter, your male and female slave, the Levite, the stranger, the orphan, and the widow in your communities. You shall hold a festival for the
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Ha’azinu 5786](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/10/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-haazinu-5786/) - May my discourse come down as the rain, My speech distill as the dew, Like showers on young growth, Like droplets on the grass. D’varim / Deuteronomy 32:2 Sifre D’varim (1) is inspired by Moshe’s imagery in his teaching especially the four different terms representing precipitation. The Torah is comparable to rain. Just
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Vayeilech 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/09/a-tidbit-of-torah-vayeilech-5785/) - …when all Israel comes to appear before the Lord your God in the place that He will choose, you shall read this Teaching aloud in the presence of all Israel.12 Gather the people — men, women, children, and the strangers in your communities — that they may hear and so learn to revere the Lord your
- [A Rosh Hashanah Message](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/09/a-rosh-hashanah-message/) - Instead of counting pages, choose one prayer, or even one line from a prayer, and reflect upon it. Break it down, parse its meaning, wrestle with its message. Check the comments on the sides of the page to see if they help explain or unpack the prayer. Don’t worry if you are no longer on
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Nitzavim 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/09/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-nitzavim-5785/) - You stand this day, all of you, before the Eternal your God: your tribal heads, your elders, and your officials, all the rest of Israel’s citizens, your children, your wives, even the stranger in the camp, from wood chopper to waterdrawer... those are standing here with us this day before the Eternal our God and
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Ki Tavo 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/09/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-ki-tavo-5785/) - But if you do not obey the Lord your God to observe faithfully all His commandments and laws which I enjoin upon you this day, all these curses shall come upon you and take effect. D’varim / Deuteronomy 28:15 Our teacher, Rabbi Chaim Yosef David
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Ki Tetzei 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/09/a-tidbit-of-torah-ki-tetzei-5785/) - If you see your fellow Israelite's donkey or ox fallen on the road, do not ignore it; you must raise it together. (The Hebrew uses the verb “raise” twice in its formulation but is rendered more idiomatically in the JPS English translation.) D'varim / Deuteronomy 22:4 With him, with the donkey’s owner. However, should the
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Re’eh 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/08/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-reeh-5785/) - So, Which Is It? 4 There shall be no needy among you — since the Lord your God will bless you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you as a hereditary portion… 7 If, however, there is a needy person among you, one of your kinsmen in any of your settlements in the
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Eikev 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/08/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-eikev-5785/) - 12 And if you do obey these rules and observe them carefully, the Lord your God will maintain faithfully for you the covenant that He made on oath with your fathers: 13 He will favor you and bless you… D’varim / Deuteronomy 7:12-13 The author of the Torah commentary Orach Chayim understands the opening word of our parasha, v’haya,
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Va’etchanan 5785 Shabbat Nachamu/Tu B’Av](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/08/9269/) - All you need is love All you need is love All you need is love, love Love is all you need All you need is love (all together now!) All you need is love (everybody!) All you need is love, love Love is all you need The Beatles, Magical Mystery Tour Hear, O Israel!
- [A Tidbit of Torah – D’varim 5785 (Shabbat Hazon)](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/08/a-tidbit-of-torah-dvarim-5785-shabbat-hazon/) - The third haftarah of admonition, the opening chapter of Isaiah, is the prophet’s chilling depiction of a “faithful city” (kiryah ne’emanah) that has become distorted and debased, a once noble society that has sunk to the level of Sodom and Gomorrah. What sins does Isaiah associate with such faithlessness? Isaiah notes ironically that there is
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Mattot-Masey 5785, Shabbat Rosh Chodesh](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/07/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-mattot-masey-5785-shabbat-rosh-chodesh/) - If a man vows a vow to the Lord or swears an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth. Bemidbar / Numbers 30:3 Our teacher, the S’fat Emet,1 begins his reflection on this
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Pinchas 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/07/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-pinchas-5785/) - Parshat Pinchas concludes with a detailed list of the holy days and their required animal offerings. For each of the holy days the Torah prescribes an extensive array of bulls, rams, lambs, and goats, but for Shabbat, it stipulates only two additional lambs over and above the daily morning and evening sacrifices. The rabbis saw
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Balak 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/07/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-balak-5785/) - "How fair are your tents, O Jacob, Your dwellings, O Israel!" Bamidbar / Numbers 24:5 Balaam saw that the tent openings of the Israelites do not face each other; rather each opening was behind the next one, or at an angle, so that no one would look into the house of their neighbor. Bava Batra 60a
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Chukkat 5785 / Independence Day](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/07/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-chukkat-5785-independence-day/) - At Mount Hor, on the boundary of the land of Edom, the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, "Let Aaron be gathered to his kin…” (Literally, gathered unto his people) Bamidbar / Numbers 20:23-24 "Let Aaron be gathered unto his people… that is to say,” writes Rabbi Baruch of Tulchin (1), “that Aaron’s attributes and positive qualities will
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Korach 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/06/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-korach-5785/) - …and the staff of Aaron of the house of Levi had sprouted: it had brought forth sprouts, produced blossoms, and borne almonds… “Put Aaron’s staff back before the Pact, to be kept as a lesson to rebels… Bamidbar / Numbers 17:23, 25 Our verse describes the resolution, by divine intercession, of the ongoing conflict which
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Shlach L’cha 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/06/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-shlach-lcha-5785/) - The Lord said to Moses as follows: Speak to the Israelite people and instruct them to make for themselves fringes on the corners of their garments throughout the ages; … look at it and recall all the commandments of the Lord and observe them... B’midbar/Numbers 15:18-19 With these verses the Torah introduces us
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat B'ha-ah-lotcha 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/06/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-bha-ah-lotcha-5785/) - When the Ark was to set out, Moses would say: Advance, O Eternal One! May Your enemies be scattered, And may Your foes flee before You! And when it halted, he would say: Return, O Eternal One, You who are Israel’s myriads of thousands! Bemidbar/Numbers 10:35-36 These very familiar verses from this week’s Torah portion,
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Naso 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/06/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-naso-5785/) - But to the Kohathites he did not give any; since theirs was the service of the [most] sacred objects, their porterage was by shoulder. Bemidbar/Numbers 7:9 This verse concludes Moshe’s allocation of the carts and oxen to pull them donated by the tribal chieftains as part of the dedication of the Mishkan, the Tabernacle.
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat B’midbar 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/06/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-bmidbar-5785/) - "On the first day of the second month, in the second year following the exodus from the land of Egypt, the Lord spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the Tent of Meeting, saying:" B’midbar / Numbers 1:1 "The Torah was given in three venues: In fire, in water, and
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat B’har/B’chukkotai 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/05/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-bhar-bchukkotai-5785/) - Many waters cannot quench love. Shir Hashirim/Song of Songs 8:7 Yuval Raphael: First with the Public, Second Overall Yuval Raphael’s brilliant performance captured the hearts of Europeans. Standing alone on a Basel stage at the 2025 Eurovision grand finale the 24-year-old Israeli survivor of the Nova Music Festival massacre on October 7 sang a song
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Emor 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/05/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-emor-5785/) - And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap all the way to the edges of your field, or gather the gleanings of your harvest; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger: I the LORD am your GOD. Vayikra / Leviticus 23:22 Through the centuries many commentators to
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Acharei Mot/Kedoshim 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/05/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-acharei-mot-kedoshim-5785/) - Do not deal basely with your countrymen. Do not profit by the blood of your fellow: I am the Lord.
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Shmini 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/04/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-shmini-5785/) - They brought to the front of the Tent of Meeting the things that Moses had commanded, and the whole community came forward and stood before the Lord. Vayikra/Leviticus 9:5 Rabbi Avraham ben Mordecai Azulai (1) begins his comment by first citing Rabbi Isaac Luria who wrote, “Every person is obligated to take upon themselves the positive
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Shabbat & Concluding Days of Pesach 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/04/a-tidbit-of-torah-shabbat-concluding-days-of-pesach-5785/) - This is my God and whom I will enshrine; The God of my father, whom I will exalt.
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Pesach 5785  Liberation Today and Everyday](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/04/a-tidbit-of-torah-pesach-5785-liberation-today-and-everyday/) - On the eve of Passover, adjacent to minḥa time, a person may not eat until dark, so that he will be able to eat matza that night with a hearty appetite. Even the poorest of Jews should not eat the meal on Passover night until he reclines on his left side, as free and wealthy people recline when they eat. And the distributors of tzedakah should not give a poor person less than four cups
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Pekudey – Shabbat HaChodesh 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/03/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-pekudey-shabbat-hachodesh-5785/) - And he spread the tent (ohel) over the tabernacle (mishkan), and put the covering of the tent above upon it; as God commanded Moses. Exodus 40:19 God’s blueprint for a traveling sacred space to accompany the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness has now been completed. As the Israelites travelled, they would carry a place for
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Vayakel 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/03/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-vayakel-5785/) - The opening word of this week’s parasha, Vayakel (And he gathered), is from the Hebrew root which also gives us the words kahal and kehilla, congregation and community. The Torah tells us that the entire people of Israel gather together as they embark on the task of building the Mishkan, the Tabernacle. Rabbi Avraham of
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Purim & Parshat Kee Tissah 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/03/a-tidbit-of-torah-purim-parshat-kee-tissah-5785/) - “And God passed before him and called out … ” Exodus 34:6 Rabbi Yochanan stated, “Were it not for the fact that Scripture said it, it would be impossible for us to assert it. The Holy One wraps Himself in a tallit as prayer leader to show Moses the proper order of prayer for
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat T’tsaveh & Shabbat Zachor 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/03/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-ttsaveh-shabbat-zachor-5785/) - Zachor/Remember what Amalek did to you on your journey, after you left Egypt — how, undeterred by fear of God, he surprised you on the march, when you were famished and weary, and cut down all the stragglers in your rear. Therefore, when the Lord your God grants you safety from all your enemies around you,
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Mishpatim 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/02/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-mishpatim-5785/) - He who kidnaps a man – whether he has sold him or is still holding him – shall be put to death. Sh’mot/Exodus 21:16 A kidnapper is liable for capital punishment if he kidnaps a Jewish person, brings him into the kidnapper's own domain, makes use of him, and then sells him to others, as
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Yitro 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/02/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-yitro-5785/) - I the Lord am your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, the house of bondage: Sh’mot / Exodus 20:2 Biblical commentators through ages have observed that in the verse above the words your and you are written in the singular in the Hebrew even though God is speaking to the entire nation
- [Torah Tidbit Parshat B’shallach 5785 – Shabbat Shira: The Shabbat of Song](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/02/torah-tidbit-parshat-bshallach-5785-shabbat-shira-the-shabbat-of-song/) - Shabbat Shira today marks the beginning of Jewish Music Season. Originally, the designation of this special Shabbat referred to the reading of the Song at the Sea with its special melody as part of the Torah reading and the chanting of the Song of Deborah as the Haftarah. As Jewish music has proliferated and diversified
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Bo 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/01/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-bo-5785/) - He [Pharaoh] summoned Moses and Aaron in the night and said, “Up, depart from among my people, you and the Israelites with you! Go, worship the Lord as you said! Sh’mot / Exodus 12:31 Our teacher Rabbi Yitzchak Zelig Morgenstern of Sokolov (1) quotes his grandfather Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk: Worship God as
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Sh’mot 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/01/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-shmot-5785/) - “These are the names of the children of Israel who came to Egypt …” Exodus 1:1 The Book of Exodus opens with a brief review of the descent of Jacob and his family into Egypt where they will be trapped in fulfillment of the divine warning to Abraham that his descendants will be strangers in
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Vay’chi 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/01/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-vaychi-5785/) - Jacob lived seventeen years in the land of Egypt, so that the span of Jacob’s life came to one hundred and forty-seven years. And when the time approached for Israel to die… Jacob called his sons and said, “Come together that I may tell you what is to befall you in days to come.
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Vayigash 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2025/01/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-vayigash-5785/) - With all the money and animal stocks consigned to my lord, nothing is left at my lord's disposal save our persons and our farmland. Let us not perish before your eyes, both we, and our land. Take us and our land in exchange for the bread and we, and our land, will be serfs to
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Miketz, Shabbat Hannukah 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/12/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-miketz-shabbat-hannukah-5785/) - After two years’ time, Pharaoh dreamed that he was standing by the Nile River, when out of the Nile there came up seven cows, fair to look at and sturdy, and they grazed in the reed grass. But presently, seven other cows came up from the Nile close behind them, ugly and lean, and stood
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Vayishlach 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/12/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-vayishlach-5785/) - Jacob arrived safe (literally, “whole”) in the city of Shechem which is in the land of Canaan — having come thus from Paddan-aram — and he encamped before the city.
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Vayeytseh 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/12/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-vayeytseh-5785/) - Early in the morning, Laban kissed his sons and daughters and bade them good-by; then Laban left on his journey homeward. Jacob went on his way… Breysheet / Genesis 32:1 The author of Meshech Chokhmah (1) reads these verses from the Torah using the most literal translation of the verbs used to describe the actions
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Toldot 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/12/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-toldot-5785/) - Rebekah said to her son Jacob, …Now, my son, listen carefully as I instruct you. Go to the flock… B’reysheet/Genesis 27:6, 8-9 In reflecting upon our passage, Rabbi Joseph Ber Soloveitchik(1) explains our matriarch Rebekah’s
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Chaye Sarah 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/11/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-chaye-sarah-5785/) - The servant brought out objects of silver and gold, and garments, and gave them to Rebekah; and he gave presents to her brother and her mother… Do not delay me, now that the Lord has made my errand successful. Give me leave that I may go to my master… They called Rebekah and said to
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Vayera 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/11/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-vayera-5785/) - Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. (B’reysheet / Genesis 21:19) Rabbi Binyamin stated, “All have an aspect of blindness about them until the Holy One enlightens one’s eyes.” (Breysheet Rabbah 53) Building upon this statement The Chiddushei HaRim1 taught, “Everything that a person needs stands ready before them all
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Lech L'cha 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/11/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-lech-lcha-5785/) - When Abraham was 99 years old, the Lord appeared to Abraham and said to him, “I am El Shaddai. Walk in my ways and be “tamim”. I will establish my covenant between me and you…” This is the second covenantal moment described in our Torah portion, and it is deeply transformative. During this covenantal moment,
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Noah 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/11/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-noah-5785/) - As Lucy explodes her brother’s essential understanding regarding the Great Pumpkin she also introduces an important idea about how our language and usage impact on our understanding of the nature of God. Our Torah portion presents us with a variety of images of God using human terms of reference to describe the Infinite and bridge
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Simchat Torah 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/10/a-tidbit-of-torah-simchat-torah-5785/) - How Do We Celebrate Simchat Torah Appropriately in 5785? This is a difficult challenge. One on hand, we are commanded by the Torah to be joyous on Sukkot (Leviticus 23:40; Deuteronomy 16:14-15). Based on these verses, Cha”zal, our sages of blessed memory, taught us that it is a positive commandment to be joyous on holidays.
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Sukkot 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/10/a-tidbit-of-torah-sukkot-5785/) - Climate Control on Sukkot Lost in the mists of history and buried amidst the rubble of the Temple in Jerusalem are the rituals of Sukkot that made clear that Sukkot is about water. In ancient Israel the pageantry of the festival reflected in the Hoshanot processional, which we continue still, was concluded with the kohanim
- [Yom Kippur 5785](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/10/yom-kippur-5785/) - The High Holy Day liturgy reflects the dichotomy of our relationship with God. Prayers such as Avinu Malkenu (Page 92*) capture the duality of Divine transcendence and immanence. As we reach out to God in prayer, we call upon Avinu, our father. In doing so we evoke a relationship with the Holy One that is
- [Shana Tovah! But Not Like You Think I Mean It.](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/10/shana-tovah-but-not-like-you-think-i-mean-it/) - In the weeks ahead we will wish each other, family and friends, Shana Tovah, as an heartfelt expression of our hopes that the person experience a good year, a year filled with health, happiness and blessing. In extending this greeting, we understand the Hebrew word "shana" as meaning year but the Hebrew root Shin Nun
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Nitzavim-Vayelech 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/09/a-tidbit-of-torah-nitzavim-vayelech-5784/) - You stand this day, all of you, before the Lord your God — your tribal heads, your elders and your officials, all the men of Israel, your children, your wives, even the stranger within your camp, from woodchopper to water drawer — to enter into the covenant of the Lord your God, which the Lord your God
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Ki Tavo 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/09/a-tidbit-of-torah-ki-tavo-5784/) - And Moses called all of Israel and said to them, “You have seen all that the Lord did before your very eyes in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh, to all his servants, and to all his land; the great trials which your very eyes beheld and those great signs and wonders. Yet until this
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Kee Teytzeh 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/09/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-kee-teytzeh-5784/) - 1 If you see your fellow's ox or sheep gone astray, do not ignore it; you must take it back to your fellow. 2 If your fellow does not live near you or you do not know who he is, you shall bring it home and it shall remain with you until your fellow claims it; then you
- [A Tidbit of Torah Parshat Shoftim 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/09/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-shoftim-5784/) - The news of Hamas’ execution of six hostages has cast a dark, mournful shadow over Israel and the entire Jewish people. Like you, I am devastated and furious at the news of the murders of Hersh Goldberg-Polin z”l, Almog Sarusi z”l, Alex Lobanov z”l, Carmel Gat z”l, Eden Yerushalmi z”l, and Ori Danino z”l. For nearly a
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Re'eh 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/09/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-reeh-5784/) - Dear Friends, ​​​​​​​ If there appears among you a prophet… saying, "Let us follow and worship another god"… do not heed the words of that prophet… he shall be put to death; for he urged disloyalty to the Lord your God… If your brother… or your closest friend entices you in secret, saying, "Come let us
- [A Tidbit of Torah - A Tidbit of Torah Parshat Ekev 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/08/a-tidbit-of-torah-a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-ekev-5784/) - Therefore, shall you place these my words in your heart and in your soul; and you shall bind them as a sign upon your hand, and they shall be as totafot between your eyes. D’varim / Deuteronomy 11:18 Rashbam1, one of the great medieval commentators who primarily focuses on the Peshat, the
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Va’etchanan 5784 (Shabbat Nachamu)](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/08/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-vaetchanan-5784-shabbat-nachamu/) - I pleaded with the Lord at that time… Devarim / Deuteronomy 3:23 Rabbi Shmuel Bornsztain1, in his commentary to the Torah, Shem Mishmuel, cites a teaching of his grandfather, Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk2, who taught regarding our verse, “These things sit upon the heart like a stone, waiting for a unique moment when the
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Devarim 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/08/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-devarim-5784/) - These are the words that Moses addressed to all Israel on the other side of the Jordan. Devarim / Deuteronomy 1:1 The Gra1 parsed the opening words of this passage giving particular emphasis to the middle phrase. “These are the words that Moses addressed to”, the central and essential element that Moshe urged
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshiyot Mattot-Masei 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/08/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshiyot-mattot-masei-5784/) - The second of our two Torah portions designated for this Shabbat opens with: These were the marches of the Israelites who started out from the land of Egypt, troop by troop, in the charge of Moses and Aaron. Moses recorded the starting points of their various marches as directed by the Lord. And these marches,
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Pinchas 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/07/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-pinchas-5784/) - The Israelites are approaching the end of their journey to the Promised Land. In preparation for the next stage a census is performed, and the population is recorded. Immediately following the enumeration of the people, the Torah deals with the apportionment of the land. The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, "Among these shall the land be
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Balak 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/07/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-balak-5784/) - "How fair are your tents, O Jacob, Your dwellings, O Israel!" Bamidbar / Numbers 24:5 Balaam’s praise of Jacob’s tents and Israel’s dwelling places is amongst the most famous of biblical passages. Over the centuries it has been understood in a variety of ways. The BeSh’T(1) said a Jew’s “ohel/tent” is his ḥitzoniyut, his external appearance; it should
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Chukkat 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/07/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-chukkat-5784/) - … the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “You and your brother Aaron take the rod and assemble the community, and before their very eyes order the rock to yield its water… "Listen, you rebels, shall we get water for you out of this rock?" Bamidbar 20:8,10 Our Torah portion contains the well-known narrative in
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Korach, Rosh Chodesh Tammuz 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/07/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-korach-rosh-chodesh-tammuz-5784/) - For all the community are holy, all of them, and the Lord is in their midst. -Bamidbar / Numbers 16:3 Our parasha opens with a challenge to the authority of Moses and Aaron as leaders of the Israelites. Korah and his cohorts, Datan and Aviram, "rise up against Moses together with two hundred and fifty
- [A Tidbit of Torah Parshat Naso 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/06/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-naso-5784/) - The Lord bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace. B’midbar / Numbers 6:26 The K’tav Sofer (1) begins his commentary to our verse, the third and final passage of Birkat Kohanim, the priestly blessing, by citing Midrash Rabbah on the Book of Numbers which states: Peace when you enter, peace when you depart,
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Shavuot 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/06/a-tidbit-of-torah-shavuot-5784/) - Forgotten Holiday: Lost Holy Day Over the years in the various communities I have served, the days leading up to the festival of Shavuot trigger a variety of questions including: "Rabbi, there’s a holiday this/next week?" "Rabbi, what's this holiday all about anyway?" And a personal favorite, "Rabbi, is this an important holiday or a
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat B’midbar 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/06/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-bmidbar-5784/) - “Se’u et rosh...” “Take a census of the whole Israelite community by the clan of its ancestral houses, listing the names, every male, head by head. B’midbar/Numbers 1:2 The Israelites have just celebrated the first anniversary of their liberation. Sefer B’midbar, the Book of Numbers, returns our attention to the Israelite wanderings in the wilderness
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat B’chukkotai 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/05/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-bchukkotai-5784/) - The second of our two parshiyot designated for this Shabbat opens with the words, “If you follow My laws and faithfully observe My commandments” (Vayikra/Leviticus 26:3) prompting the great medieval commentator Rashi1 living in 11th century France to state, “Be diligent and dutiful in your engagement with Torah so that you might observe and fulfill
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Behar 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/05/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-behar-5784/) - If your kinsman is in straits and has to sell part of his holding, his nearest redeemer shall come and redeem what his kinsman has sold. Vayikra / Leviticus 25:25 Underlying the entire structure of the Sabbatical Year and the Jubilee Year presented in our Torah portion is a deep concern for individuals and the
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Emor 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/05/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-emor-5784/) - A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Emor 5784 As soon as the sun sets, he shall be clean; and afterward he may eat of the sacred donations, for they are his food. Vayikra/Leviticus 22:7 Rabbi Avrohom Bornsztain of Sochov1 begins his comment on our verse by noting that the Mishnah in Berachot sets the time
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Kedoshim 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/05/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-kedoshim-5784/) - A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Kedoshim 5784 "Speak to the whole Israelite community and say to them: You shall be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy." Vayikra / Leviticus 19:2 The Holy Blessed One said to Moses: "Go and say to Israel: 'My
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Tzav 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/05/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-tzav-5784-2/) - The Lord spoke to Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron who died when they drew too close to the presence of the Lord. Vayikra / Leviticus 16:1 Our parasha opens with these heavy words, picking up the narrative regarding the tragic and incomprehensible deaths of Aaron’s two sons in chapter 10.
- [A Tidbit of Torah for Earth Day 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/04/a-tidbit-of-torah-for-earth-day-5784/) - Lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my! Bees, and giraffes, and elephants, oh my! Whales, and leopards, and bison, oh my! Monkeys, and birds, and rhinos, oh my! Today is Earth Day. As we mark Earth Day this year, the number of species in decline globally is growing exponentially. Environmental scientists warn that we are
- [A Tidbit of Torah -  Parshat Metsora and Shabbat Hagadol 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/04/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-metsora-and-shabbat-hagadol-5784/) - A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Metzora and Shabbat Hagadol 5784 Every year the Haggadah enjoins us to internalize that, “B’chol dor vador chayav adam leer-ot et atz-mo k’ee-lu hu ya-tzah me-mitzrayim” – “In every generation, each person is obligated to see themselves as if they had participated in the Exodus from Egypt”. This powerful
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Shmini / Shabbat Hachodesh 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/04/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-shmini-shabbat-hachodesh-5784/) - Moses said: “This is what the Lord has commanded that you do, that the Presence of the Lord may appear to you.” Vayikra / Leviticus 9:6 Our teacher, ha-Chozeh MiLublin, the Seer of Lublin(1), observes that the dedication of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) seems to create a differing set of expectations on the part of God and
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Tzav 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/03/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-tzav-5784/) - A perpetual fire shall be kept burning on the altar, not to go out. Vayikra/Leviticus 6:6 Our parasha describes the initiation of formal worship by our Israelite ancestors after having completed the construction of the Mishkan while encamped at the foot of Mt Sinai. Through an elaborate series of religious rituals the Mishkan is consecrated,
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Vayikra – Shabbat Zachor 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/03/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-vayikra-shabbat-zachor-5784/) - …'Cause everyone’s crazy 'bout a sharp-dressed man.1 As we begin the book of Vayikra/Leviticus, Aaron and his sons will finally begin using the elaborate vestments prepared for them as worship is inaugurated in the Mishkan, the Tabernacle. Regarding this attire the Torah instructed: Make sacral vestments for your brother Aaron, for dignity and adornment. Next
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Pekudey 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/03/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-pekudey-5784/) - The silver of those of the community who were recorded came to 100 talents and 1,775 shekels by the sanctuary weight: a half-shekel a head, half a shekel by the sanctuary weight, for each one who was entered in the records, from the age of twenty years up, 603,550 men. The 100 talents of silver were for
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Vayakel, Shabbat Shekalim 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/03/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-vayakel-shabbat-shekalim-5784/) - Moses then convoked the whole Israelite community and said to them: These are the things that the Lord has commanded you to do: … 4 Moses said further to the whole community of Israelites: Sh’mot / Exodus 35:1, 4 Our Torah portion opens with Moshe gathering all the Israelites together to give them God’s
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat T'tsaveh 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/02/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-ttsaveh-5784/) - You shall further instruct the Israelites to bring you clear oil of beaten olives for lighting, for kindling lamps regularly. Exodus 27:20 Unlike all the other materials itemized for the construction of the Mishkan which were a one-time donation, the requirement here is an ongoing obligation. A very specific kind of material must be used for
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Yitro 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/02/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-yitro-5784/) - …the Lord said to Moses, "Go to the people and charge them to sanctify themselves today and tomorrow. Let them wash their clothes. Sh’mot / Exodus 19:10 The Mekhilta1 comments upon this verse: There are tomorrows that are only in the future. In a collection of teachings by Gerer rabbis they expand upon the Mekhilta
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat B’Shalach 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/01/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-bshalach-5784/) - …This is my God and I will enshrine Him; New Jewish Publication Society Translation …This is my God and I will glorify Him; Old Jewish Publication Society Translation Sh’mot / Exodus 15:2 The difference between the two translations of this phrase from the Song at the Sea exists within the writings of our medieval biblical
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Va-ehra 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/01/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-va-ehra-5784/) - And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch out My hand over Egypt and bring out the Israelites from their midst."
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Sh’mot 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2024/01/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-shmot-5784/) - But [Moshe] said, "Please, O Lord, make someone else Your agent." Exodus 4:13 Moshe finds himself at the top of Horeb, drawn there by the mystery of the burning bush that was ablaze but not consumed by the flames. God speaks to Moshe as the same God who spoke with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Vay’che 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/12/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-vayche-5784/) - “The God in whose ways my fathers, Abraham and Isaac walked, The God who has been my shepherd from my birth to this day —"
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Vayigash 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/12/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-vayigash-5784/) - Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come forward to me.” And when they came forward, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, he whom you sold into Egypt. Now do not be distressed (sad) or reproach yourselves because you sold me hither; it was to save life that God sent me ahead of you.
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Miketz 5784   The Screams We Hear and the Screams We Ignore](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/12/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-miketz-5784-the-screams-we-hear-and-the-screams-we-ignore/) - And when all the land of Egypt felt the hunger, the people cried out to Pharaoh for bread; and Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph; whatever he tells you, you shall do.” Breysheet/Genesis 41:55 They said to one another, “Alas, we are being punished on account of our brother, because we
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Vayeshev and Shabbat Hannukah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/12/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-vayeshev-and-shabbat-hannukah/) - On Chanukah 1897, four months after the conclusion of the First Zionist Congress, an article penned by Theodore Herzl, entitled, “The Menorah,” appeared in Die Welt, the Zionist newspaper he had founded earlier that year. Herzl begins the article as a fable and writes in the third person. “The eighth night arrived, when all the
- [Being Outstanding By Standing Out](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/12/being-outstanding-by-standing-out/) - My phone recently highlighted a photo memory of my son Yonatan playing on the University of Vermont’s Roller Hockey team, a team which travelled to participate in tournaments against other colleges. The photo was from a tournament wherein they played a team from Yeshiva University and reminded me of an amusing encounter which took place
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Vayishlach 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/12/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-vayishlach-5784/) - A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Vayishlach 5784 Jacob arrived safe (literally, “whole”) in the city of Shechem which is in the land of Canaan — having come thus from Paddan-aram — and he encamped before the city. B’reysheet / Genesis 33:18 Our teacher, the S’fat Emet1, focuses on the more literal meaning of the
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Vayehtseh 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/11/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-vayehtseh-5784/) - (10) Jacob left Beer-sheba, and set out for Haran. (11) He came upon a certain place and stopped there for the night… and lay down in that place. (12) He had a dream; a stairway was set on the ground and its top reached to the sky, and angels of God were going up and
- [A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Toldot 5784 Reflections on the March for Israel](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/11/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-toldot-5784-reflections-on-the-march-for-israel/) - Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Toldot 5784 Reflections on the March for Israel Chazak, Chazak, V’nitchazek. Many will recognize this formula which is recited both by the congregation and the Torah reader upon the completion of reading a book of the Torah. It was also the impetus for the answer I gave when someone on
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Chaye Sarah 5784 Jewish Book Month](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/11/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-chaye-sarah-5784-jewish-book-month/) - A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Chaye Sarah 5784 Jewish Book Month Celebrating Jewish Book Month Given the current situation in Israel and the challenges facing Jews around the world I share with you several titles which I hope you will find edifying and even inspiring. Each of them has been featured as a Jewish
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Vayera 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/11/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-vayera-5784/) - A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Vayera 5784 Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. (B’reysheet / Genesis 21:19) Rabbi Binyamin stated, “All have an aspect of blindness about them until the Holy One enlightens one’s eyes.” (Breysheet Rabbah 53) Building upon this statement The Chiddushei HaRim (1) taught, “Everything
- [A Tidbit of Torah Parshat Lech L'cha 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/10/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-lech-lcha-5784/) - A Tidbit of Torah Parshat Lech L'cha 5784 At God’s behest, Avram, along with Sarai his wife, and his nephew Lot, leave their native home and all its familiarity. Avram is told to step out of his comfort zone and to meet the challenges of encountering new peoples and difficult situations. The Torah will record
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Noach 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/10/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-noach-5784/) - God further said, “This is the sign that I set for the covenant between Me and you, and every living creature with you, for all ages to come. I have set My bow in the clouds, and it shall serve as a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.
- [A Tidbit of Torah Breysheet 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/10/a-tidbit-of-torah-breysheet-5784/) - he Lord God formed man from the dust of the earth. He blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being. Breysheet/Genesis 2:7 The verb used in our verse, “va-yitser” – “formed” is routinely used in the Bible regarding the work of a potter. God shapes and then animates the
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Shmini Atseret 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/10/a-tidbit-of-torah-shmini-atseret-5784/) - The festival of Shmini Atseret which begins this evening is described only briefly in the Torah in the context of the Israelite sacred calendar. In the Book of Vayikra/Leviticus we read: The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: Say to the Israelite people: On the fifteenth day of this seventh month there shall be the Feast
- [A Tidbit of Torah Sukkot 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/10/a-tidbit-of-torah-sukkot-5784/) - Old business before new Torah. Several people have requested the story I told on Yom Kippur about the young boy who had not eaten breakfast, so I share it with you below along with the contact information for MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger. Is This the Fast I Have Chosen? A teacher in Minnesota
- [A Tidbit of Torah Parshat Ha'azinu 5784](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/09/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-haazinu-5784/) - Moses came, together with Hosea son of Nun, and recited all the words of this poem in the hearing of the people. D’varim/Deuteronomy 32:44 A poem should be palpable and mute… Dumb… Silent… A poem should be wordless… A poem should be motionless in time… A
- [Hinei Ma Tov](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/09/hinei-ma-tov/) - Our congregation has a deep history of philanthropic activity that has enabled us to do so much for our entire congregation. You all answer the call in so many ways, and we are confident that we can continue to grow our robust culture of philanthropy at Rodef Sholom Temple. Click here to make a donation. Click
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Nitzavim-Vayelech 5783](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/09/a-tidbit-of-torah-parshat-nitzavim-vayelech-5783/) - You stand this day, all of you, before the Lord your God — your tribal heads, your elders and your officials, all the men of Israel, your children, your wives, even the stranger within your camp, from woodchopper to water drawer — to enter into the covenant of the Lord your God, which the Lord
- [Shabbat Parashat Kee Teytseh August 25, 2023 -  8 Elul 5783](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/08/shabbat-parashat-kee-teytseh-august-25-2023-8-elul-5783/) - A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Kee Teytzeh 5783 If you see your fellow's ox or sheep gone astray, do not ignore it; you must take it back to your fellow. If your fellow does not live near you or you do not know who he is, you shall bring it home and it shall remain
- [Shabbat Parashat Shoftim August 18, 2023 -  1 Elul 5783](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/08/shabbat-parashat-shoftim-august-18-2023-1-elul-5783/) - A Tidbit of Torah – Shoftim 5783 You shall appoint magistrates and officials for your tribes, in all the settlements that the Lord your God is giving you, and they shall govern the people with due justice. You shall not judge unfairly: you shall show no partiality; you shall not take bribes, for bribes blind the
- [Shabbat Parashat Ekev August 4, 2023 -  17 Av 5783](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/08/shabbat-parashat-ekev-august-4-2023-17-av-5783/) - A Tidbit of Torah – Parshat Ekev 5783 For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land with streams and springs and fountains issuing from plain and hill; a land of wheat and barley, of vines, figs, and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey; a land where you
- [Shabbat Parashat Re'eh August 11, 2023 -  24 Av 5783](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/08/shabbat-parashat-reeh-august-11-2023-24-av-5783/) - A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Re’eh 5783 If there appears among you a prophet… saying, "Let us follow and worship another god"… do not heed the words of that prophet… he shall be put to death; for he urged disloyalty to the Lord your God… If your brother… or your closest friend entices you in
- [Tidbit of Torah - Shabbat Parashat Va-ehtchanan July 28, 2023 -  10 Av 5783](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/07/tidbit-of-torah-shabbat-parashat-va-ehtchanan-july-28-2023-10-av-5783/) - A Tidbit of Torah - Parshat Va’etchanan 5783 But if you search there for the Lord your God, you will find Him, if only you seek Him with all your heart and soul — D’varim / Deuteronomy 4:29 Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Peshischa(1) was the leader of a movement which revolutionized Hasidic thought by juxtaposing
- [A Tidbit of Torah - Devarim 5783](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/07/a-tidbit-of-torah-devarim-5783/) - Shabbat Parashat Devarim July 21, 2023 - 3 Av 5783 These are the words that Moses addressed to all Israel on the other side of the Jordan. - Devarim / Deuteronomy 1:1 The Gra(1) parsed the opening words of this passage giving particular emphasis to the middle phrase. “These are the words that Moses addressed to”, the
- [Shabbat Parashat Korach Final Tidbits of Torah June 24, 2023 - 5 Tammuz 5783](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/06/shabbat-parashat-korach-final-tidbits-of-torah-june-24-2023-5-tammuz-5783/) - Dear Friends, With gratitude and joy in my heart for having been privileged to serve as your pulpit Rabbi for the past 22 years, I write this final Tidbits of Torah, as a blessing and thanks to Rodef Sholom Temple. RST is a wonderful, vibrant congregation. Thanks to the leadership, membership, staff and volunteers of
- [Shabbat Parashat Korach Final Tidbits of Torah June 24, 2023 - 5 Tammuz 5783](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/06/shabbat-parashat-korach-final-tidbits-of-torah-june-24-2023-5-tammuz-5783-2/) - Dear Friends, With gratitude and joy in my heart for having been privileged to serve as your pulpit Rabbi for the past 22 years, I write this final Tidbits of Torah, as a blessing and thanks to Rodef Sholom Temple. RST is a wonderful, vibrant congregation. Thanks to the leadership, membership, staff and volunteers of
- [Shabbat Parashat Shelach Lekha Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh Courage and Faith June 16, 2023 - 28 Sivan 5783](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/06/shabbat-parashat-shelach-lekha-shabbat-mevarekhim-hachodesh-courage-and-faith-june-16-2023-28-sivan-5783/) - Dear Friends, I hope you will join us for services this Shabbat as we celebrate the aufruf preceding the upcoming marriage of Marissa Arager and Jacob Perdue. Mazal Tov to Marissa and to Jacob and to their families! Their simcha is our simcha! This Shabbat morning we will also be reciting the blessing of the
- [Shabbat Parashat Naso Count Me In! June 2, 2023 - 14 Sivan 5783](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/06/shabbat-parashat-naso-count-me-in-june-2-2023-14-sivan-5783/) - Dear Friends, I hope you will join us for services this Friday night and Shabbat as we celebrate the bat mitzvah of Netta Marziano. Mazal Tov to Netta and to her whole family! We have recently concluded the counting of the Omer and celebrated that culmination with the holiday of Shavuot. Going forward, we rely
- [Shabbat Parashat B'Midbar Shabbat Machar Chodesh Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh Preparing for Shavuot and for Confirmation! May 19, 2023 - 29 Iyyar 5783](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/05/shabbat-parashat-bmidbar-shabbat-machar-chodesh-shabbat-mevarekhim-hachodesh-preparing-for-shavuot-and-for-confirmation-may-19-2023-29-iyyar-5783/) - Dear Friends, I hope you will join us for services this Friday night to celebrate our New Members and our Religious School Teachers and Bar/Bat Mitzvah Tutors! Our Religious School Teachers and our Bar/Bat Mitzvah Tutors do such outstanding work with our youth! Yasher koach to all of them! This Shabbat morning we will be
- [Shabbat Parashat Tazria and Metsora Rosh Chodesh Iyyar Day 2 Israel and Community April 21, 2023 - 1 Iyyar 5783](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/05/shabbat-parashat-tazria-and-metsora-rosh-chodesh-iyyar-day-2-israel-and-community-april-21-2023-1-iyyar-5783/) - Dear Friends, Believe it or not....This coming week, Israel is celebrating her 75th birthday! Mazal Tov to us all! We will be having a special Israeli foods dinner tonight after Kabbalat Shabbat services with an Israel trivia game included as part of the evening's celebration. Join us! On Sunday the UJCVP will be holding an
- [Shabbat Parashat Acharei-Mot/Kedoshim The Quest for Holiness April 28, 2023 - 8 Iyyar 5783](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/05/shabbat-parashat-acharei-mot-kedoshim-the-quest-for-holiness-april-28-2023-8-iyyar-5783/) - Dear Friends, Our double Torah portion includes the parsha of Kedoshim [Holy]. The quest for holiness is ongoing and complex. Only God is "fully" holy. As human beings, we can only strive to achieve levels of holiness; to hold onto them or we to rise up in our levels of holiness. Parashat Kedoshim includes various ways
- [Shabbat Parashat Vayikra Can You Take This Call? March 24, 2023 - 3 Nisan 5783](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/03/shabbat-parashat-vayikra-can-you-take-this-call-march-24-2023-3-nisan-5783/) - Dear Friends, I hope you will join us this Friday night and Shabbat morning as we celebrate the bar mitzvah of Levi Lacey. Mazal Tov to Levi and to his entire family! This Shabbat we are reading the beginning of the third book of the Five Books of Moses, Leviticus, or Vayikra as it is
- [Shabbat Parashat VaYakhel-Pekudei Shabbat HaChodesh Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh The Value of Diversity and Inclusion March 17, 2023 - 25 Adar 5783](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/03/shabbat-parashat-vayakhel-pekudei-shabbat-hachodesh-shabbat-mevarekhim-hachodesh-the-value-of-diversity-and-inclusion-march-17-2023-25-adar-5783/) - Dear Friends, Passover is just around the corner! This Shabbat we will be reciting the blessing for the new Jewish month of Nisan - the month in which, according to the Torah, our people experienced the Exodus from Egypt - one of the greatest "transitions" of all times. Rosh Chodesh Nisan will be on Wednesday
- [Shabbat Parashat Ki Tissa Shabbat Parah Cows (!) and Effect... March 10, 2023 - 18 Adar 5783](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/03/shabbat-parashat-ki-tissa-shabbat-parah-cows-and-effect-march-10-2023-18-adar-5783/) - Dear Friends, I hope you will join us this Friday night and Shabbat for Men's Club Shabbat which promises to be great fun. I suppose it is "cause (or cows) and effect", that we gather together on a few extra special Shabbatot as we gear up for Passover, hoping to be spiritually prepared for the
- [Shabbat Parashat Tetsaveh Shabbat Zachor What Should I Wear? March 3, 2023 - 11 Adar 5783](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/03/shabbat-parashat-tetsaveh-shabbat-zachor-what-should-i-wear-march-3-2023-11-adar-5783/) - Dear Friends, As Purim approaches, many of us find ourselves asking: "What Should I Wear?" to the Megillah reading. Of course, we ask ourselves a similar question on many other ocassions as well....What Should I Wear? Fun clothing? Old clothing? New clothing? Fancy clothing? Relaxed clothing? In our society, for the most part, we have so many
- [Shabbat Parashat Mishpatim Shabbat Shekalim Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh Our Participation Counts February 17, 2023 - 27 Shevat 5783](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/02/shabbat-parashat-mishpatim-shabbat-shekalim-shabbat-mevarekhim-hachodesh-our-participation-counts-february-17-2023-27-shevat-5783/) - Dear Friends, This is a special Shabbat! Of course, every Shabbat is special, simply because it is sanctified as "special" time - holy time. But this Shabbat is extra special. This is the first of four special Shabbatot that lead up to Passover. Shabbat Shekalim gets its special name from the Maftir Aliyah that is
- [Shabbat Parashat Yitro Following Through February 10, 2022 - 20 Shevat 5783](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/02/shabbat-parashat-yitro-following-through-february-10-2022-20-shevat-5783/) - Dear Friends, How easy is it for us to proverbially "put the cart before the horse"? How many times have we jumped to conclusions and acted upon them before we figured out that our conclusions were based on erroneous assumptions? Of course, we should think before we act. However, there is also a danger in
- [Shabbat Parashat B'Shalach Shabbat Shirah Singing in the Rain! February 3, 2022 - 13 Shevat 5783](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/02/shabbat-parashat-bshalach-shabbat-shirah-singing-in-the-rain-february-3-2022-13-shevat-5783/) - Dear Friends, How long should we wait before we sing a joyous song? Should we wait until the world is perfect? Should we wait until all injustice and misfortune are defeated? If we did, we might never get a chance to sing! Of course, the old favorite song, "Singing in the Rain" gives us a
- [Shabbat Parashat Bo All Together Now! January 27, 2022 - 6 Shevat 5783](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/01/shabbat-parashat-bo-all-together-now-january-27-2022-6-shevat-5783/) - Dear Friends, I hope you will join us at services this Shabbat as we celebrate the bat mitzvah of Jordan Coltrain. Mazal Tov to Jordan and to her entire family! Finally! We can all be together again in person and on Zoom! And, thankfully, we can celebrate a bat mitzvah together! What a blessing! But,
- [Shabbat Parashat Va'era Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh Soul Stretching January 20, 2022 - 28 Tevet 5783](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/01/shabbat-parashat-vaera-shabbat-mevarekhim-hachodesh-soul-stretching-january-20-2022-28-tevet-5783/) - Dear Friends, How often do we get up in the morning and feel a natural need to stretch our muscles? Naturally, since we have not used them much when we were asleep, we need to "warm up" and to "stretch" our bodies in order to feel ready to take on the new day. The same is
- [Shabbat Parashat Vayechi Blessing and Being Blessed January 6, 2022 - 14 Tevet 5783](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2023/01/shabbat-parashat-vayechi-blessing-and-being-blessed-january-6-2022-14-tevet-5783/) - Dear Friends, I hope you will join us for services and events this weekend as we welcome our ISJL program associate, Sophie Bernstein! As I was reading this week's parsha, Vayechi [and he, Jacob, lived...] I noticed that in describing the end of Jacob's life, the Torah tells us that Jacob decided to gather his
- [Shabbat Parashat Vayiggash Happy and Healthy 2023 December 30, 2022 - 7 Tevet 5783](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2022/12/shabbat-parashat-vayiggash-happy-and-healthy-2023-december-30-2022-7-tevet-5783/) - Dear Friends, I take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a Happy and Healthy 2023! How time flies...and yet Torah teaches us to keep our spirits up and not to give up on our personal and collective dreams and vision. This coming Tuesday is Asarah B'Tevet [the tenth day of the Jewish month
- [Shabbat Parashat Mikkets Rosh Chodesh Tevet - Day 1 Chanukah Day 6 Personal Responsibility December 23, 2022 - 30 Kislev 5783](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2022/12/shabbat-parashat-mikkets-rosh-chodesh-tevet-day-1-chanukah-day-6-personal-responsibility-december-23-2022-30-kislev-5783/) - Dear Friends, Who is really in charge? We often struggle with assuming responsibility for our actions. It is easy to say: So and so talked me into it. Or...It wasn't my idea! But, despite all of those true or partially true circumstances, in most instances, we are still personally responsible for our actions. In our
- [Shabbat Parashat Vayeshev Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh What's Next? December 16, 2022 - 23 Kislev 5783](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2022/12/shabbat-parashat-vayeshev-shabbat-mevarekhim-hachodesh-whats-next-december-16-2022-23-kislev-5783/) - Dear Friends, Twice in our Parsha, we read the words: "Vayehi achar ha-devarim ha-eleh [And it happened after these events that...]" (Genesis 39:7; Genesis 40:1). Twice in our Parsha, we move from one scandalous event to another. And, these words suggest that there is a link between the event that preceeds them and the new
- [Shabbat Parashat Vayishlach Slow Down! December 9, 2022 - 16 Kislev 5783](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2022/12/shabbat-parashat-vayishlach-slow-down-december-9-2022-16-kislev-5783/) - Dear Friends, Life often has us rushing around non-stop from morning to night. We have so much we need to accomplish. We have so many responsibilities and so many worthwhile opportunities. In our weekly Torah portion, after their reconciliation, Jacob declines Esau's offer to travel together with him saying: "You go on ahead, and I will
- [Shabbat Parashat Vayetse Shifting Landscapes December 2, 2022 - 9 Kislev 5783](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2022/12/shabbat-parashat-vayetse-shifting-landscapes-december-2-2022-9-kislev-5783/) - Dear Friends, Transitions are notoriously unsettling, whether they are personal or communal. They often involve "losses" of some kind before we "regain" our equilibrium and sense of self. In our Torah Portion, Vayetse, Jacob is in personal transition. Jacob's transition was shocking, as many of our transitions may be. Leaaving his familiar and familial setting,
- [Shabbat Parashat Chayay Sarah Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh The Ups and the Downs of Life November 19, 2022 - 25 Cheshvan 5783](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2022/11/shabbat-parashat-chayay-sarah-shabbat-mevarekhim-hachodesh-the-ups-and-the-downs-of-life-november-19-2022-25-cheshvan-5783/) - Dear Friends, Coming right after the turbulent parsha of Vayera which included the story of Sodom and Gemorrah and the Binding of Issac (Akedat Yitzhak), we arrive at this week's Torah portion of Chayay Sarah which is made up of the ordinary business of life - taking care of funeral arrangements, finding a partner for
- [Shabbat Parashat Vayera November 11, 2022 - 18 Cheshvan 5783 Veterans Day](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2022/11/shabbat-parashat-vayera-november-11-2022-18-cheshvan-5783-veterans-day/) - Dear Friends, Today we salute our veterans. We remind ourselves that veterans are a part of us. We remind ourselves that veterans have served and must not be forgotten when they return home. The way in which we relate to veterans is a reflection on us as all as a community and as a society.
- [Shabbat Parashat Lech L'cha November 4, 2022 - 11 Cheshvan 5783 The Courage To Be Different](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2022/11/shabbat-parashat-lech-lcha-november-4-2022-11-cheshvan-5783-the-courage-to-be-different/) - Dear Friends, What is so special about Abraham? The magnificent thing about Torah is that we always discover new relevance in the weekly Torah portion. So, to me, today, what seems to be so special about Abraham is that he had the courage to be different. We are experiencing a significant rise in Anti-semitism these
- [Shabbat Chol HaMoed Sukkot Chol HaMoed Day 4 October 14, 2022 - 20 Tishrei 5783 Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2022/10/shabbat-chol-hamoed-sukkot-chol-hamoed-day-4-october-14-2022-20-tishrei-5783-shabbat-shalom-and-chag-sameach/) - Dear Friends, I look forward to seeing you tonight at our RST dinner in the Sukkah, with the building of the edible Sukkah by the Religious School students! Such fun for all! We will all be invited for Kiddush and Motzi in the Sukkah (even if we are not staying for dinner). We will all
- [Shabbat Parashat VaYelech September 30, 2022 - 6 Elul 5783 Shabbat Shuvah Core Identity](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2022/09/shabbat-parashat-vayelech-september-30-2022-6-elul-5783-shabbat-shuvah-core-identity/) - Dear Friends, This Shabbat, Shabbat Shuvah [the Shabbat of Return] gets its name from the beginning of the special haftarah that we read on the Shabbat between Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur. This haftarah begins with the words of the prophet Hosea (14:2): "Shuvah, Yisrael, ad Adonai Elohecha...[Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God...]."
- [Shabbat Parashat Nitzavim September 23, 2022 - 28 Elul 5782 Shana Tova!](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2022/09/shabbat-parashat-nitzavim-september-23-2022-28-elul-5782-shana-tova/) - Dear Friends, As we approach this final Shabbat of 5782 and prepare to welcome the new Jewish year of 5783, I would like to wish all of us a Shana Tova u'metukah - a sweet and a good year, filled with joy and blessings! And, I look forward to seeing many of you at services
- [Shabbat Parashat Ki Tetse September 9, 2022 - 14 Elul 5782 Consolation and Hope](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2022/09/shabbat-parashat-ki-tetse-september-9-2022-14-elul-5782-consolation-and-hope/) - Dear Friends, Queen Elizabeth's reign lasted for 70 years! She was an amazing human being who stood tall through thick and thin, through good times and bad times, through periods of war and of peace, through political ups and downs, through family issues, sorrows and celebrations. Queen Elizabeth passed away as we read the weekly Torah
- [Shabbat Parashat Shof'tim September 2, 2022 - 7 Elul 5782 Reflecting On Our Inner Selves](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2022/09/shabbat-parashat-shoftim-september-2-2022-7-elul-5782-reflecting-on-our-inner-selves/) - Dear Friends, Our Torah Portion of Shof'tim [Judges] begins with the words: "You shall place judges and magistrates for yourself at all of your gates...". Isn't this obvious? Of course, we need to have a system of justice in our society in order to maintain a just society. Nevertheless, as this Torah Portion is read
- [Shabbat Parashat Re'eh Shabbat Rosh Chodesh Elul - Day 1 August 26, 2022 - 30 Av 5782 It's A New Day!](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2022/08/shabbat-parashat-reeh-shabbat-rosh-chodesh-elul-day-1-august-26-2022-30-av-5782-its-a-new-day/) - Dear Friends, Rosh Chodesh Elul begins tonight and the month of Elul begins on Saturday night! We are just one month away from Rosh HaShana....Every day of the month of Elul, beginning this Sunday morning, you will receive a brief spiritual email message from RST to help us get into the spirit of the High Holy
- [Shabbat Parashat Ekev Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2022/08/shabbat-parashat-ekev-shabbat-mevarekhim-hachodesh/) - This Shabbat we will be reciting the Blessing of the new Jewish Month of Elul - the month of preparation for the High Holy Days. Rosh Chodesh Elul will be a week from now - beginning on Friday night, August 26th, and continuing on the following Saturday and Sunday. This Shabbat, a full week in advance
- [Shabbat Parashat Devarim Shabbat Chazon](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2022/08/shabbat-parashat-devarim-shabbat-chazon/) - Dear Friends, I hope you will join us this Friday night and Shabbat morning as we celebrate Eli and Seth Green's bar mitzvah! Mazal Tov to Eli and to Seth and to their entire family!!! This Shabbat is named Shabbat Chazon [the Shabbat of Vision] as the first word of the haftarah (the traditional weekly
- [Shabbat Parashat Shelach-Lecha Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh Independence and Tradition](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2022/06/shabbat-parashat-shelach-lecha-shabbat-mevarekhim-hachodesh-independence-and-tradition/) - Dear Friends, I hope you will join us on Shabbat morning as we celebrate this year's adult b'nei mitzvah group - Elaine Abrams; Joseph and Bogie Edouard; Eliane Freund; and Beverly Phillips - and their teacher: Roy Lasris! It is bound to be a very special service!!! These adult b'nei mitzvah have devoted time and
- [Shabbat Parashat B'ha'a'lotcha Father's Day](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2022/06/shabbat-parashat-bhaalotcha-fathers-day/) - Dear Friends, Not all of us are fathers. Nevertheless, I wish all those who celebrate Father's Day, a very happy and fulfilling Father's Day weekend. Some of us have fathers whom we can celebrate with and some of us do not. Some of our fathers are still with us in this world and some of
- [Shabbat Parashat Naso Order in Our Lives](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2022/06/shabbat-parashat-naso-order-in-our-lives/) - Dear Friends, In the journey of Torah, of time and of holidays, we have travelled from Passover, from Egypt and from conscripted slavery all the way through Shavuot, the Festival of the First Fruits and of the Giving of the Torah. We yearn to be free, individually and as a people, yet we have seen
- [Shabbat Parashat B'Midbar Omer Day 49 - Erev Shavuot Celebrating Torah: Shabbat and Shavuot June 3, 2022 - 5 Sivan 5782](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2022/06/shabbat-parashat-bmidbar-omer-day-49-erev-shavuot-celebrating-torah-shabbat-and-shavuot-june-3-2022-5-sivan-5782/) - Dear Friends, This Shabbat is a prelude to Shavuot, the holiday of the Giving [and Receiving] of the Torah! Shavuot begins on Saturday night! We have been counting the Omer, connecting Passover and the Exodus from Egypt with the monumental moment when we all stood at the foot of Mount Sinai and received the Torah,
- [Shabbat Parashat BeChukotay Omer Day 42 Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh Memorial Day Plus...](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2022/05/shabbat-parashat-bechukotay-omer-day-42-shabbat-mevarekhim-hachodesh-memorial-day-plus/) - Dear Friends, Memorial Day weekend is, in an of itself, a time of sadness as we honor those who have given their lives in the service of our country. They served so that we may, hopefully, live in peace. Yet, this weekend we add tears for all those innocent lives lost in Uvalde, Texas, as
- [Shabbat Parashat Behar Omer Count: Day 35 What's The Plan? May 20, 2022 - 20 Iyyar 5782](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2022/05/shabbat-parashat-behar-omer-count-day-35-whats-the-plan-may-20-2022-20-iyyar-5782/) - Dear Friends, Having recently returned from a scheduled Sabbatical, people ask me often: What's the plan? When you retire (in a year and a quarter), what will you do? Where will you live? Will you stay? Will you go? These are all natural questions. My tendency is to say: The beauty of retirement will be
- [Shabbat Parashat Emor Omer Count: Day 28 Back From Israel](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2022/05/shabbat-parashat-emor-omer-count-day-28-back-from-israel/) - Dear Friends, Each day is a miracle. Counting the Omer reminds us of that. Each day counts. Each day of my Sabbatical was a miracle. Each day of being in Israel is a miracle. Each day of being part of Jewish community is a miracle. Each day of being back is also a miracle. My
- [Shabbat Parashat Yitro We Are One January 21, 2022 - 20 Shevat 5782](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2022/01/shabbat-parashat-yitro-we-are-one-january-21-2022-20-shevat-5782/) - Dear Friends, Since my Sabbatical begins this Sunday, this will be the final Tidbits of Torah until I return from my Sabbatical on May 9th. During my Sabbatical, I will be spending some time in Israel and I look forward to coming back refreshed! This has been a difficult week and I want to reflect
- [Shabbat Parashat B'Shalach Shabbat Shirah Miriam's Timbrel and Us January 14, 2022 - 13 Shevat 5782](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2022/01/shabbat-parashat-bshalach-shabbat-shirah-miriams-timbrel-and-us-january-14-2022-13-shevat-5782/) - Dear Friends, What does Miriam's Timbrel have to do with us? This week we will be reading the Song of the Sea which was recited right after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea and saw that they were safe. Moses and the Israelites sang the Song of the Sea. Miriam took out her timbrel and
- [Shabbat Parashat Bo Creativity Is A Plus January 7, 2022 -  6 Shevat 5782](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2022/01/shabbat-parashat-bo-creativity-is-a-plus-january-7-2022-6-shevat-5782/) - Dear Friends, A stand out piece of our weekly Torah portion, to my mind, is what Moses says to Pharaoh in Exodus 10:25-26: And Moses said: "You too shall give sacrifices and burnt offerings into our hands...And also our cattle will go with us; not a hoof will remain, for we will take from it
- [Shabbat Parashat Va'era Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh A Blessing for 2022 December 31, 2021 -  28 Tevet 5782](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/12/shabbat-parashat-vaera-shabbat-mevarekhim-hachodesh-a-blessing-for-2022-december-31-2021-28-tevet-5782/) - Dear Friends, This Shabbat we will say a special prayer for the upcoming new Jewish month of Shevat! Rosh Chodesh Shevat will be on Sunday night and Monday of this coming week. May it be a month of blessing, of healing, of health, and of joy. We are also welcoming the start of 2022. This
- [Shabbat Parashat Shemot The Blessing of a Name](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/12/shabbat-parashat-shemot-the-blessing-of-a-name/) - Dear Friends, One of the most beautiful things about being part of a kehilla kedosha - a sacred congregation - is the fact that most of us know the names of most of our fellow congregants! It is a blessing for us to be known by our names. I mention this today because I recently
- [Shabbat Parashat Vayechi Blessing Our Children](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/12/shabbat-parashat-vayechi-blessing-our-children/) - Dear Friends, It is our custom to bless our children on Friday nights and, as part of that blessing, we use the words that our Patriarch, Jacob, used in blessing Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Menashe. These words appear in our Torah portion of Vayechi (Genesis 48:20). Then, we add the three-fold blessing: May God bless
- [Shabbat Parashat Miketz Shabbat Rosh Chodesh Tevet - Day 1 Shabbat Chanukah - Day 6 Recalling Our Dreams](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/12/shabbat-parashat-miketz-shabbat-rosh-chodesh-tevet-day-1-shabbat-chanukah-day-6-recalling-our-dreams/) - Dear Friends, This Shabbat we celebrate Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh and Chanukah! Lots of joy and lots of hope! And, we will enjoy the first of a three part presentation on Jewish Ethics by our own Rabbi Professor Dr. Richard Freund! I hope you won't miss this wonderful opportunity whether you are able to join us
- [Shabbat Parashat Vayeshev Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh Give it a Try!](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/11/shabbat-parashat-vayeshev-shabbat-mevarekhim-hachodesh-give-it-a-try/) - Hopefully, you have enjoyed Thanksgiving and will continue having a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend as well. This Shabbat we will recite the blessing for the new upcoming Jewish month of Tevet. Rosh Chodesh Tevet will be a week from now, on Friday night, Saturday and Sunday and, in anticipation of the new month of Tevet, we
- [Shabbat Parashat Toledot Facing our Truth](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/11/shabbat-parashat-toledot-facing-our-truth/) - Dear Friends, Why, of course, I tell the truth! But, then again, maybe I bend the truth from time to time.... Judaism teaches us that God is Truth. And yet, we humans, who are created in the image of God, don't always tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Most
- [Shabbat Parashat Chayey Sarah  Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh Seasons of Our Lives](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/10/shabbat-parashat-chayey-sarah-shabbat-mevarekhim-hachodesh-seasons-of-our-lives/) - Dear Friends, This Shabbat we will be reciting the prayer for the upcoming new Jewish month of Kislev. Rosh Chodesh Kislev will be on Thursday night and Friday of this coming week. And Chanukah will be celebrated beginning toward the end of the month of Kislev...May it be a month of joy, of good health,
- [Shabbat Parashat Vayera  Think Again!](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/10/shabbat-parashat-vayera-think-again/) - Dear Friends, I love it when someone tells a story, leading us on to believe we know what the next chapter will be... and after a pregnant pause, they look us in the eye....and then they say: "Think Again!" We are often interested and surprised when the ending of a story is nothing like what
- [Shabbat Parashat Lech-Lecha  Be A Blessing!](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/10/shabbat-parashat-lech-lecha-be-a-blessing/) - Dear Friends, I so appreciate it when I hear the words: Have a blessed day! Truly, I appreciate it. Especially since Covid changed our lives so much, I have grown to appreciate the simplest kindly human interactions as enormously precious. Still, the phrase "Have a blessed day" often is meant to imply that blessing is
- [Shabbat Chol HaMoed Sukkot  Ending on a High Note and Beginning Again!](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/09/shabbat-chol-hamoed-sukkot-ending-on-a-high-note-and-beginning-again/) - Dear Friends, If this is Shabbat Chol HaMoed Sukkot (the Intermediate Shabbat of Sukkot), then Simchat Torah must be right around the corner! And it is!!! On this coming Tuesday morning we will gather for our Shmini Atzeret service and Yizkor, and that night, on Tuesday night, we will gather for our evening Simchat Torah
- [Shabbat Parashat Ha'azinu  More Holidays? Sukkot Tips!](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/09/shabbat-parashat-haazinu-more-holidays-sukkot-tips/) - Dear Friends, From Yom Kippur, we race right into Shabbat, and then right on into Sukkot! On the High Holy Days our liturgy was exceptionally lengthy. It gave us time for introspection. It gave us time to contemplate our lives. But change is in the air! Now that the High Holy Days are over...everything moves
- [Shabbat Parashat Vayelekh  Shabbat Shuvah Strength and Courage](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/09/shabbat-parashat-vayelekh-shabbat-shuvah-strength-and-courage/) - Dear Friends, Shabbat Shuvah is the Shabbat of Repentance or, some might say, it is the Shabbat of Return. In any case, this special Shabbat helps us bridge the gap between Rosh HaShana, when we pray for life, and Yom Kippur, when we pray for greater insight as we move forward into the new Jewish
- [Shabbat Parashat Nitzavim  Shana Tova!](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/09/shabbat-parashat-nitzavim-shana-tova-2/) - Dear Friends, It's the last Shabbat of the Jewish Year! I take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a Shana Tova u'Metuka - a good and a sweet New Year, filled with joy, health, and happiness! It is also Labor Day weekend, so I hope you will enjoy this weekend too as
- [Shabbat Parashat Ki Tavo  Soul Searching](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/08/shabbat-parashat-ki-tavo-soul-searching/) - Dear Friends, I hope you will join us, in person or online by live stream, for our Selichot Service this Saturday night, August 28th, at 9 pm! This is our first opportunity to hear some of our favorite High Holy Day melodies and a special "moment" in which to ramp up our spiritual preparation and
- [Shabbat Parashat Ki Tetse  Taking Care of Ourselves](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/08/shabbat-parashat-ki-tetse-taking-care-of-ourselves/) - Dear Friends, There is more than one way to take care of ourselves....We might take care of ourselves physically. We might take care of ourselves spiritually. We might take care of ourselves individually. We might take care of ourselves communally. Our parsha speaks about the mitzvah of erecting a parapet (guard rail) on our roof/s
- [Shabbat Parashat Shofetim  We Are In Charge](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/08/shabbat-parashat-shofetim-we-are-in-charge/) - Dear Friends, A simple reading of our weekly Torah portion seems to suggest that the mitzvoth in the portion (including "Justice, justice you shall pursue") are directed to the judges and to the leaders of our people...However, one might read these verses quite differently. According to an alternate reading, we are all being addressed in
- [Shabbat Parashat Re'eh Shabbat Machar Chodesh Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh Looking Ahead](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/08/shabbat-parashat-reeh-shabbat-machar-chodesh-shabbat-mevarekhim-hachodesh-looking-ahead/) - Dear Friends, Thank you to all the volunteers who kept our services running so smoothly during my vacation! You are the best! I truly enjoyed just coming in and sitting in the back of the Sanctuary, and allowing the sounds of the service to surround me spiritually. Thank you! I really appreciated having some time
- [Shabbat Parashat Balak  Ma Tovu](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/06/shabbat-parashat-balak-ma-tovu/) - Dear Friends, Balaam, the non-Jewish prophet who was sent by Balak, King of Moav, to curse the Jewish people, looked over the encampment of the Israelites in the desert in ancient times and was moved to say: "Ma Tovu..." [How lovely are your dwellings, Jacob; your sanctuaries, people of Israel]. Nowadays, these powerful words of
- [Shabbat Parashat Chukat  Juneteenth, Father's Day and Us](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/06/shabbat-parashat-chukat-juneteenth-fathers-day-and-us/) - Dear Friends, What do we take to heart from the vast expanse of the Jewish history and of the American history that we study? What do we choose to raise up to the level of a celebration? How do we learn from and celebrate both people and events even when we are aware that they
- [Shabbat Parashat Korachodesh  Thoughts on Korach](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/06/shabbat-parashat-korachodesh-thoughts-on-korach/) - Dear Friends, Sometimes I truly feel like Korach who rebelled against Moses and demanded that Moses cede his leadership of the people Israel. What do I imagine Korach was feeling? I imagine that Korach might have felt, as I too have felt at times - angry, upset, frustrated, wishing that I could make the world
- [Shabbat Parashat Shelach Lecha  Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh Next Steps](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/06/shabbat-parashat-shelach-lecha-shabbat-mevarekhim-hachodesh-next-steps/) - Dear Friends, This Friday night we will be celebrating Teacher Appreciation for our Religious School teachers! Thank you to Gavrielle Bargash, our Education Director, who has done a wonderful job leading us through a very challenging year, and to our teachers who have gone the extra mile to ensure that we are there for our
- [Shabbat Parashat BeHa'a'lotkha  Memorial Day Weekend and Us](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/05/shabbat-parashat-behaalotkha-memorial-day-weekend-and-us/) - Dear Friends, This weekend we prepare for Memorial Day which will be observed on this coming Monday. Since the Revolutionary War and until today, Jews have served our country in all branches of the military, and many have lost their lives in the process of protecting our nation and our freedoms. We owe them, and
- [Shabbat Parashat Nasso  Bonding Through Blessing](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/05/shabbat-parashat-nasso-bonding-through-blessing/) - Dear Friends, I hope you will join us for services this Friday evening and this Shabbat morning as we celebrate the Bat Mitzvah of Aliyah Stupar! Mazal Tov to Aliyah and to her entire family! A bat mitzvah is a very significant "moment" of blessing in the lives of Jewish people. Whether it is our
- [Shabbat Parashat Bemidbar  Standing with Israel](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/05/shabbat-parashat-bemidbar-standing-with-israel/) - Dear Friends, This morning I wrote on my Facebook page: "Standing with Israel. Praying for peace. Determined to help. Bolstered by hope. Shabbat Shalom." This sums up quite well the question of "where I am" right now. Upon reflection, I realized that we are Standing with Israel in more ways than one! First of all....We
- [Shabbat Parashat Behar-Bechukkotai  Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh Covenant and Confirmation](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/05/shabbat-parashat-behar-bechukkotai-shabbat-mevarekhim-hachodesh-covenant-and-confirmation/) - Dear Friends, I hope you will join us this Friday night as we celebrate Shabbat and the Confirmation of Julia Blaha, David Dorfman, Lainey Epstein and Carson Frank. Mazal Tov and Yasher Koach to our Confirmands and to their families! Confirmation is a form of affirmation on the part of our younger generation of our
- [Shabbat Parashat Acharei Mot - Kedoshim  A Reason To Smile](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/04/shabbat-parashat-acharei-mot-kedoshim-a-reason-to-smile/) - Dear Friends, A reason to smile....or maybe a few reasons to smile! We all can use moments of joy in our lives. Looking ahead at this coming week, we have Lag B'Omer on Wednesday night and on Thursday! That's one reason to smile! What is Lag B'Omer? We are about half way through the counting
- [Shabbat Parashat Tazria-Metsora  Healing Rituals: Then and Now](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/04/shabbat-parashat-tazria-metsora-healing-rituals-then-and-now/) - Dear Friends, I think you would agree with me that this year we have all experienced a measure of "isolation," of social distancing hoisted upon us not of our own choosing, and pain of all sorts. Our lives have been filled with "messiness." We may feel tired, frustrated, or confused. We are searching for a
- [Shabbat Parashat Shemini  Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh Remembrance and Rejoicing](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/04/shabbat-parashat-shemini-shabbat-mevarekhim-hachodesh-remembrance-and-rejoicing/) - Dear Friends, This week, we are moving through Holocaust Remembrance Day even as we read the Torah Portion of Shemini. This Shabbat, in addition to our usual prayers, we will recite the prayer for the new Jewish month of Iyyar. Rosh Chodesh Iyyar will be on Sunday night, Monday and Tuesday of this coming week.
- [Shabbat Seventh Day of Passover  Beloved, Beautiful, Black Yizkor](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/04/shabbat-seventh-day-of-passover-beloved-beautiful-black-yizkor/) - Dear Friends, This Shabbat we will have a virtual Friday night service followed by a virtual Shabbat morning service on Saturday morning. During our virtual Saturday morning service, we will recite the Yizkor prayer. But, we will also read the traditional Torah reading for the Seventh Day of Passover, including the Song of the Sea.
- [Shabbat Parashat Tsav  Four New Questions for the Seder Shabbat HaGadol (Erev Pesach)](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/03/shabbat-parashat-tsav-four-new-questions-for-the-seder-shabbat-hagadol-erev-pesach/) - Dear Friends, We approach Passover this year with the understanding that not all is well in the world around us. It has been a truly difficult year. This is the second Passover that we are experiencing under the shadow of the pandemic. Yes, the shadow is lifting. But, it is still with us. And now,
- [Shabbat Parashat Vayikra  Filling in the Blanks (and see "Pesah Tips 5781" below) March 20, 2021 - 7 Nisan 5781](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/03/shabbat-parashat-vayikra-filling-in-the-blanks-and-see-pesah-tips-5781-below-march-20-2021-7-nisan-5781/) - Dear Friends, We are used to having to fill in the blank on so many forms that we use both online and offline. The forms exist. They are prepared for us. All we have to do is fill in the blanks. "Filling in the blanks" is often a thoughtless process - one that we do
- [Shabbat Parashat Ki Tissa  Shabbat Parah Passover is Approaching!](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/03/shabbat-parashat-ki-tissa-shabbat-parah-passover-is-approaching/) - Dear Friends, I hope you will join us this Friday night as we celebrate Shabbat and the bat mitzvah of Gabby Gipson! Mazal Tov to Gabby and to her entire family! This Shabbat is the 3rd special Shabbat preceding Passover! It is called "Shabbat Parah" [The Red Heifer Shabbat] because, in a special Maftir Torah
- [Shabbat Parashat Tetsaveh  Shushan Purim Showing Up!](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/03/shabbat-parashat-tetsaveh-shushan-purim-showing-up/) - Dear Friends, There were over 60 Zoom windows for our online Purim celebration on Thursday night! Yasher koach to this wonderful congregation and to all the volunteers who helped make this Purim extra special!!!! While we are still in the Purim spirit, I note how wonderful this congregation really is by comparing our "showing up"
- [Shabbat Parashat Terumah  Shabbat Zakhor A Work in Progress](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/02/shabbat-parashat-terumah-shabbat-zakhor-a-work-in-progress/) - Dear Friends, It's the Shabbat before Purim! I hope you join us for our online Megillah reading this coming Thursday evening and join in the fun! There will be costumes, a Purim Shpiel and, of course, the reading of the Megillah! Thanks to all the volunteers who are working so hard to make all of
- [Shabbat Parashat Mishpatim  Rosh Chodesh Adar - Day 2 Shabbat Shekalim Holy People](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/02/shabbat-parashat-mishpatim-rosh-chodesh-adar-day-2-shabbat-shekalim-holy-people/) - Dear Friends, All of the laws of Mishpatim support the Torah's central idea that we are encouraged to strive for holiness through our human interactions with one another, as well as through our human actions as they relate to our connection to God. Human interactions are intended to raise us up beyond the realm of
- [Shabbat Parashat Yitro  How Quickly We Forget! Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/02/shabbat-parashat-yitro-how-quickly-we-forget-shabbat-mevarekhim-hachodesh/) - Dear Friends, One might wonder: Why is our Torah portion, Yitro, named after a non-Jew? Yitro, Moses' father-in-law, was a Midianite priest. Yet, our Sages named this entire Torah portion - which contains the story of the momentous event of our people receiving of the 10 Commandments on Mount Sinai - after Yitro, the Midianite
- [Shabbat Parashat B'Shallach  Styles of Praise and of Prayer Shabbat Shira](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/01/shabbat-parashat-bshallach-styles-of-praise-and-of-prayer-shabbat-shira/) - Dear Friends, This Shabbat is called "Shabbat Shira [the Shabbat of Song]" because we read the Song of the Sea which our people recited after they experienced the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea. There are actually two Songs of the Sea recorded in our Torah portion: one led by Moses; the other led by
- [Shabbat Parashat Bo  Being Seen and Being Heard](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/01/shabbat-parashat-bo-being-seen-and-being-heard/) - Dear Friends, I think we all know what a difference it makes to each one of us when we feel that we are seen and heard by those around us, even as we disagree with one another. Equally important is our own willingness to be there for others - whether we agree or disagree with
- [Shabbat Parashat VaEra  Looking Ahead](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/01/shabbat-parashat-vaera-looking-ahead/) - Dear Friends, I hope you will join us tonight as our Zoom services as we celebrate Shabbat along with our Religious School students. When we include our students, we are looking ahead. When we look ahead, as Jews who are commanded to look back. We are commanded to "remember" - to find inspiration in our
- [Shabbat Parashat Shemot  Prayer for Our Country Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/01/shabbat-parashat-shemot-prayer-for-our-country-shabbat-mevarekhim-hachodesh/) - Dear Friends, Today, more than ever, we need prayers for our country. We need prayers for the renunciation of violence as a way of resolving differences of opinion. We need prayers for a restoration of the art of listening, of the art of respectful dialogue, and of the art of building relationships in good faith.
- [Shabbat Parashat Vayechi  Chazak Chazak - Strengthening One Another](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2021/01/shabbat-parashat-vayechi-chazak-chazak-strengthening-one-another/) - Dear Friends, This week we conclude the reading of the first of the Five Books of Moses, the book of Genesis. As we conclude the reading of each of the Five Books of Moses, we customarily recite: Chazak, Chazak, V'nitchazek [Be Strong, Be Strong, and we shall strengthen one another]. In the spirit of Chazak
- [Shabbat Parashat Vayigash  Happy and Healthy 2021](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/12/shabbat-parashat-vayigash-happy-and-healthy-2021/) - Dear Friends, I take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a very happy and healthy 2021! 2020 has been a trying year for all of us. As we experience difficulties ourselves, we can relate to the difficult times that we read about in our weekly Torah portion of Vayigash. We can relate
- [Shabbat Parashat Miketz  Gratitude](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/12/shabbat-parashat-miketz-gratitude/) - Dear Friends, Mitketz is such a tumultuous Torah portion. Dreams abound. Plans are fomented. Hopes are fulfilled or dashed, depending on the circumstances. And all of this comes on the heels of Chanukah - the Festival of Lights - the holiday that speaks to our resilience in the face of whatever tumult surrounds us. What
- [Shabbat Parashat Vayeshev  Hanukkah - Day 2 Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh Happy Hanukkah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/12/shabbat-parashat-vayeshev-hanukkah-day-2-shabbat-mevarekhim-hachodesh-happy-hanukkah/) - Dear Friends, I don't know about you, but I share with you now that, to me, this Hanukkah is different from all Hanukkahs that we have experienced. How so? We may be ready to light a new candle each night and to recite the blessings, but I would guess that many of us, like myself,
- [Shabbat Parashat Vayishlach      Looking Forward](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/12/shabbat-parashat-vayishlach-looking-forward/) - Dear Friends, We are all looking forward to something good.... I am looking forward to the joy of Chanukah and to lighting candles each of the 8 nights of Chanukah (beginning on Thursday evening, December 10th). I am looking forward to many other things as well, such as: Seeing you at services this evening; Sharing
- [Shabbat Parashat Vayetze  Earthly Angels](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/11/shabbat-parashat-vayetze-earthly-angels/) - Dear Friends, I hope you will join us for Friday night services as we celebrate Shabbat and as we continue to mark Thanksgiving weekend. Imagine the fear that gripped Jacob's heart as he began his lonely flight from his family and from his home to far-away Haran. This is the story which opens our weekly
- [Shabbat Parashat Toldot      Thanksgiving Then and Now](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/11/shabbat-parashat-toldot-thanksgiving-then-and-now/) - Dear Friends, I hope you will join us for Friday night and Shabbat morning services as we celebrate the bar mitzvah of David Spigel. Mazal Tov to David and to the entire family! This week's Torah portion, Toldot, highlights the impact that a single special festive meal can have on a family and on the
- [Shabbat Parashat Hayyei Sarah  Hesed: Even Greater than Tzedakah Shabbat Mevarekhim HaHodesh](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/11/shabbat-parashat-hayyei-sarah-hesed-even-greater-than-tzedakah-shabbat-mevarekhim-hahodesh/) - Dear Friends, I hope you will join us for Friday night and Shabbat morning services as we celebrate the bar and bat mitzvah of Jayden and Adyson Kaufman. Mazal Tov to Jayden and to Adyson, and to the entire family! This week's Torah portion, Hayyei Sarah, includes the remarkable story of Abraham's servant, Eliezer, fulfilling
- [Shabbat Parashat Vayera      Generosity and Hospitality](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/11/shabbat-parashat-vayera-generosity-and-hospitality/) - Dear Friends, I hope you will join us for Friday night services this evening as we continue our celebration of Leila Coltrain's bat mitzvah! Yesterday, we heard and saw Leila have an aliyah to the Torah, read from the Torah, and chant Haftarah as part of our Thursday Morning minyan. It was a wonderful celebration
- [Shabbat Parashat Lech L'cha  Moving From the Scary to the Sacred](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/11/shabbat-parashat-lech-lcha-moving-from-the-scary-to-the-sacred/) - Dear Friends, Lech L'cha [Go forth] implies an imperative to move forward. These are the opening words of our weekly Torah portion. Lech L'cha [Go forth]. This is what God communicated to Abraham in our weekly Torah portion. And, this is what we too must confront. But, what is our direction? With so many scary
- [Shabbat Parashat Bereishit  Shabbat Machar Chodesh Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh Live and Learn!](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/10/shabbat-parashat-bereishit-shabbat-machar-chodesh-shabbat-mevarekhim-hachodesh-live-and-learn/) - Dear Friends, I hope you will join us this Friday night and Shabbat morning as we celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of Zachary Busch. Mazal Tov to Zachary and to his entire family! Having just completed the annual reading of the Five Books of Moses on Simchat Torah, we now begin anew reading the Creation story
- [Shabbat Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah     A Different Simchat Torah!](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/10/shabbat-shemini-atzeret-simchat-torah-a-different-simchat-torah/) - Dear Friends, This year, on this Shabbat, we are combining our celebration of Shemini Atzeret, when we recite Yizkor, with our celebration of Simchat Torah, when we rejoice with the Torah! How do the two holidays fit together? Actually, very well.... The inclusions in the Amidah prayers we recite on Simchat Torah are, in any
- [Shabbat Sukkot - Day 1      Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach!](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/10/shabbat-sukkot-day-1-shabbat-shalom-and-chag-sameach/) - Dear Friends, The think I love most about Sukkot is that we are "commanded" to rejoice for the entire seven days of the Sukkot holiday! Imagine that! I am sooooo ready to try my very best to fulfill this mitzvah! I look forward to seeing you all at Zoom services tonight, Friday night, and tomorrow
- [Shabbat Parashat Ha'azinu  Shabbat Shuvah The Poetry of Life](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/09/shabbat-parashat-haazinu-shabbat-shuvah-the-poetry-of-life/) - Dear Friends, It is never too late to change. And, if you ever doubted that....The proof is in this week's Torah portion! In this week's Torah portion of Ha'azinu, Moses, who once considered himself incapable of speaking persuasively, suddenly changes his mode of communication. Instead of continuing to recount the history of the Exodus, the
- [Shabbat Parashat Ki Tavo      Humble Origins](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/09/shabbat-parashat-ki-tavo-humble-origins/) - Dear Friends, It is so easy to take our lives for granted. It is so easy to forget our humble origins. But, the Torah reminds us again and again that we are all descendants of slaves - that our ancestors experienced the bondage of Egypt and the bitter reality of oppression. Our Torah portion includes
- [Shabbat Parashat Ki Tetze    Justice, Peace and Love](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/08/shabbat-parashat-ki-tetze-justice-peace-and-love/) - Dear Friends, Justice, peace and love are the foundational values of Jewish living. We are supposed to love God with all our soul, with all our might, with all our being. It is not clear exactly how we do that, but, if you ask me.....it is even harder to imagine how we are supposed to
- [Shabbat Parashat Re'eh  Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh    Sights and Sounds](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/08/shabbat-parashat-reeh-shabbat-mevarekhim-hachodesh-sights-and-sounds/) - Dear Friends, Undoubtedly, both our sense of self and our "vision" are molded by the sights and sounds that we absorb from our surroundings. Our Torah portion, Re'eh [which in Hebrew means: See...], acknowledges the power of what we see and what we hear to shape our lives, as it is written: "See, I have
- [Shabbat Parashat Ekev    Consequences](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/08/shabbat-parashat-ekev-consequences/) - Dear Friends, I hope you will join us for services this weekend, both on Friday night and on Shabbat morning, when we will celebrate Shabbat and the bar mitzvah of Brad Rubenstein! Mazal Tov to Brad and to his entire family! It is amazing how deeply the weekly Torah portion seems to touch our very
- [Shabbat Parashat Mattot + Mas'ey  Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh   Reality Check](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/07/shabbat-parashat-mattot-masey-shabbat-mevarekhim-hachodesh-reality-check/) - Dear Friends, If we have ever had issues with our Torah, it was probably with our double Torah portion of Mattot-Mas'ey. What difficult passages are those? Let's start with the verses that describe the power of a husband to annul the vows of his wife. If people's words are meant to be taken seriously, why
- [Shabbat Parashat Pinchas  Believe!](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/07/shabbat-parashat-pinchas-believe/) - Dear Friends, Standing up for what is right, especially if it might be seen as self-serving, takes courage. It takes determination. It takes faith - faith that our actions can lead to positive change. And, in order for change to happen peacefully, it also takes leadership that is willing to listen respectfully. It takes leadership
- [Shabbat Parashat Korach  Lives in Progress](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/06/shabbat-parashat-korach-lives-in-progress/) - Dear Friends, When people ask one another: "How are you?" most often we say: "I'm fine!" and we leave it at that. But, are we really fine? Let's learn from Korach, the quintessential rebel in the Biblical story of the Exodus from Egypt. Korach complained to Moses, saying: "Why are you taking leadership of our
- [Shabbat Parashat B'ha'alotecha  Complaints: Then and Now](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/06/shabbat-parashat-bhaalotecha-complaints-then-and-now/) - Dear Friends, The wonderful thing about being Jewish is that it is okay to complain. It is okay to speak one's mind. It is even okay to complain to God and about God. It's okay to complain. Having said that....our Parsha teaches us that when complaining becomes a way of life and the focus of
- [Shabbat Parashat Naso From Desperation to Dedication](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/06/shabbat-parashat-naso-from-desperation-to-dedication/) - Dear Friends, This has been such a difficult week with the video of the despicable murder of George Floyd coming on the footsteps of our already anxious state of mind due to the Coronavirus. This has been such a difficult week not only because of the graphic video of the brutality, but also because, if
- [Shabbat Parashat Bemidbar Shabbat Machar Chodesh Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh Still Counting...](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/05/shabbat-parashat-bemidbar-shabbat-machar-chodesh-shabbat-mevarekhim-hachodesh-still-counting/) - Dear Friends, Still counting.... What are we counting? At times, we are counting the days of Corona....At times, we are counting the days of the Omer. At times, all that we are counting blurs into a sense of needing to count our days and to make every day count. As Jews, we are still counting
- [Shabbat Parashat B'har-B'Chukotai Rabbinic and Congregational Resilience in the Covid-19 Era:  Responses Requested!](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/05/shabbat-parashat-bhar-bchukotai-rabbinic-and-congregational-resilience-in-the-covid-19-era-responses-requested/) - Dear Friends, What does our weekly Torah portion have to do with Rabbinic and Congregational Resilience in the Covid-19 Era? Here's my story and here's my take on the connection between this question and our Parsha.... I will begin by saying that, in truth, being a rabbi during this time is challenging. Thankfully, I have
- [Shabbat Parashat Emor     Celebrations in the Midst of Life...](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/05/shabbat-parashat-emor-celebrations-in-the-midst-of-life/) - Dear Friends, Our weekly Torah portion, Emor, reminds us that in the midst of life....we celebrate! Every week, at the end of the week...we celebrate Shabbat! What is Shabbat if not our weekly celebration of life at its best?! We pause. We reflect on what we have accomplished. We appreciate the vastness of the creation.
- [Shabbat Parashat Acharei-Mot Kedoshim   Love. Love. Love.](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/05/shabbat-parashat-acharei-mot-kedoshim-love-love-love/) - Dear Friends, This Friday night at our abbreviated Kabbalat Shabbat service, we will celebrate Shabbat and the Confirmation of Zoe Epstein and of Pearl Kluger. I hope you will join us for our special "Zoom Confirmation" Service. Mazal Tov to Zoe and to Pearl and to their families. We rejoice with the families as we
- [Shabbat Parashat Tazria-Metsora  Shabbat Rosh Chodesh Iyyar Day 2 Weathering the Storm](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/04/shabbat-parashat-tazria-metsora-shabbat-rosh-chodesh-iyyar-day-2-weathering-the-storm/) - Dear Friends, Weathering the storm is the current challenge. We are all in this together, even though we are experiencing the storm in very different ways. Some of us are alone, isolated. Some of us are together, isolated. Some of us are on the front lines of service. Some of us have lost jobs and
- [Shabbat Parashat Shemini  Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh Limits and Life](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/04/shabbat-parashat-shemini-shabbat-mevarekhim-hachodesh-limits-and-life/) - Dear Friends, Passover has come and gone. We are back to eating chametz! If we observed Passover traditionally, for the whole week of Passover, we limited our food to Kosher for Passover foods. And this limitation that we set on ourselves had meaning for us. We limited ourselves to remember that we too were
- [Shabbat Parashat Tsav  Shabbat HaGadol Passover Perspectives](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/04/shabbat-parashat-tsav-shabbat-hagadol-passover-perspectives/) - Dear Friends, One thing is sure....This Passover is going to be different from any Passover we have ever experienced. But, having a different Passover may just give us new perspectives on the holiday. We will have an extra zoom session during the intermediate days of Passover, after the Seder/s, and I would love to hear
- [Shabbat Parashat VaYakhel-Pekudei  Shabbat HaChodesh Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh  Gathering Together and Keeping Track](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/03/shabbat-parashat-vayakhel-pekudei-shabbat-hachodesh-shabbat-mevarekhim-hachodesh-gathering-together-and-keeping-track/) - Dear Friends, Here we are trying to figure out ways to gather together virtually and we happen to be reading the double Torah Portion of VaYakhel-Pekudei. The Hebrew word VaYakhel means: And he (Moses) gathered the people. We have been rising to the challenge of gathering together using the technological medium of Zoom! As I
- [Shabbat Parashat Ki Tissa   Shabbat Parah    Social Distancing and Torah!](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/03/shabbat-parashat-ki-tissa-shabbat-parah-social-distancing-and-torah/) - Dear Friends, In light of our current situation which includes recommendations of "social distancing", I share with you a wonderful reading by Rabbi Yosef Kanevsky: "Every hand that we don't shake must become a phone call that we place. Every embrace that we avoid must become a verbal expression of warmth and concern. Every inch
- [Shabbat Parashat Tetzaveh Shabbat Zachor  Let's Show Up on Shabbat and Then Let's Have a Happy Purim!](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/03/shabbat-parashat-tetzaveh-shabbat-zachor-lets-show-up-on-shabbat-and-then-lets-have-a-happy-purim/) - Dear Friends, Although a Jewish community as a whole is supposed to do everything in its power to ensure that there is a minyan present at all services, there is usually no personal obligation for any Jewish individual to be present at any particular service....However, this Shabbat is the exception to the rule! On this
- [Shabbat Parashat Terumah Paths of Holiness](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/03/shabbat-parashat-terumah-paths-of-holiness/) - Dear Friends, I hope you will join us for services this Friday evening as we celebrate volunteers in all spheres of life. Come to hear about the various places and ways in which our congregational friends voluntarily give of their time, resources and talents for the good of others! Coincidentally, this week we read the
- [Shabbat Parashat Mishpatim, Shabbat Shekalim, Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh - From Slave to Liberator](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/02/shabbat-parashat-mishpatim-shabbat-shekalim-shabbat-mevarekhim-hachodesh-from-slave-to-liberator/) - Dear Friends, I have always been disturbed by the sudden drop from the heights of redemption and of the receiving of the Torah on Mount Sinai in last week's Torah portion to the mundane laws about slavery that we learn about in this week's Torah portion. What a let down! What a disappointment! However, this
- [Shabbat Parashat Yitro   Parents and Children](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/02/shabbat-parashat-yitro-parents-and-children/) - Dear Friends, I hope you will join us this Shabbat as we celebrate the baby naming of Midge Elizabeth, daughter of Sara Traster and David Harriss! Mazal Tov Midge's entire family! We will officially give Midge her Hebrew name during the Torah service on Shabbat morning and toward the end of the service we will
- [Shabbat Parashat Bo      More Ways Than One...](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/01/shabbat-parashat-bo-more-ways-than-one/) - Dear Friends, It's nice to know what to expect when we come to services. It's nice to feel comfortable in our surroundings. Yet, when Moses asks Pharaoh to let our people go so that they may worship God, Moses tells Pharaoh something surprising. Moses tells Pharaoh that he cannot know in advance how exactly will
- [Shabbat Parashat Shemot    Stand Up for What Is Right!](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/01/shabbat-parashat-shemot-stand-up-for-what-is-right/) - Dear Friends, It's often hard to decide when to act and when to let something slide.... In our weekly Torah portion, Shemot, we read of Pharaoh's decree to drown the newborn baby boys, born to the Israelite people in Egypt. Joseph died and was forgotten. The good that Joseph had done for Egypt was, seemingly,
- [Shabbat Parashat Vayechi      What Are We Waiting For...](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/01/shabbat-parashat-vayechi-what-are-we-waiting-for/) - Dear Friends, What are we waiting for....When does the life we hope to live actually begin? Traditionally, Jews are always aware of what is not yet completely perfect in ourselves and in the world around us. Traditionally, Jews are waiting for the Messianic era and anticipating a time when a true, lasting and pervasive peace
- [Shabbat Parashat VaYigash Shepherds at Heart](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2020/01/shabbat-parashat-vayigash-shepherds-at-heart/) - Dear Friends, Have you ever wondered why our ancestors were shepherds? Have you ever wondered why Moses was a shepherd? Why Rachel was tending the flocks of her father when Jacob first saw her? Why, in our weekly Torah portion, Joseph instructs his newly re-united family to present themselves to Pharaoh in Egypt, as shepherds?
- [Shabbat Parashat Mikkets  Shabbat Rosh Chodesh Tevet - Day 1  Chanukah - Day 6   Happy and Healthy 2020](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/12/shabbat-parashat-mikkets-shabbat-rosh-chodesh-tevet-day-1-chanukah-day-6-happy-and-healthy-2020/) - Dear Friends, This Shabbat we will have special treats at Rodef Sholom Temple. Don't miss the fun! On Friday night, after our service, we will have a special Chanukah dinner, followed by Game Night! I hope to see you there! Then, tomorrow morning we will inaugurate our new three part Parsha and Archaeology series during
- [Shabbat Parashat Vayeshev Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh  Miracles and More Miracles](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/12/shabbat-parashat-vayeshev-shabbat-mevarekhim-hachodesh-miracles-and-more-miracles/) - Dear Friends, This Shabbat we read the continuation of the Joseph story. Joseph had so many close calls in life that we can truly speak of his "miraculous" life. Not only did he survive, he also rose from the depths of prison in Egypt all the way to the top of the heights of Egyptian
- [Shabbat Parashat Vayishlach We May Limp...but We are Still Moving Forward!](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/12/shabbat-parashat-vayishlach-we-may-limp-but-we-are-still-moving-forward/) - Dear Friends, Jacob wrestled with life in more ways than one. He struggled with his conscience. He struggled with Laban. He struggled with an unknown man/angel on the way back to his native homeland. And, he came out of the struggles with a limp. Many of us can connect with Jacob's story because we too
- [Shabbat Parashat Vayetse   Creating a Space for our Dreams](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/12/shabbat-parashat-vayetse-creating-a-space-for-our-dreams/) - Dear Friends, Our Sages realized that our spiritual life is influenced by many factors. They sensed that prayer in the morning is inherently different from prayer in the afternoon. And they understood that evening prayer is entirely different from either morning or afternoon prayers. Our Sages attributed the establishment of each of the three times
- [Shabbat Parashat Toldot Keep Up the Good Work](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/11/shabbat-parashat-toldot-keep-up-the-good-work/) - Shabbat Parashat Toldot Keep Up the Good Work! November 30, 2019 - 2 Kislev 5780 Dear Friends, We live in an age that rewards innovation and creativity above almost everything else. We see innovation and creativity as an expression of some of the greatest qualities that human beings can display. Innovation and creativity are often
- [Shabbat Parashat Chayyey Sarah Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh    Thanksgiving Blessings](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/11/shabbat-parashat-chayyey-sarah-shabbat-mevarekhim-hachodesh-thanksgiving-blessings/) - Dear Friends, One of the things that I love about Thanksgiving is that it reminds us to be grateful for the blessings we have been granted in life. So often, we focus on what is not good in the world around us. So often, we surround ourselves with "bad news" or with a heightened awareness
- [Minyan Power: Making a World of Difference for the Good](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/11/minyan-power-making-a-world-of-difference-for-the-good/) - Dear Friends, How can I make a difference? It's a huge world out there...There is so much to do...How can I possibly make a difference? If we are concerned with this question, our weekly Torah portion,Vayera, gives us all a nudge in the right direction - a nudge that comes in the form of a
- [Shabbat Parashat Lekh L'kha     Gratitude and Blessings!](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/11/shabbat-parashat-lekh-lkha-gratitude-and-blessings/) - Dear Friends, I hope you will join us this Shabbat as we celebrate the bar mitzvah of Reece David. Mazal Tov to Reece and to his entire family! Gratitude and blessings are definitely in the air... We also mark Veterans Day this weekend and express our gratitude for the many blessings we have been afforded
- [Shabbat Parashat Noach    Family and Future!](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/11/shabbat-parashat-noach-family-and-future/) - Dear Friends, I hope you will join us this Shabbat as we celebrate the bat mitzvah of Yona Hyman. Mazal Tov to Yona and to her entire family! In this week's Torah portion, Noach, we are introduced, for the first time in the Biblical narrative, to the Hebrew word for "family" (mishpachah). And so, it
- [Shabbat Parashat VaYelech  Shabbat Shuvah     Transitions](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/10/shabbat-parashat-vayelech-shabbat-shuvah-transitions/) - Dear Friends, This first Shabbat of the Jewish New Year, 5780, is a very special Shabbat - Shabbat Shuvah. There are so many levels of meaning embedded in the words: "Shabbat Shuvah." We might say that this is the "Shabbat of Return." Or, perhaps we might call this Shabbat, the "Shabbat of Repentance." This
- [Shabbat Parashat Nitzavim   Shana Tova!](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/09/shabbat-parashat-nitzavim-shana-tova/) - Dear Friends, I take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a Shana Tova u'Metuka [a good year and a sweet year]! May we enjoy many blessings and simchas [joyous celebrations] together. A short and sweet message for this Shabbat and for the coming High Holy Days: I love this week's Torah portion
- [Shabbat Parashat Ki Tetse - To Ignore Or Not To Ignore...](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/09/shabbat-parashat-ki-tetse-to-ignore-or-not-to-ignore/) - Dear Friends, To ignore...or not to ignore. That is the question! As the month of Elul progresses, and in preparation for the High Holy Days, we are called upon to reflect on our lives. One of the dilemmas of life these days is how to sift through all the information we receive throughout the day.
- [Shabbat Parashat Shoftim - Gratitude and Love](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/09/shabbat-parashat-shoftim-gratitude-and-love/) - Dear Friends, It is with a sense of tremendous gratitude to all the volunteers who kept our services running throughout my vacation, that I return to Rodef Sholom Temple. Thanks to all those who led services, to those who delivered divrei Torah, and to those who kept our congregation going over the summer. I thoroughly
- [Shabbat Parashat Balak - Visions of Victory](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/07/shabbat-parashat-balak-visions-of-victory/) - Dear Friends, This Shabbat is the 17th day of the Jewish month of Tammuz. On this date, in 70 C.E., the Roman army breached the walls of Jerusalem. Three weeks later, on the 9th of the Jewish month of Av, the Romans destroyed the Second Temple. In our modern Jewish calendar, the 17th of Tammuz
- [Shabbat Parashat Chukkat -- Favorite Mysteries](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/07/shabbat-parashat-chukkat-favorite-mysteries/) - Dear Friends, As you may recall, I mentioned last High Holy Days that I am an avid reader of Louise Penny mysteries which are written on the backdrop of Quebec landscapes. Since then, I have been enjoying Donna Leon's books featuring Commissario Guido Brunetti and his Venetian escapades. And, most recently I have begun reading
- [Shabbat Parashat Korach Independence](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/07/shabbat-parashat-korach-independence/) - Dear Friends, I hope you are enjoying our Independence Day Weekend! I was grateful that we had a lovely morning minyan on Thursday, July 4th, and that we could be with Stephanie and Jack Gelman who were concluding the Shiva for Stephanie's mom, Edith Spritzer, of blessed memory. After the morning minyan service, and before
- [Shabbat Parashat Naso - Father's Day](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/06/shabbat-parashat-naso-fathers-day/) - Dear Friends, This past week we have all seen heightened advertisements enticing us to buy gifts for Father's Day....Mostly the ads say: Do you have your gift ready? Interestingly, our Torah portion of Naso includes the gifts brought to the Tabernacle by each of the Nesi'im [the chiefs] of the 12 tribes of Israel. Each
- [Shabbat Parashat BaMidbar and Shavuot - Open Our Hearts to Your Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/06/shabbat-parashat-bamidbar-and-shavuot-open-our-hearts-to-your-torah/) - Shabbat Parashat BaMidbar and Shavuot (Saturday night, Sunday and Monday) Open Our Hearts to Your Torah June 8, 2019 - 5 Sivan 5779 Dear Friends, This Shabbat will be followed immediately by the two days of Shavuot - the holiday which celebrates the giving of the Torah! For the traditional lighting
- [Parashat B'har - Mountains and Memories](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/05/parashat-bhar-mountains-and-memories/) - Dear Friends, How many mountains have we climbed? How many memories have we acquired? Our Torah portion begins by mentioning Mount Sinai. Even if we have not personally climbed that particular mountain, we retain a communal memory of that amazing mountain where God appeared and spoke with all of us. Midrash tells us that each
- [Parashat Emor - Mentoring Moments](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/05/parashat-emor-mentoring-moments/) - Dear Friends, I hope that you will join us this Friday night and on Shabbat morning for services as we welcome Cantor Ruth Ross, our High Holiday Cantor, to Rodef Sholom Temple. I also hope that you will be here this Shabbat morning as Dr. Kim Gipson's Religious school class will process with their hand-made
- [Happy Mother's Day!](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/05/happy-mothers-day/) - Parashat Kedoshim Dear Friends, As Mother's Day approaches, we automatically wish one another Happy Mother's Day. It is truly a blessing to be able to feel good about Mother's Day. Nevertheless, for various reasons, some of us feel sad on Mother's Day and it is helpful for us, as individuals and as a community, to
- [The "Light" Response to Antisemitism](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/05/the-light-response-to-antisemitism/) - Parashat Acharey Mot The "Light" Response to Antisemitism Shabbat Machar Chodesh Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh May 4, 2019 - 29 Nisan 5779 Dear Friends, The name of our weekly Parsha, Acharey Mot literally means: "After the death of...." How did Aaron, the Kohen HaGadol [the High Priest] respond after the sudden, shocking, unsettling death of two
- [Pesach - Food for Thought and for Discussion on Passover](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/04/pesach-food-for-thought-and-for-discussion-on-passover/) - Dear Friends, I share with you my free translation of the contents of my son's recent text message which contained an excerpt of the testimony of Ben Gurion in 1946. It is great food for thought and for discussion for Passover.... In 1946 Ben Gurion testified (as head of the Jewish Agency) before a
- [Sacred Connectors!](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/04/sacred-connectors/) - Dear Friends, What inspiration can reading Parashat Metsora impart to us...especially as we prepare for Passover and for the Passover Seder? Parashat Metsora reminds us that we must care for the vulnerable members of our communities. The Metsora [person afflicted with something akin to Leprosy] is literally sent "outside" of the camp. But, the kohen
- [Spruce Up Your Seder  (And, Pesah Tips for 5779)](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/04/spruce-up-your-seder-and-pesah-tips-for-5779/) - Dear Friends, I hope you will join us at services this Friday night and Shabbat morning as we have the opportunity to meet a High Holiday Cantor candidate! Cantor Luke Hawley will join us for services and looks forward to meeting as many of us as possible! Looking for ideas to spruce up your Seder?
- [Remember, Renew, Refresh](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/03/remember-renew-refresh/) - Parashat Tav Remember, Renew, Refresh! March 23, 2019 - 16 Adar II 5779 Dear Friends, The eternal light in the synagogue represents the sparkle of the human soul and the holiness of the spirit of life. It flickers and it inspires. But, we need to remember to keep it glowing. We
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/03/tidbits-of-torah-96/) - Parashat Pekuday Who Gets the Credit? March 9, 2019 - 2 Adar II 5779 Dear Friends, We are used to giving people credit when they do the work. And, that is only fair. But, even when we do the work, doesn't God get any credit for inspiring us? For giving
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/02/tidbits-of-torah-95/) - Parashat KiTissa Cherub, Coin and Calf February 23, 2019 - 18 First Adar 5779 Dear Friends, Other than the letter "C" that stands at the beginning of the words: Cherub, Coin and Calf...What might connect these three words and, at the same time, reflect some of the wisdom of our
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/02/tidbits-of-torah-94/) - Parashat Terumah Purposeful Presence... February 9, 2019 - 4 First Adar 5779 Dear Friends, Our chumash translates the Hebrew name of our weekly Torah portion: "Terumah" as: "gifts." This is a fine translation, as long as one understands "gifts" as "contributions," not simply "presents." Our people were commanded to bring
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/02/tidbits-of-torah-93/) - Parashat Mishpatim Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh I Know How You Feel.... February 2, 2019 - 27 Shevat 5779 Dear Friends, How many times have we said to someone: "I know how you feel...."? This is such a simple phrase, yet so powerful. When we say it in a heartfelt way,
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/01/tidbits-of-torah-92/) - Parashat B'Shalach Shabbat Shirah Faith, Fortitude and Freedom January 19, 2019 - 13 Shevat 5779 Dear Friends, MLK weekend coincides with Shabbat Shirah - the Shabbat when we read the amazing Song of the Sea! Our people experienced the miracle of the parting of the waters. Our people crossed the Red
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/01/tidbits-of-torah-91/) - Parashat Bo Inclusive Communities January 12, 2019 - 6 Shevat 5779 Dear Friends, The wonder of Torah is its eternal relevance throughout the generations. This week's Parsha reminds us of just how important it is for us to support inclusiveness in our communities. When Pharaoh said to Moses: "Okay, you go
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/01/tidbits-of-torah-90/) - Parashat Vaera Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh A True Test of Leadership January 5, 2019 - 28 Tevet 5779 Dear Friends, Whether we believe in miracles or not, and no matter how we define miracles, we are all aware that, for the most part, nature follows its "natural" course. And, as part of
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2019/01/tidbits-of-torah-89/) - Parashat Shemot Guided by Goodness: A Blessing for 2019 December 29, 2018 - 21 Tevet 5779 Dear Friends, I take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a very happy and healthy 2019! May the wisdom of Torah infuse our lives in this coming year and bring us ever greater
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/12/tidbits-of-torah-88/) - Parashat Shemot Guided by Goodness: A Blessing for 2019 December 29, 2018 - 21 Tevet 5779 Dear Friends, I take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a very happy and healthy 2019! May the wisdom of Torah infuse our lives in this coming year and bring us
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/12/tidbits-of-torah-87/) - Parashat Vayigash Identity, Safety and Survival December 15, 2018 - 7 Tevet 5779 Dear Friends, There is so much that we can learn from Joseph... When Joseph revealed himself to his brothers in Egypt, he said: Ani Yosef [I am Joseph]. Retaining our identity is primary in life.
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/12/tidbits-of-torah-86/) - Parashat Miketz Shabbat Rosh Chodesh Tevet - Day 1 Shabbat Chanukah - Day 6 Stronger Together December 8, 2018 - 30 Kislev 5779 Dear Friends, The slogans "Stronger Together" and "No Hate" have been front and center in our minds in recent weeks as we confronted rising incidents of overt antisemitism. These slogans represent sentiments
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/11/tidbits-of-torah-85/) - Parashat VaYeshev Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh Chanukah and Us December 1, 2018 - 23 Kislev 5779 Dear Friends, We live in a time of rising overt anti-Semitism. This phenomenon is a darkness that demands our attention. There is no sense in denying it. The reality of growing overt anti-Semitism is affecting our lives, individually and communally, in
- [Messengers of Peace](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/11/messengers-of-peace/) - Parashat VaYishlach Messengers of Peace November 24, 2018 - 16 Kislev 5779 Dear Friends, I hope you will join us for services this Friday night and Shabbat morning as we celebrate the bat mitzvah of Julia Blaha. Mazal Tov to Julia and to her entire family! Rabbi Barukh of Mezhbush shared the following thought, based
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/11/tidbits-of-torah-84/) - Parashat VaYetse Missing Moments... November 17, 2018 - 9 Kislev 5779 Dear Friends, The older we get, the faster time seems to fly! This common experience should make us cherish every moment of life. And yet, we often find ourselves rushing from activity to activity, from task to task, from project to project. And, in our
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/11/tidbits-of-torah-83/) - Parashat Toledot Veterans Day Weekend; Eternal Struggle or Eternal Hope November 10, 2018 - 2 Kislev 5779 Dear Friends, This week we read the Torah portion of Toldot. The Hebrew word Toldot means: "generations", but it can also mean "happenings" or "the story of....". What do we read in Toldot? We read the life stories
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/10/tidbits-of-torah-82/) - Shabbat Parashat Noah After the Flood - Then and Now October 13, 2018 - 4 Heshvan 5779 Dear Friends, It is difficult to read the weekly Torah portion of Noah as we watch and listen to the news of the devastation caused by the winds and storm surge of Hurricane Michael. The images are
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/10/tidbits-of-torah-81/) - Shabbat Parashat Bereishit Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh In the Moment October 6, 2018 - 27 Tishrei 5779 Dear Friends, I hope you will join us at services this Friday night, and especially this Shabbat morning, as we celebrate the aufruf of Katie Majors and Adam Becker. Mazal Tov to Katie and to Adam
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/10/tidbits-of-torah-80/) - Shabbat Parashat HaAzinu Can You Top the High Holy Days? September 22, 2018 - 13 Tishrei 5779 Dear Friends, I hope you will join us at services this Friday night, and especially this Shabbat morning, as we celebrate the aufruf of Amanda Eisner and Jeremy Granoff. Mazal Tov to Amanda and to Jeremy
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/09/tidbits-of-torah-79/) - Shabbat Parashat VaYelech Shabbat Shuva - The Shabbat of Repentance The Calm Before the Storm September 15, 2018 - 6 Tishrei 5779 Dear Friends, The traditional blessing for the days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is: Chatima Tova [May you be sealed for the Good] in the New Year. We paused on Rosh HaShana to take a
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/09/tidbits-of-torah-78/) - Shabbat Parashat Nitsavim Shana Tova!!! September 8, 2018 - 28 Elul 5779 Dear Friends, I take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a Shana Tova, a good year filled with sweetness and joy!!! This Shabbat we will be reading the weekly Torah portion of Nitsavim [standing firmly]. The sense of
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/09/tidbits-of-torah-77/) - Shabbat Parashat Ki Tavo Selichot Intro September 1, 2018 - 21 Elul 5778 Dear Friends, This Saturday night, at 9 p.m., Rodef Sholom Temple is hosting our annual Virginia Peninsula communal Selichot program and service. Our guest speaker will be Mr. Keith Harward, a beneficiary of The Innocence Project. If you would like some
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/08/tidbits-of-torah-76/) - Shabbat Parashat Shoftim Elul Reflections August 18, 2018 - 7 Elul 5778 Dear Friends, The Jewish month of Elul gives us time to prepare our souls for the High Holy Days. During this month, we hear the sounds of the Shofar daily toward the end of weekday morning services. Throughout the month, on
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/08/tidbits-of-torah-75/) - Shabbat Parashat Re'eh Shabbat Rosh Chodesh Elul - Day 1 Israel On My Mind August 11, 2018 - 30 Av 5778 Dear Friends, It is wonderful to have extra reasons to celebrate this Shabbat!!! Not only is it the first day of Rosh Chodesh [the beginning of the new Jewish month] Elul, this Friday
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/08/tidbits-of-torah-74/) - Shabbat Parashat Ekev Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh Remember! August 4, 2018 - 23 Av 5778 Dear Friends, Thank you to all who responded to the Tidbits of Torah asking about the most profound and/or perplexing pieces in Siddur Lev Shalem! I appreciated your responses! Thank you to all who filled in while I was
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/07/tidbits-of-torah-73/) - Shabbat Parashat Pinchas Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh Profound and Perplexing Pieces in Siddur Lev Shalem July 7, 2018 - 24 Tammuz 5778 Dear Friends, Our recent heat wave and July 4th having come and gone are clear indications that summer is upon us! I hope that you have had an opportunity to
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/06/tidbits-of-torah-72/) - Shabbat Parashat Balak The Blessing of Connection June 30, 2018 - 17 Tammuz 5778 Dear Friends, Are we, Jews, destined to be an isolated people? Balaam, the non-Jewish Prophet, set out to curse our people but ended up blessing us with the famous words "Mah Tovu..." [How goodly are your tents,
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/06/tidbits-of-torah-71/) - Shabbat Parashat Chukkat Spiritual Focus for a Better Future June 23, 2018 - 10 Tammuz 5778 Dear Friends, How is it possible for someone who is actively performing a mitzvah to lose spiritual focus as a direct result of performing that mitzvah? Or, to put it another way: Why might someone who is doing a
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/06/tidbits-of-torah-70/) - Shabbat Parashat Korach First Bar Mitzvah in Our New Temple! June 16, 2018 - 3 Tammuz 5778 Happy Father's Day Weekend! Dear Friends, What a joy to be celebrating our first congregational bar mitzvah in our new Temple! I hope you will join us at services this Friday night and Shabbat morning as we
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/06/tidbits-of-torah-69/) - Shabbat Parashat Shelach Lekha Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh Past, Present and Future! June 9, 2018 - 26 Sivan 5778 Dear Friends, Tidbits of Torah is back! We are in the new building of Rodef Sholom Temple...almost set up...still working on getting re-organized...still working on completing various parts of our Temple...still in awe of
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/05/tidbits-of-torah-68/) - Shabbat Parashat Bemidbar and Shavuot (Sunday and Monday) Wilderness Training May 19, 2018 - 5 Sivan 5778 Dear Friends, I confess that I have never done any wilderness training. Nevertheless, the concept of wilderness training is fascinating. This morning I did a cursory internet search for "wilderness training." My internet search turned
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/05/tidbits-of-torah-67/) - Shabbat Parashat B'har-B'chukotai Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh Proclaim Liberty in the Land May 12, 2018 - 27 Iyyar 5778 Dear Friends, I hope you will join us this Friday night and Shabbat morning as we celebrate the bar mitzvah of Zach Weiser. Mazal Tov to Zach and to his entire family! Our weekly Torah portion contains
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/05/tidbits-of-torah-66/) - Shabbat Parashat Emor One Day at a Time... May 5, 2018 - 20 Iyyar 5778 Dear Friends, I hope you will join us this Friday night as we celebrate Confirmation! Our three confirmands are Reilly David, Dahvi Hochman and Jordan Phillips. Mazal Tov to our confirmands and to their families! Our Torah portion, Emor, reminds
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/04/tidbits-of-torah-65/) - Shabbat Parashat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim Choices.... April 28, 2018 - 13 Iyyar 5778 Dear Friends, All those choices...! Last week I found myself trying to evaluate two completely different plans for healthy eating. I had read two books. Each of the books seemed equally convincing to me, as a layperson. Each seemed to have lots of
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/04/tidbits-of-torah-64/) - Shabbat Parashat Tazria-Metsora It's A New Beginning! April 21, 2018 - 6 Iyyar 5778 Dear Friends, It's a new beginning! This week Israel celebrated her 70th birthday and we celebrated with her! Remember what life was like 70 years ago? I know.... Not all of us remember 1948. But, even if we don't
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/04/tidbits-of-torah-63/) - Shabbat Parashat Shemini Shabbat Machar Chodesh Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh The Art of Living! April 14, 2018 - 29 Nisan 5778 Dear Friends, We have just experienced Passover and the special foods that accompany its celebration. We did our best to relate the Passover story to our communal and individual lives today. Then, we moved on
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/03/tidbits-of-torah-62/) - Shabbat Parashat Tzav Shabbat HaGadol Happy Passover! And Passover Tips... March 24, 2018 - 8 Nisan 5778 Dear Friends, This is the last Shabbat before Passover! We read the weekly Torah portion of Tzav which describes various kinds of sacrifices that our people brought to the Tabernacle, and later to the Temple, in ancient
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/03/tidbits-of-torah-61/) - Shabbat Parashat VaYikra Rosh Chodesh Nisan Shabbat HaChodesh Power and Pride March 17, 2018 - 1 Nisan 5778 Dear Friends, This Shabbat, Shabbat HaChodesh, is the last of the four special Shabbatot that lead up to Passover! It is an extra special Shabbat because Rosh Chodesh, the beginning of the new Jewish month, is also
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/03/tidbits-of-torah-60/) - Shabbat Parashat VaYakhel-Pekudei Shabbat Parah We Are Many! March 10, 2018 - 23 Adar 5778 Dear Friends, God promised us that we would one day be as many as the stars in the sky. Or, as many as the grains of sand on the beach. At least the Bible tells us that God promised that
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/03/tidbits-of-torah-59/) - Shabbat Parashat Ki Tissa Inclusivity and Belonging March 3, 2018 - 16 Adar 5778 Dear Friends, I hope you will join me at services this Shabbat as we celebrate the bat mitzvah of Tzipora Hyman. Mazal Tov to Tzipora and to her entire family! It is safe to say that most folks do not enjoy
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/02/tidbits-of-torah-58/) - Shabbat Parashat Tetsaveh Shabbat Zachor Purim Is Just Around the Corner! February 24, 2018 - 9 Adar 5778 Dear Friends, I hope you will join us this Friday evening and on Shabbat morning as we celebrate the bat mitzvah of Lainey Epstein. Mazal Tov to Lainey and to her entire family! This Shabbat we read
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/02/tidbits-of-torah-57/) - Shabbat Parashat Terumah Tragedy, Trauma and Terumah February 17, 2018 - 2 Adar 5778 Dear Friends, Traditionally, we are supposed to usher in the Jewish month of Adar with added joy. As the saying goes: Mishenichnas Adar Marbim b'Simcha - When Adar begins, we increase our joy! And, yet, in the wake of the tragic news
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/02/tidbits-of-torah-56/) - Shabbat Parashat Mishpatim Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh Imagine... February 10, 2018 - 25 Shevat 5778 Dear Friends, Imagine a world filled with well intentioned people but with no laws. Imagine, for instance, a world full of good people but with no traffic rules - with no agreed upon right of way, with no yield signs....Hmm. What
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/02/tidbits-of-torah-55/) - Shabbat Parashat Yitro Finding Wisdom February 3, 2018 - 18 Shevat 5778 Dear Friends, Torah is our source of wisdom. Our Sages are a source of wisdom. But, where else might we look for wisdom? Torah gives us a hint.... There are three non-Jews who have an entire Torah portion named after them. They are:
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/01/tidbits-of-torah-54/) - Shabbat Parashat B'Shallach Shabbat Shirah Insight, Inspiration, Imagination! January 27, 2018 - 11 Shevat 5778 Dear Friends, This Shabbat is called "Shabbat Shirah" [Sabbath of Song] because we read Moses and Miriam's Song of the Sea as part of our weekly Torah portion. Insight, inspiration and imagination are at the heart of the Song of
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/01/tidbits-of-torah-53/) - Shabbat Parashat Bo What's Your Story...? January 20, 2018 - 4 Shevat 5778 Dear Friends, I am struck by the multi-layered foci of our Jewish story telling.... In our weekly Torah portion, Bo, we read (no less than three times) about the importance of telling and re-telling the story of the Exodus to our children,
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/01/tidbits-of-torah-52/) - Shabbat Parashat VaEra Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh If At First You Don't Succeed... January 13, 2018 - 26 Tevet 5778 Dear Friends, It is so easy to give up.... We try. We struggle. We succeed. All is well. And, then, suddenly...we fail! And, it is so easy to give up. It is so easy to abandon
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2018/01/tidbits-of-torah-51/) - Shabbat Parashat Shemot Stay Warm! January 6, 2018 - 19 Tevet 5778 Dear Friends, It's cold outside! I hope you are indoors and managing to stay warm! And, if you are outdoors, I hope it is only temporary. I hope that you are enjoying the unexpected gift of a snow day and/or the delights of
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2017/12/tidbits-of-torah-50/) - Shabbat Parashat VaYigash Joseph, Judah and Justice December 23, 2017- 5 Tevet 5778 Dear Friends, Our Torah reading continues the Joseph story. Only, Joseph is not the only character in the story. Judah plays a leading role in this week's Torah portion. Judah, not yet knowing that Joseph is his long lost brother, approaches Joseph
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2017/12/tidbits-of-torah-49/) - Happy Chanukah! Shabbat Parashat Mikkets Chanukah - Day 4! Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh December 16, 2017- 28 Kislev 5778 Dear Friends, Chanukah is about miracles, big and small, communal and personal. It is about noticing God's presence in the world - not only as Creator in the distant past, but
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2017/12/miracles-and-moments-shabbat-parashat-vayeshev-december-9-2017-21-kislev-5778/) - Miracles and Moments Shabbat Parashat VaYeshev December 9, 2017- 21 Kislev 5778 Dear Friends, We are about to celebrate Chanukah (beginning Tuesday night)...and miracles. Whether it is the miracle of the victory of the Maccabees (the victory of the few over the many) who fought for religious freedom;
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2017/12/tidbits-of-torah-48/) - Keeping our Spirits Up Shabbat Parashat VaYishlach December 2, 2017- 14 Kislev 5778 Dear Friends, Three wonderful Chasidic teachings, based on this week's Torah portion of VaYishlach, shed light on the secret of Jewish survival throughout the ages. The Torah tell us that Jacob sent messengers (or angels) ahead of him
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2017/11/tidbits-of-torah-47/) - Happy Thanksgiving Shabbat Parashat VaYetze November 23, 2017- 5 Kislev 5778 Dear Friends, I take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a very happy Thanksgiving! I've always loved Thanksgiving, as a special time with family and friends, without the stress associated with choosing gifts; without a specific time schedule; and without the
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2017/11/tidbits-of-torah-46/) - Jewish Resources for Addressing Addiction Shabbat Parashat Toledot Shabbat Machar Chodesh - Mevarekhim HaChodesh November 18, 2017- 29 Cheshvan 5778 Dear Friends, One of the most moving experiences I had as a rabbinical student, many years ago, was a weekend spent at a retreat sponsored by a New York based organization knows as JACS (Jewish
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2017/10/tidbits-of-torah-45/) - Devotion. Dedication. Delight. Erev Shmini Atzeret/Simchat Torah/Bereishit October 11, 2017- 22 Tishrei 5778 Dear Friends, This coming Sunday, October 15th, I will be flying to Israel for a few weeks to see family and friends. As you may recall, my summer vacation was postponed this year until right after the
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2017/10/tidbits-of-torah-44/) - Sukkot: Especially Now - Joy and Resolve! Erev Sukkot October 4, 2017- 14 Tishrei 5778 Dear Friends, The unique thing about Sukkot is that the Torah asks us to be joyous for all seven days of Sukkot - non-stop! That is a difficult task in ordinary times. But, this week, following the horrific shooting in
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2017/09/tidbits-of-torah-43/) - As Yom Kippur Approaches... Shabbat Yom Kippur September 30, 2017- 10 Tishrei 5778 Dear Friends, We do our best. But, we don't always get it right. Okay...I'm speaking for myself. If I didn't get it right, I hope that you will forgive me. Yom Kippur is a time to re-align our souls. Let's do our
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2017/09/tidbits-of-torah-42/) - HaYom [Today]! Shabbat Parashat Nitsavim-VaYelekh September 16, 2017- 25 Elul 5777 Dear Friends, This is my opportunity to wish all of us a Shana Tova U'metukah - a sweet New Year, filled with blessing and with joy! This coming week, we will celebrate Rosh HaShana! L'Shana Tova tikatevu -
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2017/09/tidbits-of-torah-41/) - Harvey and the Mitzvah of Response Shabbat Parashat Ki Tetze September 2, 2017- 11 Elul 5777 Dear Friends, The Jewish month of Elul is in full swing. The High Holy Days are approaching. And, with the passage of these precious days of Elul, we do our best to prepare for the
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2017/08/tidbits-of-torah-40/) - Trees and Us Shabbat Parashat Shoftim August 26, 2017- 4 Elul 5777 Dear Friends, Yesterday, I sat in on an interior design committee meeting where we discussed the nature of various types of wood and how they might help us make our new Sanctuary beautiful, functional, and inspiring. Often, we
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2017/08/tidbits-of-torah-39/) - Unity and Diversity Shabbat Parashat Re'eh Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh August 19, 2017- 27 Av 5777 Dear Friends, How can we respond to the horrific events in Charlottesville? Watching the videos of hundereds of neo-Nazis, KKK, white supremecists, and other hate groups walking through UVA carrying torches and chanting anti-semitic slogans was difficult enough. Reading the
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2017/08/tidbits-of-torah-38/) - Shema Revisited! Shabbat Parashat Ekev August 12, 2017- 20 Av 5777 Dear Friends, We all know the Shema in the context of the verse: Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheynu, Adonai Echad [Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One]. But, the Hebrew word Shema means so much more than "Hear."
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2017/08/tidbits-of-torah-37/) - Shema! Shabbat Parashat VaEtchanan Shabbat Nachamu August 5, 2017- 13 Av 5777 Dear Friends, This Shabbat we read the Torah portion of VaEtchanan which includes both the Ten Commandments and the Torah phrase that has become the watchword of our people: Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheynu, Adonai Echad [Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2017/07/tidbits-of-torah-36/) - Fast Forward: Fewer Fists Shabbat Parashat Devarim Shabbat Chazon July 29, 2017- 6 Av 5777 Dear Friends, This Shabbat has a special name: Shabbat Chazon [Vision Sabbath]. It gets its name from the first word of the Haftarah which opens with the words: Chazon Yeshayahu [The vision of Isaiah]. This Haftarah is read each year
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2017/07/tidbits-of-torah-35/) - A Pioneering Spirit Shabbat Parashat Mattot-Mas'ey Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh July 22, 2017- 28 Tammuz 5777 Dear Friends, You may be familiar with the Hebrew word for pioneer: chalutz, or in the plural form, pioneers: chalutzim. This ancient Hebrew word holds a great message in it....As a way of beginning to explore the depth of this
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2017/07/tidbits-of-torah-34/) - It's Obvious! Or, Is It...? Shabbat Parashat Pinchas July 15, 2017- 21 Tammuz 5777 Dear Friends, How often are we sure that what seems to us to be obvious truth, will be automatically be seen as obvious truth to those around us? And, how often are we disappointed when those around us fail to see
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2017/07/tidbits-of-torah-33/) - Minor Fasts: Major Messages Shabbat Parashat Balak July 8, 2017- 14 Tammuz 5777 Dear Friends, Our Torah portion, Balak, tells an ancient story that resonates today as we read of the United Nations most recent declaration that the Old City of Hebron and the Tomb of the Patriarchs (know as: Machpelah) where our
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2017/06/tidbits-of-torah-32/) - Striving for Holiness - One Day at a Time! Shabbat Parashat Korach Shabbat Rosh Chodesh Tammuz June 23, 2017- 30 Sivan 5777 Dear Friends, The final section of last week's parsha dealt with the mitzvah of tzitzit. We are to place four fringes on a four-cornered garment and by so doing we
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2017/06/tidbits-of-torah-31/) - Grasshoppers and "Bubble-hopping" Shabbat Parashat Shelach-Lekha Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh June 17, 2017- 23 Sivan 5777 Dear Friends, As is true for many of us, for the most part, I live in a world of assumptions and of circumstances that are familiar to me. This is my comfort zone. This is my "bubble."
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2017/06/tidbits-of-torah-30/) - Believe it...or not? Shabbat Parashat B'ha'a'lot'cha June 10, 2017- 16 Sivan 5777 Dear Friends, There is a saying: "Seeing is believing." But, sometimes, for various reasons, we see things and we still doubt what we have seen with our own eyes. We are skeptical about what we ourselves experience, and we are
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2017/06/tidbits-of-torah-29/) - Riches and Blessings Shabbat Parashat Naso June 3, 2017- 9 Sivan 5777 Dear Friends, The threefold blessing, also known as the Priestly blessing, comes right out of our weekly Torah portion! "May Adonai bless and protect you. May Adonai's countenance shine upon you and may Adonai bestow kindness upon you. May Adonai's
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2017/05/tidbits-of-torah-28/) - Memorial Day Weekend and B'Midbar Shabbat Parashat B'Midbar May 27, 2017- 2 Sivan 5777 Dear Friends, It is good to be home! Thank you to all the volunteers and staff who filled in while I was away on Sabbatical! Much appreciated! Now, as summer approaches and as we move into Memorial Day
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2017/04/tidbits-of-torah-27/) - Passover Greetings from Israel Shabbat Parashat Tzav Shabbat HaGadol April 7, 2017- 11 Nissan 5777 Dear Friends, I send you blessings from Israel! As we are about to celebrate Passover, it is good to remember that the Exodus from Egypt and from the horrors of slavery was not the end goal. It was a means
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2017/02/tidbits-of-torah-26/) - Youth, Elders, Boys, Girls Shabbat Parashat Bo February 4, 2017 - 8 Shevat 5777 Dear Friends, I hope you will join us at services this Friday night and Shabbat as we celebrate the bar mitzvah of Leon Lacey. Mazal Tov to Leon and to his whole family! What is the secret of our people's survival?
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2017/01/tidbits-of-torah-25/) - Spiritual and Physical Groundbreakings Shabbat Parashat Va'era Shabbat Rosh Chodesh January 28, 2017 - 1 Shevat 5777 Dear Friends,How awesome is it that we have arrived at this juncture in our congregational and communal life! This Sunday, we will gather together for the groundbreaking ceremony for our new Temple, on the UJC
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2017/01/tidbits-of-torah-24/) - New Beginnings Shabbat Parashat Shemot Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh January 21, 2017 - 23 Tevet 5777 Dear Friends, New beginnings are often daunting and our weekly Torah portion, Shemot, is full of new beginnings. For one thing, Shemot is the beginning of the second book of the Five Books of Moses. For another
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2017/01/tidbits-of-torah-23/) - What Next? Shabbat Parashat VaYechi January 14, 2017 - 16 Tevet 5777 Dear Friends, These days many of us are focused on the future. What next? One farewell address follows another. And, as we realize that a new leaf is being turned over, we look back and we look forward. We may not agree on
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2017/01/tidbits-of-torah-22/) - Aging and "Saging " Shabbat Parashat VaYigash January 7, 2017 - 9 Tevet 5777 Dear Friends, To all those who share a birthday with me this month, I send a special birthday blessing that we may be privileged to share many more birthdays together in good health and in happiness! And, I
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/12/tidbits-of-torah-21/) - Dear Friends, It is right around the corner! I take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a happy and healthy 2017! And, of course, we are right in the midst of our celebration of Chanukah - the festival of lights! What might we wish for, as the new secular year begins? Here
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/12/tidbits-of-torah-20/) - Let There Be Light! Shabbat Parashat VaYeshev Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh December 24, 2016 - 24 Kislev 5777 Dear Friends, The creation story is very familiar to us. The Bible tells us that God said: Let there be light! And there was light!...But then there was also darkness. And the darkness was not only each night.
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/12/tidbits-of-torah-19/) - Wrestling with our Angels Shabbat Parashat VaYishlach December 17, 2016 - 17 Kislev 5777 Dear Friends, This week's Torah portion includes the fascinating story of Jacob wrestling with an angel. What insights might we gain by reading this story? Is there some insight into Jacob's life that we might gain by reading and re-reading this
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/12/tidbits-of-torah-18/) - Sensing God's Presence Shabbat Parashat VaYetse December 10, 2016 - 10 Kislev 5777 Dear Friends, If you didn't sense God's presence today, don't be upset. Our weekly Torah portion tells us that our patriarch, Jacob, didn't sense God's presence every day either! The Biblical story tells us that Jacob fled from his home and was
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/12/tidbits-of-torah-17/) - The Power of Being Willing to Say: "I Don't Know." Shabbat Parashat Toldot December 3, 2016 - 3 Kislev 5777 Dear Friends, I hope you will join us for services this Friday night and Shabbat morning as we celebrate the bar mitzvah of Jesse Hinnant. Mazal Tov to Jesse and to his entire family! You
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/11/tidbits-of-torah-16/) - Thanksgiving in the Midst of Real Life Shabbat Parashat Chayyey Sarah Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh November 26, 2016 - 25 Cheshvan 5777 Dear Friends, Thanksgiving weekend is a time filled with hopes and dreams melded together with a conscious attempt to encourage us to express gratitude for the blessings in life. It is an important time
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/11/tidbits-of-torah-15/) - The Art of Listening Shabbat Parashat Vayera November 19, 2016 - 18 Cheshvan 5777 Dear Friends, Listening is an art! It comes more naturally to some of us than to others. But, it is an art worth developing.... Most of us are familiar with the Torah verse: "Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheynu, Adonai Echad." (Deuteronomy 6:4)
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/11/tidbits-of-torah-14/) - What's Ahead? Shabbat Parashat Lech L'cha November 12, 2016 - 11 Cheshvan 5777 Dear Friends, What's ahead? Although the future is often uncertain, I think it is fair to say that, right now, many in our nation and around the world are experiencing a heightened sense of uncertainty in regard to the future. One thing
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/11/tidbits-of-torah-13/) - Noah and Us Shabbat Parashat Noah November 5, 2016 - 4 Cheshvan 5777 Dear Friends, I hope you will join us at services this Shabbat as we celebrate the bat mitzvah of Pearl Lian Kluger. Mazal Tov to Pearl and to her entire family! We often say that we are all the
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/10/tidbits-of-torah-12/) - Wisdom of the Ages Shabbat Parashat HaAzinu October 15, 2016 - 13 Tishrei 5777 Dear Friends, I hope you will join us at services this Shabbat as we celebrate the bat mitzvah of Zoe Becker Epstein. Mazal Tov to Zoe and to her entire family! This week we read the Torah portion
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/10/tidbits-of-torah-11/) - Hope, Strength, and Courage! Shabbat Parashat VaYelekh Shabbat Shuva October 8, 2016 - 6 Tishrei 5777 Dear Friends, As we progress through the Asseret Yemei Teshuvah [the Ten Days of Repentence] that connect Rosh HaShana to Yom Kippur - hope, strength, and courage are the uplifting and motivational spiritual watchwords that light our way through
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/09/tidbits-of-torah-10/) - Shana Tova! Shabbat Parashat Nitsavim October 1, 2016 - 28 Elul 5776 Dear Friends, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a Shana Tova U'metukah - a good and a sweet new year! I really look forward to celebrating the beginning of the new Jewish year, 5777, with
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/09/tidbits-of-torah-9/) - Happiness Is... Shabbat Parashat Ki Tavo September 24, 2016 - 21 Elul 5776 Dear Friends, This is a good time of year to contemplate. I invite us to contemplate the following: "Happiness is.... " Fill in the blank and send me your thoughts. Yes, I'd be interested to hear from you. And while we are
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/09/tidbits-of-torah-8/) - The Ties that Bind Us Together Shabbat Parashat Ki Tetse September 17, 2016 - 14 Elul 5776 Dear Friends, Of the Torah's 613 mitzvoth [commandments], over 70 are mentioned in this week's Torah portion of Ki Tetse! Some of the mitzvoth mentioned have to do with civil law; others have to do
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/09/tidbits-of-torah-7/) - A Field Day Shabbat Parashat Shof'tim September 10, 2016 - 7 Elul 5776 Dear Friends, I remember how much I loved field days when I was a kid.... Why did I love field days so much? It was fun to be getting out of the structured buildings that contain and constrain us. It was fun
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/09/tidbits-of-torah-6/) - Eyes and Ears Shabbat Parashat Re'eh Rosh Chodesh Elul - Day 1 September 3, 2016 - 30 Av 5776 Dear Friends, In our previous parsha, the Torah repeated over and over the reminder for us to use our ears - to hear the teachings of Torah - through the repeated use of the word: "Shema
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/08/tidbits-of-torah-5/) - [posts-to-page cat_ID=10]
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/07/tidbits-torah/) - Losses that Deplete Us; Friendships that Sustain Us Shabbat Parashat Chukat July 16, 2016 - 10 Tammuz 5776 Dear Friends, Moses, the greatest prophet that ever was, the greatest prophet that will ever be, was only human. That is the greatness of our Torah. It describes our ancestors, even our prophets, as human beings. In
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/07/torah-tidbits-137/) - What Would Elie Wiesel Have Said? Shabbat Parashat Korach July 9, 2016 - 3 Tammuz 5776 Dear Friends, It is so ironic that shortly after the passing of Elie Wiesel, we are witnessing the effects of violence, unchecked, in our midst. The unfolding stories of Minnesota, Louisiana, and now of Dallas, Texas, loom over us,
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/07/torah-tidbits-136/) - Celebrating Independence! Shabbat Parashat Sh'lach L'kha Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh July 2, 2016 - 26 Sivan 5776 Dear Friends, Independence Day is right around the corner! A very happy 4th of July to all! We have much to celebrate this weekend. We will be celebrating Shabbat. We will be celebrating the inauguration of our new Siddur
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/06/torah-tidbits-135/) - Blessing and Joy Shabbat Parashat B'ha'a'lot'kha June 25, 2016 - 19 Sivan 5776 Dear Friends, How can we help with our Rodef Sholom Temple move? There are many ways! Some of us are helping with the physical challenges that the move to an interim space involves. Some of us are helping by being a presence
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/06/torah-tidbits-134/) - Tel Aviv. Orlando. Shabbat Parashat Naso June 18, 2016 - 12 Sivan 5776 Dear Friends, As we move into our temporary abode at the JCC, I share with you my blessings for a bright future, as well as my Facebook post in response to recent events in the news. This is what I posted: "Tel
- [Torah Tidits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/06/torah-tidits/) - Nomads: Then and Now...! Shabbat Parashat B'Midbar Confirmation and more.... June 11, 2016 - 5 Sivan 5776 Dear Friends, I hope you will join us for services this Friday night as we celebrate the Confirmation of Dana Fraley, Micah Hochman, Sam Kluger and Hallie Rubenstein. This will be the final Confirmation ceremony held at 318
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/06/torah-tidbits-133/) - The Ultimate Blessing Shabbat Parashat B'hukkotai Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh June 4, 2016 - 27 Iyyar 5776 Dear Friends, I hope you will join us for services this Friday night (at 8:00 p.m.!) and this Shabbat morning, as we celebrate the bat mitzvah of Sydney Frank. Mazal Tov to Sydney and to her entire family! This
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/05/torah-tidbits-132/) - The Message from the Mountain Shabbat Parashat B'har May 28, 2016 - 20 Iyyar 5776 Dear Friends, Why are some adventurous people always trying to climb mountains? Why are all of us interested in how those mountain climbers fare? It seems that there is a message that comes from the mountain.... Our people stood at
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/05/torah-tidbits-131/) - The Message from the Mountain Shabbat Parashat B'har May 28, 2016 - 20 Iyyar 5776 Dear Friends, Why are some adventurous people always trying to climb mountains? Why are all of us interested in how those mountain climbers fare? It seems that there is a message that comes from the mountain.... Our people stood at
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/05/torah-tidbits-130/) - One Day at a Time! Shabbat Parashat Emor May 21, 2016 - 12 Iyyar 5776 Dear Friends, I hope you will join us this Friday night and Shabbat morning as we celebrate the bat mitzvah of Margo Lamson. Mazal Tov to Margo and to her entire family! Our weekly Torah portion, Emor,
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/05/torah-tidbits-129/) - A Happy 68th! Shabbat Parashat Kedoshim May 14, 2016 - 6 Iyyar 5776 Dear Friends, Israel is celebrating its 68th birthday and we are blessed to be able to celebrate with her!!! It's fireworks time! It's songfest time! It's family time! It's "get out into nature" time. It's barbecue and picnic time!
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/05/torah-tidbits-128/) - Happy Mother's Day! Shabbat Parashat Acharei Mot Shabbat Machar Hodesh Shabbat Mevarechim HaChodesh May 7, 2016 - 29 Nisan 5776 Dear Friends, This Shabbat marks a transition in the Biblical book of Leviticus. Up until now, in the Biblical story, the sons of Aaron, the High Priest, were referred to not by their names alone,
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/04/torah-tidbits-127/) - Your Favorite Holiday? Pesah Day 7 (Friday) and Day 8 (Shabbat) April 28, 2016 - 20 Nisan 5776 Dear Friends, Here we are...Almost the 7th Day of Pesah! Following one of the lines of conversation at this morning's morning minyan breakfast table, I will throw out the following question: What is
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/04/torah-tidbits-126/) - Sinkers or Floaters??? Shabbat Parashat Metsora Shabbat HaGadol (and Pesah Tips) April 16, 2016 - 8 Nisan 5776 Dear Friends, One of the most meaningful mystical teachings of Judaism is that Elijah, the prophet, will one day return and resolve all of our differences of opinion in regard to Jewish life and customs. Until that
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/04/torah-tidbits-125/) - Shabbat Parashat Tazria Rosh Chodesh Nisan Shabbat HaChodesh April 9, 2016 - 1 Nisan 5776 Dear Friends, I guess one would have to be of a certain age to remember gathering at rallies in front of the United Nations building, chanting: "Free-dom Now! Free-dom Now!" in an effort to convince the powers that be
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/03/torah-tidbits-124/) - Seeking a Better Path Shabbat Parashat Tzav March 26, 2016 - 16 Adar II 5776 Dear Friends, Our weekly Torah portion begins with the words: "Tzav et Aharon v'et banav laymor: zot Torat HaOlah..." [Command/Direct Aaron and his sons, saying: This is the Torah of the ascending sacrificial offering...] (Leviticus 6:2). In Torah,
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/03/torah-tidbits-123/) - Making Memories Shabbat Parashat VaYikra Shabbat Zachor March 19, 2016 - 9 Adar II 5776 Dear Friends, How often are we told encouragingly, or approvingly, that we are "making memories"? It is considered, for the most part, a good thing to be "making memories." For example, when we spend quality time with our children,
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/03/torah-tidbits-122/) - Breathing New Life into Our Future Shabbat Parashat Pekudei March 12, 2016 - 2 Adar II 5776 Dear Friends, Our parsha reminds us that the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) in the desert led to a sense of God's immanent presence among our people. Rabbi Elana Zaiman ("The Birthing of the Mishkan (Tabernacle)"
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/03/torah-tidbits-121/) - Let it Go... Shabbat Parashat Vayakhel Shabbat Shekalim Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh March 5, 2016 - 25 Adar I 5776 Dear Friends, In the midst of our Torah reading portions relating a myriad of details regarding the construction of the Tabernacle in the desert, we read, at the beginning of this week's Torah portion,
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/02/torah-tidbits-120/) - The Other Half Shabbat Parashat Ki Tissa February 27, 2016 - 18 Adar I 5776 Dear Friends, One of the most significant teachings of our Torah is found in way that the census, reported in our weekly Torah portion of Ki Tissa, is described. In Hebrew, the words Ki Tissa may be translated
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/02/torah-tidbits-119/) - Is the Accent on the Right Syllable? Shabbat Parashat Tetsavveh February 20, 2016 - 11 Adar I 5776 Dear Friends, The news of Justice Scalia's passing made a deep impression on me. Not because of the politics. Not because of any personal connection I had with him. But, because he was somehow "larger
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/02/torah-tidbits-118/) - The Joy of Giving Shabbat Parashat Terumah February 13, 2016 - 4 Adar I 5776 Dear Friends, One of the greatest joys in life is the feeling that one gets when one is blessed with the ability to give with a full heart. According to the story in our weekly Torah portion, that
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/02/torah-tidbits-117/) - Energizing our Lives! Shabbat Parashat Mishpatim Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh February 6, 2016 - 27 Shevat 5776 Dear Friends, Shabbat is the "day of rest"...but the rest of the week is for doing! Shabbat is a time for re-energizing our lives by allowing us to experience the moment, to appreciate life, and to envision the
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/01/torah-tidbits-116/) - The Winning Combination! Shabbat Parashat Yitro January 30, 2016 - 20 Shevat 5776 Dear Friends, No, I did not win the jackpot in a Powerball drawing even though I did give God the opportunity to let me win by buying a ticket. I did not have the winning combination on that one...But, I do
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/01/torah-tidbits-115/) - To Journey or Not To Journey? Shabbat Parashat B'Shallach Shabbat Shira January 23, 2016 - 13Shevat 5776 Dear Friends, In Parashat B'Shallach we read more about the epic journey of our people from slavery to freedom, from Egypt toward the Land of Israel. The Parting of the Red Sea and our people's Song of
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/01/torah-tidbits-114/) - Holiness for All Ages and Stages Shabbat Parashat Bo January 16, 2016 - 6 Shevat 5776 Dear Friends, I hope you will join us for services at Rodef Sholom Temple this Friday night and Shabbat morning as we celebrate the bar mitzvah of Josh Kostiner. Mazal Tov to Josh and to his
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2016/01/torah-tidbits-113/) - A Story for all Generations Shabbat Parashat VaEra Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh January 9, 2016 - 28 Tevet 5776 Dear Friends, It is well known that new beginnings can be very challenging. Often, we begin a new year, or even a new month, with resolutions, only to find ourselves rapidly slipping back into
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/12/torah-tidbits-112/) - Happy 2016! Shabbat Parashat VaYechi December 26, 2015 - 14 Tevet 5776 Dear Friends, As we conclude the chanting of this week's Torah portion of VaYechi, and with it the reading of the entire Biblical Book of Genesis, we recite the Hebrew words of blessing: "Chazak, chazak, v'nitchazek! [Be strong, be strong,
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/12/torah-tidbits-111/) - Overcoming Fear and Speaking from the Heart Shabbat Parashat VaYigash December 19, 2015 - 7 Tevet 5776 Dear Friends, Have you ever felt tongue-tied, overcome by fear or insecurity, and not spoken up, only to regret it later? I certainly have had such moments. Understandably, fear of rejection, fear of failure, fear
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/12/torah-tidbits-110/) - Happy Chanukah! Shabbat Parashat VaYeshev Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh December 5, 2015 - 23 Kislev 5776 Dear Friends, I know it is not yet Chanukah, but I can feel the holiday approaching! This Shabbat we will recite the blessing for the new Jewish month of Tevet. Rosh Chodesh Tevet will be a week from now -
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/11/torah-tidbits-109/) - Angels or Messengers? Shabbat Parashat VaYishlach November 28, 2015 - 19 Kislev 5776 Dear Friends, I hope you will join me at services this Shabbat as we celebrate the bar mitzvah of Disraeli Brooks. Mazal Tov to Disraeli and to his entire family! Our weekly Parsha, [Torah portion] begins with the story
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/11/torah-tidbits-108/) - Gratitude and Thanksgiving Shabbat Parashat VaYetse November 21, 2015 - 9 Kislev 5776 Dear Friends, This week has inundated us with painful news from around the world, and from Israel, where 5 more people were killed by terrorist attacks, and the attacks persist. Yet, through it all, our tradition teaches us that
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/11/torah-tidbits-107/) - Lots of Wells to Dig... Shabbat Parashat Toledot November 14, 2015 - 2 Kislev 5776 Dear Friends, Soon we will celebrate Chanukah. Our Festival of Lights begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, and here we are, at the beginning of Kislev...Can't wait for the light, the
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/11/torah-tidbits-106/) - Where Heaven and Earth Meet Shabbat Parashat Cha-yay Sarah Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh November 7, 2015 - 25 Cheshvan 5776 Dear Friends, As we prepare to mark Veterans' Day, this coming week, we salute our veterans. We acknowledge, with thanks, their service and their sacrifices on behalf of all of us. As we listen to the
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/10/torah-tidbits-105/) - Halloween Torah Shabbat Parashat VaYera October 31, 2015 - 18 Cheshvan 5776 Dear Friends, Halloween is upon us...And, in a manner reminiscent of Halloween, our Torah portion begins with three strangers coming by Abraham's tent. Abraham is described as sitting in the opening of his tent, looking out toward the
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/10/torah-tidbits-104/) - Solidarity and Unity with Israel Shabbat Parashat Noach October 17, 2015 - 4 Cheshvan 5776 Dear Friends, Noah was a righteous man. So we are told in the Torah. But, Noah was silent in the face of the evils that surrounded him. And, we all know how the story ended: a
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/10/torah-tidbits-103/) - Spiritual Resilience Shabbat Chol HaMoed Sukkot October 3, 2015 - 20 Tishrey 5776 Dear Friends, Today, we are painfully aware of the reality of life's challenges. From yet another mass shooting in our country, to the murderous attack on a Jewish couple in Israel in the presence of their four young
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/09/torah-tidbits-102/) - Celebrating the New Year!!! Shabbat Parashat Ha'azinu September 26, 2015 - 13 Tishrey 5776 Dear Friends, How wonderful it is to be beginning a New Year with a celebration! Having just completed the Ten Days of Repentence, we start the Jewish New Year off on this Sunday evening with the celebration of Sukkot!
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/09/torah-tidbits-101/) - Shana Tova!!! Shabbat Parashat Nitsavim September 12, 2015 - 28 Elul 5775 Dear Friends, I wish you and your loved ones a Shana Tova u'Metukah - a good and a sweet new year, filled with joy and blessing! This week, as we approach Rosh HaShana, we read the Torah portion of Nitsavim. Parashat
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/09/torah-tidbits-100/) - Study What?! Shabbat Parashat Ki Tavo September 5, 2015 - 21 Elul 5775 Dear Friends, Who would have thought that our Sages had to struggle to get their children to Religious School?! A talmudic tale relates the story of Rav Huna's struggle to get his son to study Torah with Rav
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/08/torah-tidbits-99/) - Do Not Remain Indifferent! Shabbat Parashat Ki Tetse August 29, 2015 - 14 Elul 5775 Dear Friends, Dangerous situations, it would seem, are a very real part of our lives. This past week, four American heroes, along with others, saved the day! On a train traveling the Amsterdam-Paris route, the heroes took action. They overcome
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/08/torah-tidbits-98/) - The Truth is... Shabbat Parashat Shof'tim August 22, 2015 - 7 Elul 5775 Dear Friends, How many times have we used the phrase: "The truth is..."? Well, the truth is...that truth is often elusive. Our weekly Torah portion, Shof'tim [Judges], reminds us of the importance of truth as a foundational value in our
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/08/torah-tidbits-97/) - Dear Friends, As we move into the new Jewish month of Elul, we begin preparing ourselves for the upcoming High Holy Days that will usher in the new Jewish year of 5776. During the month of Elul, we will sound the shofar toward the end of each of our weekday morning minyan services. This sound
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/08/torah-tidbits-96/) - As Elul Approaches... Shabbat Parashat Ekev Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh August 8, 2015 - 23 Av 5775 Dear Friends, It is good to be back and to have the opportunity to catch up with so many wonderful folks at Rodef Sholom Temple! And, thank you and yasher koach [may you have continued strength] to all the
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/06/torah-tidbits-95/) - Charleston On My Mind Shabbat Parashat Chukkat June 27, 2015 - 10 Tammuz 5775 Dear Friends, Charleston, South Carolina - such a beautiful city. So much history. So much sadness today. But, at the same time, so much determination and so much hope. Charleston is on my mind. I am sure you are watching
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/06/torah-tidbits-94/) - Transitions: A Journey of Discovery Shabbat Parashat Shelach-Lekha Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh June 13, 2015 - 26 Sivan 5775 Dear Friends, We are all on a journey. Sometimes, the journey of life is smooth. Sometimes, we find ourselves "in transition" with all the accompanying ambiguity, discomfort, and uncertainty that is engendered by such times. That is
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/06/torah-tidbits-93/) - A Different Light on the Subject Shabbat Parashat Beha'a'lotecha June 5, 2015 - 19 Sivan 5775 Dear Friends, This Friday night we will be celebrating the Confirmation of John Brooks and of Nir Diskin. Mazal Tov to our confirmands and to their entire families! John and Nir will be leading our service. And, they will
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/05/torah-tidbits-92/) - Depth, Discernment and Ethics Shabbat Parashat Naso May 30, 2015 - 12 Sivan 5775 Dear Friends, We have been blessed with a Torah which our Sages likened to a "tree of life." We have been taught that mitzvoth were given to us to help us strengthen the foundations of our soul and of our relationships.
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/05/torah-tidbits-91/) - Contemporary Curses Shabbat Parashat B'har-B'chukotai Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh May 16, 2015 - 27 Iyyar 5775 Dear Friends, The first curse mentioned in the long list of curses enumerated in this week's double Torah portion, should we as a people fail to walk in God's ways, is the curse of: "Beh'ha'la". In our Eitz Hayim chumash,
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/05/torah-tidbits-90/) - Dilemmas and Discussions Shabbat Parashat Emor May 8, 2015 - 20 Iyyar 5775 Dear Friends, "How can the Torah say that?!" The beauty of our tradition is that we are invited to ask even the most difficult of questions. For example, we are invited to wonder how Torah can teach us that all human
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/04/torah-tidbits-89/) - Silver Linings Shabbat Parashat Tazria-Metsora April 25, 2015 - 6 Iyyar 5775 Dear Friends, The greatness of the teachings of Torah is that they do not shrink from reality. Torah is, of course, filled with lofty, beautiful and uplifting stories and images. But, alongside those uplifting images, Torah also relates to the difficult passages in
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/04/torah-tidbits-88/) - From Sadness to Joy Shabbat Parashat Shemini Shabbat Machar Chodesh Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh April 18, 2015 - 29 Nisan 5775 Dear Friends, This past Thursday, on Yom HaShoah [Holocaust Memorial Day], I did something I rarely do. I posted a message on my Facebook page. That morning I awoke to see the Yellow Candle burning
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/04/torah-tidbits-87/) - The Message of the Mysterious Guest... 7th and 8th Day of Passover! April 10-11, 2015 - 21-22 Nisan 5775 Dear Friends, One of the most precious moments of the Passover Seder is the opening of the door to Eliyahu HaNavi [Eliyah the Prophet]. Often done by the youngest child at the
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/03/torah-tidbits-86/) - A Happy and a Kosher Passover! Shabbat Parashat Tsav Shabbat Hagadol March 28, 2015- 8 Nisan 5775 Dear Friends, This is Shabbat Hagadol [The Great Shabbat] in which we focus on the upcoming holiday of Pesah [Passover]! It is almost here! I know our minds are on all the preparations and on the food and
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/03/torah-tidbits-85/) - Where Do We Go From Here? Shabbat Parashat Vayikra Rosh Chodesh Nisan Shabbat HaChodesh March 21, 2015 - 1 Nisan 5775 Dear Friends, I have been asked all week what I think about the Israeli elections. As I reflect on the election process we have just witnessed, I find it inspiring and amazing that over
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/03/torah-tidbits-84/) - Wisdom, Understanding and Divine Inspiration Shabbat Parashat Ki Tissa March 7, 2015 - 16 Adar 5775 Dear Friends, Purim was very special at Rodef Sholom Temple this year! Thanks to our volunteers and organizers for doing such a great job preparing us for this special time of the year!!!! And, thanks to our members'
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/03/torah-tidbits-83/) - In Search Mode Shabbat Parashat Tetsaveh Shabbat Zakhor February 28, 2015 - 9 Adar 5775 Dear Friends, The light of the Menorah described in our weekly Torah portion of Tetsaveh points to our very human need to light up our surroundings so that we can better know how to take the next step in life.
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/02/torah-tidbits-82/) - Building Together! Shabbat Parashat Terumah February 21, 2015 - 2 Adar 5775 Dear Friends, Adar is a month of heightened joy in the Jewish calendar! It is the month in which we look forward to the joys of Purim as well as to the beginning of Spring. It is a time of coming together in
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/02/torah-tidbits-81/) - The Joy of Being Counted! Shabbat Parashat Mishpatim Shabbat Shekalim Mevarekhim HaChodesh February 14, 2015 - 25 Shevat 5775 Dear Friends, I hope you will join with us at services on this Shabbat as we celebrate the bat mitzvah of Dahvi Hochman. Mazal Tov to Dahvi and to her entire family! Some thoughts connected
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/02/torah-tidbits-80/) - It's A Process! Shabbat Parashat Yitro February 7, 2015 - 18 Shevat 5775 Dear Friends, I hope that you will join us for Sisterhood Shabbat this Friday night and for Shabbat services tomorrow morning. Sisterhood Shabbat promises to be a wonderful communal happening. On Shabbat morning we will be reading the Parsha
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/01/torah-tidbits-79/) - Say it with a Song! Shabbat Parashat B'Shalach Shabbat Shirah January 31, 2015 - 11 Shevat 5775 Dear Friends, As Jews, there are so many uplifting and inspiring values that we represent. There are also so many complex challenges that we face. In the midst of all of that, we may, at times, forget to
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/01/torah-tidbits-78/) - The Positive Power of Community Shabbat Parashat Bo January 24, 2015 - 4 Shevat 5775 Dear Friends, As a child, I remember my discomfort at the Torah's narrative of the Exodus because I could not understand why the population of Egypt had to suffer the plagues just because of the stubbornness of Pharaoh. As an
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/01/torah-tidbits-77/) - Monitoring and Combating Anti-Semitism Shabbat Parashat Va'era Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh January 17, 2015 - 26 Tevet 5775 Dear Friends, My friend and colleague, Rabbi Tom Cohen, is the rabbi of a Conservative/Masorti congregation in Paris. His wife, Rabbi Pauline Bebe, is the rabbi of a Reform congregation in Paris. Many years ago, I traveled to
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/01/torah-tidbits-76/) - Masks and Motives... Shabbat Parashat Shemot January 10, 2015 - 19 Tevet 5775 Dear Friends, Masks can be so much fun. But, depending on the circumstances, they can also be anything but fun. Earlier this week, three masked gunmen raided the Paris offices of the newspaper Charlie Hebdo. With their faces well hidden beneath
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2015/01/torah-tidbits-75/) - A Grandparent's Blessing - then and now! Shabbat Parashat Vayechi January 3, 2015 - 12 Tevet 5775 Dear Friends, Not all of us are lucky enough to know our grandparents. And if we do, not all of us have a close relationship with them. Especially in our day and age, when families are often spread
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/12/torah-tidbits-74/) - Combat Hunger and Increase the Light! Shabbat Parashat Mikkets Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh December 20, 2014 - 28 Kislev 5775 Dear Friends, This week at Rodef Sholom Temple, as we light the Chanukah candles and participate in HELP week, we will have the sacred opportunity to combat hunger and to increase the light in the world
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/12/torah-tidbits-73/) - Happy Chanukah! Shabbat Parashat Vayeshev December 13, 2014 - 21 Kislev 5775 Dear Friends, Chanukah is almost here and I take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a very happy Chanukah! The Maccabees had a dream. They wished for a society in which one might study, live, and worship freely as a
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/12/torah-tidbits-72/) - Going the Extra Mile for that Blessing: A Torah Message for Managing Difficult Encounters Shabbat Parashat Vayishlach December 6, 2014 - 14 Kislev 5775 Dear Friends, I hope you will join us at services this Shabbat as we celebrate the bat mitzvah of Jordan Phillips. Mazal Tov to Jordan and to her entire family! While
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/12/torah-tidbits-71/) - Morning Prayer: A Spiritual Stand Shabbat Parashat Vayetze November 29, 2014 - 7 Kislev 5775 Dear Friends, The Talmud teaches us to pray three times a day, and suggests that each of our three daily prayers were instituted by one of our three patriarchs. Our patriarch Abraham is said to have instituted shacharit -
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/11/torah-tidbits-70/) - Thoughts for Thanksgiving Shabbat Parashat Toledot Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh November 22, 2014 - 29 Heshvan 5775 Dear Friends, I share with you my Facebook post of this past week: "Just when there are intimations of possible peace in Jerusalem, terrorists strike again, killing innocent Jews praying in a synagogue in Jerusalem. It is time for
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/11/torah-tidbits-69/) - Pathways to Peace Shabbat Parashat Chayei Sarah November 15, 2014 - 22 Heshvan 5775 Dear Friends, Three world leaders met this week to discuss plans for de-escalating the recent tensions surrounding the Temple Mount in Jerusalem - the Prime Minister of Israel, the King of Jordan, and the Secretary of State of the United States.
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/11/torah-tidbits-68/) - Treasured Teachings of Torah Shabbat Parashat Vayera November 8, 2014 - 15 Heshvan 5775 Dear Friends, I hope you will join us for services this Shabbat as we celebrate the bar mitzvah of Reilly David. Mazal Tov to Reilly and to his entire family! Our weekly Torah portion, Vayera, is replete with well known
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/10/torah-tidbits-67/) - Shabbat Parashat Noah Rosh Hodesh Heshvan October 24, 2014 - 1 Heshvan 5775 Dear Friends, The story of the flood is not the only story in our weekly Torah portion of Noah. We also read about the world as it began to develop after the flood. And, our parsha includes one of the most
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/10/torah-tidbits-66/) - Chag Sameach! Sukkot October 8, 2014 - 15 Tishrei 5775 Dear Friends, Thank you to all who shared the High Holy Days with us at Rodef Sholom Temple. Thank you so much to all who helped us prepare for the holidays and to all who contributed to the spirit and community of our services during
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/09/torah-tidbits-65/) - Shana Tova! Shabbat Parashat Nitzavim-VaYelech September 19, 2014 - 25 Elul 5774 Dear Friends, I hope you will join us this Saturday night as we will gather at Temple Beth El in Williamsburg for our community Selichot service. Coming together as a community is a great way to begin the High Holy Day season!
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/09/torah-tidbits-64/) - Post 9/11 Reflections Shabbat Parashat Ki Tavo September 12, 2014 - 18 Elul 5774 Dear Friends, It is hard to believe how quickly time goes by but this week the thirteenth anniversary of 9/11 has come and gone. We remember. We feel the pain. We pray for better days in the future - days of
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/09/torah-tidbits-63/) - How Was Your Summer? Shabbat Parashat Ki Tetse September 5, 2014 - 11 Elul 5774 Dear Friends, It's back to school time. Traffic patterns adjust to school buses. Parents adjust to school schedules. Children and students move forward into a new year. Despite the heat wave we have been experiencing, we cannot help but realize
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/09/torah-tidbits-62/) - Elul - A Time to Prioritize! Shabbat Parashat Shof'tim August 29, 2014 - 4 Elul 5774 Dear Friends, The Jewish month of Elul is often associated with soul-searching and with heightened spirituality. But, reading this week's Torah portion of Shof'tim brings home a basic Jewish teaching that soul-searching and spirituality go hand in hand with
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/08/1835/) - Coming Home to Family! Shabbat Parashat Re'eh Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh August 22, 2014 - 27 Av 5774 Dear Friends, After spending a month in Israel, visiting family and friends, and simply soaking up the unique ambience of Israel during the period of Operation Protective Edge, it is good to be back home again with the
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/07/torah-tidbits-61/) - Sent from Israel! Shabbat Parashat Masei Shabbat Mevarchim HaChodesh July 26, 2014 - 28 Tammuz 5774 Dear Friends, I'm delighted to share with you the good news of the birth of my new grandson, born to my daughter, Nurit, and my son-in-law, Lotem, this past Monday, the day before I arrived in Israel. Both parents,
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/07/torah-tidbits-60/) - On My Way to Israel! Shabbat Parashat Mattot July 19, 2014 - 21 Tammuz 5774 On My Way to Israel! This will be my final Tidbits email for a while, as I am scheduled to fly to Israel on this coming Monday. I am leaving for a vacation and plan to spend the next month
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/07/torah-tidbits-59/) - Holding Fast To the Promise Shabbat Parashat Pinchas July 12, 2014 - 14 Tammuz 5774 Holding Fast To the Promise Our Parsha begins with Pinchas being blessed with a b'rit shalom, a covenant of peace. In the Torah scroll, the letter vav in the word shalom [peace] is, uncharacteristically, broken. As we read this portion
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/07/torah-tidbits-58/) - From Foes to Friends Shabbat Parashat Balak July 5, 2014 - 7 Tammuz 5774 From Foes to Friends In our Parsha, Balak, King of Moab, sworn enemy of the Israelites, attempts to enlist Bil'am, the pagan prophet, to curse the people of Israel. Fortunately, Bil'am's attempt at cursing Israel is unsuccessful. In fact, he
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/06/torah-tidbits-57/) - Renewable Energy Shabbat Parashat Chukat Rosh Chodesh Tammuz - Day 1 June 28, 2014 - 30 Sivan 5774 Renewable Energy This week's Torah portion invites us to explore the concept of renewable energy! No, I am not referring to the debates about oil, or natural gas, or fracking. I am referring to the spiritual energy
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/06/torah-tidbits-56/) - Leadership in Light of Torah Shabbat Parashat Korach Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh June 21, 2014 - 23 Sivan 5774 Leadership in Light of Torah This week's Torah portion invites us to examine our ideas in relation to leadership. Korach and his crew challenged Moses and Aaron's leadership, demanding that Moses and Aaron step down. On the
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/06/torah-tidbits-55/) - Moving Forward! Shabbat Parashat Sh'lach L'cha June 14, 2014 - 16 Sivan 5774 Moving Forward! As a community, we have decided to move forward. Thanks to our leadership, headed by our immediate past president, Josh David, to our officers, to our executive and board, and to our many volunteers and members, after Tuesday night's annual
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/06/torah-tidbits-54/) - The Problematics of Patterns Shabbat Parashat B'ha'a'lo't'kha June 7, 2014 - 9 Sivan 5774 The Problematics of Patterns I was recently looking at the VDOT site on the Middle Ground Boulevard Project and noticed a link entitled: "Map of New Traffic Pattern." I clicked on the link and there it was: the new traffic pattern,
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/06/torah-tidbits-53/) - Looking Forward to Shavuot! Shabbat Parashat Naso May 31, 2014 - 2 Sivan 5774 Looking Forward to Shavuot! We've been counting the days, day by day, since the second night of Pesach. We call it Sefirat HaOmer - the Counting of the Omer - named for a small measure of the barley harvest
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/05/torah-tidbits-52/) - You Are Not Just Another Statistic! Shabbat Parashat B'Midbar Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh May 24, 2014 - 24 Iyyar 5774 You Are Not Just Another Statistic! In a world in which we, so often, seek to quantify our successes - to create benchmarks that measure performance in relation to strategic plans - it is hard
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/05/1716/) - Let's Celebrate! Shabbat Parashat B'chukotai May 17, 2014 - 17 Iyyar 5774 Let's Celebrate! This Friday night we are celebrating Confirmation at Rodef Sholom Temple! Come celebrate with us! What's all the fuss about? A group of young Jewish people have stayed the course. They have continued their Jewish education, beyond bar and bat mitzvah.
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/05/torah-tidbits-51/) - The Things We Take For Granted... Shabbat Parashat B'har May 10, 2014 - 10 Iyyar 5774 The Things We Take For Granted... It is almost eerie how our weekly parsha [Torah portion] sometimes resonates with the times and with the news...This week, in particular, I feel that resonance on so many levels. Our parsha speaks
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/05/torah-tidbits-50/) - Too Young or Too Old... Shabbat Parashat Emor May 3, 2014 - 3 Iyyar 5774 Too Young or Too Old... Yesterday, news coverage of local elections put the spotlight on a 20 year old candidate for public office. I watched in fascination as a reporter asked the candidate whether he felt his age would be
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/04/torah-tidbits-49/) - The Art of Being and of Belonging Shabbat Parashat Kedoshim Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh April 26, 2014 - 26 Nisan 5774 The Art of Being and of Belonging Is "belonging" a thing of the past? Apparently, not! This evening we will be celebrating New Member Shabbat at Rodef Sholom Temple. I hope you will join
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/04/torah-tidbits-48/) - Of Pesah and of Pings... Shabbat Parashat Acharei-Mot Shabbat HaGadol April 12, 2014 - 12 Nisan 5774 Of Pesah and of Pings... It is almost here...Pesah [Passover]! The physical preparations and the spiritual preparations blend into the most special of Jewish home rituals - the Passover seder! For some reason, this year, our preparatory
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/03/torah-tidbits-47/) - New Beginnings, Passover Tips and Recipes...! Shabbat Parashat Tazria Shabbat HaChodesh Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh March 29, 2014 - 27 Adar II 5774 New Beginnings, Passover Tips and Recipes...! Parsha, Tazria, touches on new beginnings. It speaks of rituals surrounding childbirth, as well as of circumcision. It teaches about various physical and spiritual ailments and
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/03/torah-tidbits-46/) - It's Not Just the Food...! Shabbat Parashat Shemini Shabbat Parah March 22, 2014 - 20 Adar II 5774 It's Not Just the Food...! Food is such an essential part of Jewish culture! Can we imagine a Jewish celebration without food? Well, maybe, if you count Yom Kippur as a celebration...But, other than that? Clearly, food
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/03/torah-tidbits-45/) - Let's Celebrate! Shabbat Parashat Tsav Shabbat Zachor March 15, 2014 - 13 Adar II 5774 Let's Celebrate! This Saturday evening we begin our celebration of Purim! I hope to see you at our Megillah reading which will be followed by a Purim party organized with the help of our Men's Club and Sisterhood!!!! While Purim
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/03/torah-tidbits-44/) - Closing the Gap Shabbat Parashat VaYikra March 8, 2014 - 6 Adar II 5774 Closing the Gap The end of the Book of Exodus is puzzling. After devoting entire chapters to the construction of the Sanctuary in the desert, the Torah teaches us: "...When Moses had finished the work, the cloud covered the Tent of
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/02/torah-tidbits-43/) - Bells and Pomegranates Shabbat Parashat Pekudey Shabbat Shekalim Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh March 1, 2014 - 29 Adar 1 5774 Bells and Pomegranates Proper attention to detail helps us to discern the bigger picture and to appreciate it more fully. This is as true in art, as it is in literature; in science, as it is
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/02/torah-tidbits-42/) - Come, Relax, and Enjoy What You've Built! Shabbat Parashat VaYak-hel February 22, 2014 - 22 Adar 1 5774 Come, Relax, and Enjoy What You've Built! You probably think this is a shameless plug for Game Night this Saturday evening...(Just a reminder that Game Night is this Saturday evening, at 7:30 pm, at Rodef Sholom Temple...Hope
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/02/torah-tidbits-41/) - Leadership and Diversity Shabbat Parashat Te'tsaveh February 8, 2014 - 8 Adar 1 5774 Leadership and Diversity This week's Torah portion can teach us a lot about leadership. Although the Priestly duties associated originally with the Sanctuary in the desert and later with the Temples in Jerusalem no longer exist in practice, the description of
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/02/torah-tidbits-40/) - Nobility in Sports Shabbat Parashat Terumah Rosh Chodesh Adar 1 - Day 2 February 1, 2014 - 1 Adar 1 5774 Nobility in Sports Believe it or not, as a kid, I loved participating in sports and following my favorite team(s). In addition to the fun, there was a certain nobility to sports. There were
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/01/torah-tidbits-39/) - Slavery - a thing of the past? Shabbat Parashat Mishpatim Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh January 25, 2014 - 24 Shevat 5774 Slavery - a thing of the past? There is no dearth of inspiring teachings in our weekly Torah portion of Mishpatim. For example: "You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress him, for you were
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/01/torah-tidbits-38/) - Yitro's Journey Shabbat Parashat Yitro January 18, 2014 - 17 Shevat 5774 Yitro's Journey Yitro, High Priest of Middian and Moses' father in law, left his comfort zone to join Moses and the people of Israel in the desert. What motivated him to embark on this journey? Perhaps it was his own
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2014/01/torah-tidbits-37/) - You Are Needed! Shabbat Parashat B'Shallach Shabbat Shirah January 11, 2014 - 10 Shevat 5774 You Are Needed! What an amazing Parasha! The story in this week's Torah protion of B'Shallach encompasses the Exodus from Egypt, the crossing of the Red Sea, and the phenomenal poetry of what has come to be known as "The
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/12/torah-tidbits-36/) - The Mystery at the Heart of the Universe Shabbat Parashat Vaera Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh December 28, 2013 - 25 Tevet 5774 The Mystery at the Heart of the Universe At this time of year, wherever we turn, we are likely to encounter reviews of 2013. It is as if, at this particular juncture in time,
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/12/torah-tidbits-35/) - Standing on Holy Ground Shabbat Parashat Shemot December 20, 2013 - 18 Tevet 5774 Standing on Holy Ground In this week's Torah portion, we learn that Moses himself did not realize that he was standing on holy ground. He had to be told by God that he was! Is it any wonder that we, too,
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/12/torah-tidbits-34/) - Marking the Beginning of a New Century at RST Shabbat Parashat VaYechi December 14, 2013 - 11 Tevet 5774 Marking the Beginning of a New Century at RST We had the most amazing centennial celebration at RST this past weekend thanks to the phenomenal coordination and work of our magnificent volunteers, staff, and participants!
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/12/torah-tidbits-33/) - Recipe for Success: Dedication and Gratitude Shabbat Parashat Mikketz - Chanukah Day 3! Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh November 30, 2013 - 27 Kislev 5774 Recipe for Success: Dedication and Gratitude I hope you enjoyed Thanksgiving to the fullest...! And, I hope that you are continuing to enjoy Chanukah - not only for its traditional foods, but
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/11/torah-tidbits-32/) - Turkeys and Latkes Shabbat Parashat Vayeshev November 23, 2013 - 20 Kislev 5774 Turkeys and Latkes So, what do Turkeys and Latkes have to do with our weekly Torah portion? This Shabbat we read about a most arrogant young man - Jacob's son, Joseph . Joseph, his father's favorite son from the outset, and a
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/11/torah-tidbits-31/) - Living with Diversity Shabbat Parashat Vayishlach November 16, 2013 - 13 Kislev 5774 Living with Diversity How do we respond when disaster strikes? This week we have been painfully aware of the path of pain and of destruction that has left so many people in the Philippines in an awful predicament. We can help! Our
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/11/torah-tidbits-30/) - A Veterans' Day Prayer Shabbat Parashat VaYetze November 9, 2013 - 6 Kislev 5774 A Veterans' Day Prayer When Jacob left Beer Sheva, he was not forgotten. Our Parsha begins with a verse that notes Jacob's departure from Beer Sheva. Rashi asks: Why does the Torah share the fact that Jacob left Beer Sheva? And
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/11/torah-tidbits-29/) - The Fine Line between Guidance and Control Shabbat Parashat Toldot Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh November 2, 2013 - 29 Cheshvan 5774 The Fine Line between Guidance and Control Our Parsha tells the story of our matriarch, Rebecca, who was very pro-active in her interactions with her husband, Isaac, as well as with her two children, Esau
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/10/torah-tidbits-28/) - Sacred Connections Shabbat Parashat Chayay Sarah October 26, 2013 - 22 Cheshvan 5774 Sacred Connections The Torah tells us in great detail about Abraham's successful negotiation and ultimate purchase of the Cave of Machpelah, in the city of Hebron, for use as a family burial site for Sarah. According to Jewish tradition, the Cave of
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/10/torah-tidbits-27/) - It's All in What We Perceive... Shabbat Parashat Vayera October 19, 2013 - 15 Cheshvan 5774 It's All in What We Perceive... This week I had the privilege of attending the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism's Centennial Convention in Baltimore. Over 1200 people joined to celebrate, to network, to learn and to create new and
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/10/torah-tidbits-26/) - A Journey to Where...?! Shabbat Parashat Lech L'cha October 12, 2013 - 8 Cheshvan 5774 A Journey to Where...?! Here we go again...This year we are reading the first third of each weekly Torah portion for the Jewish year of 5774 in our Shabbat morning services. Of course, despite the fact that we read only
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/10/torah-tidbits-25/) - Building Solid Foundations for the Future Shabbat Parashat Noach Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan October 5, 2013 - 1 Cheshvan 5774 Building Solid Foundations for the Future I hope you will join us as we celebrate the bar mitzvah of Sam Kluger this Shabbat! Mazal Tov to Sam and to his entire family! Our weekly Torah portion
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/09/torah-tidbits-24/) - We're all in the same Sukkah... Sukkot September 19, 2013 - 15 Tishrei 5774 We're all in the same Sukkah... Not in the negative sense of the phrase (we're all in the same boat), but in the most positive sense of the phrase - we are all in the same Sukkah! Although we are all
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/09/torah-tidbits-23/) - A Yom Kippur Story Shabbat and Yom Kippur September 14, 2013 - 10 Tishrei 5774 A Yom Kippur Story A Hasidic tale tells of a conversation between a Rabbi and a Soap Maker. The Soap Maker was troubled by a theological conundrum. "Rabbi," he asked, puzzled, "why is it that we have been studying our
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/08/torah-tidbits-22/) - The Last Shabbat of 5773 is the Most Precious of All! Shabbat Parashat Nitzavim-VaYelech August 31, 2013 - 25 Elul 5773 The Last Shabbat of 5773 is the Most Precious of All! Every Shabbat is precious, but the last Shabbat of the Jewish year is the most precious of all. Each week, at the end
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/08/torah-tidbits-21/) - Never Underestimate the Power of a Few Small Blessings! Shabbat Parashat Ki Tavo August 24, 2013 - 18 Elul 5773 Never Underestimate the Power of a Few Small Blessings! It is so easy to complain about what is missing in our lives. It is so easy to enumerate all the things that we wish were
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/08/torah-tidbits-20/) - Every Mitzvah Counts! Shabbat Parashat Ki Tetze August 17, 2013 - 11 Elul 5773 Every Mitzvah Counts! Although there is no unanimity in counting the exact number of mitzvoth [commandments] that are mentioned in this week's Torah portion of Ki Tetze, it is clear that Ki Tetze records more mitzvoth than any other weekly Torah
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/08/torah-tidbits-19/) - Being Present in the Moment Shabbat Parashat Shof'tim August 10, 2013 - 4 Elul 5773 Being Present in the Moment There is nothing like the sound of the shofar to wake us up to the fact that another year is drawing to a close. Time is passing. There is no turning back. And, there is
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/08/torah-tidbits-18/) - Individual Choices Shape our World Shabbat Parashat Re'eh Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh August 3, 2013 - 27 Av 5773 Individual Choices Shape our World Mahatma Gandhi reportedly said: "Be the change you want to see in the world!" Perhaps he read our Torah portion of Re'eh which begins with an exhortation to the individual: Re'eh, [See],
- [The Power of Compassion](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/07/the-power-of-compassion/) - Shabbat Parashat Ekev Shabbat Nachamu July 27, 2013 - 20 Av 5773 The Power of Compassion It's no wonder we lose patience sometimes...Even God loses patience and needs reminders of God's commitment to our people. How many times did the Israelites test God's loyalty and compassion in the desert? They complained. They saw great miracles
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/07/torah-tidbits-17/) - Staying Connected to Israel Shabbat Parashat Va'et-chanan Shabbat Nachamu July 20, 2013 - 13 Av 5773 Staying Connected to Israel Moses was truly a remarkable teacher! Even at the end of his days, when he knew that he would not be entering the Promised Land, Moses referred to the Land of Israel as "Ha-aretz ha-tovah
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/07/torah-tidbits-16/) - A Mid-Summer's Fast Day Shabbat Parashat Devarim Shabbat Chazon July 13, 2013 - 6 Av 5773 A Mid-Summer's Fast Day Getting "in shape" for summer is an all too familiar theme in our society. It reflects a huge money-making business as well. So many diets are offered as summer approaches. So many ideas are floated
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/06/torah-tidbits-15/) - Healing Communal Rifts Shabbat Parashat Pinchas June 29, 2013 - 21 Tammuz 5773 Healing Communal Rifts Experiencing the pain of a communal rift is one thing. It is another thing altogether to possess the spiritual gift of being able to heal the rift. While many of us can hope to resolve specific issues that may
- [Is Ignorance Really Bliss?](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/06/is-ignorance-really-bliss/) - Shabbat Parashat Balak June 22, 2013 - 14 Tammuz 5773 Is Ignorance Really Bliss? We all know the popular saying: "Ignorance is bliss!" but what we might well ask ourselves is: "Ignorance may be bliss, but for how long?" I imagine that most of us know the feeling of wanting to bury our heads in
- [Happy Father's Day Weekend!](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/06/happy-fathers-day-weekend/) - Shabbat Parashat Chukat June 15, 2013 - 7 Tammuz 5773 [pullquote_left width="30%"] Happy Father's Day Weekend! [/pullquote_left] What could Father's Day weekend possibly have to do with our weekly Torah portion of Chukkat? The first thing that came to mind when I thought of that question was that a "chukkah" is a law that
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/06/torah-tidbits-14/) - Messaging and Momentum for Mitzvoth Shabbat Parashat Korach Rosh Chodesh Tammuz June 8, 2013 - 30 Sivan 5773 Messaging and Momentum for Mitzvoth This Shabbat offers us many opportunities for mitzvoth and I hope you will join us at Rodef Sholom Temple this Friday evening and Saturday morning as we celebrate Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/05/torah-tidbits-13/) - Shabbat: A Jewish Gateway to Conquering Fear Shabbat Parashat Shelach Lecha Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh June 1, 2013 - 23 Sivan 5773 Shabbat: A Jewish Gateway to Conquering Fear Just listen to the news, or don't listen to the news, but turn on a television program, and pay attention to the advertisements for various products...Just look
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/05/torah-tidbits-12/) - Lighting the Darkness in Oklahoma Shabbat Parashat B'ha'a'lot'kha May 25, 2013 - 16 Sivan 5773 Lighting the Darkness in Oklahoma Memorial Day weekend can be a sobering time for us as we pay tribute to those service men and women who gave their lives for the sake of our country and of our freedom. May
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/05/torah-tidbits-11/) - Less Resentment...More Sharing, More Love, More Progress! Shabbat Parashat Naso May 18, 2013 - 9 Sivan 5773 Less Resentment...More Sharing, More Love, More Progress! Getting beyond resentment is not always easy....But, if we do, we reap many rewards. Remember the famous biblical story of Korach? We will read it in the coming weeks. To recap
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/05/torah-tidbits-10/) - Tidbits of Torah: What Do Mother's Day and Shavuot Have in Common? Shabbat Parashat BeMidbar May 11, 2013 - 2 Sivan 5773 What Do Mother's Day and Shavuot Have in Common? I was so moved by the thoughts and feelings expressed in a D'var Torah written and published by my friend and colleague, Rabbi Cheryl
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/05/torah-tidbits-9/) - Tidbits of Torah: The Art of Living with Soul... Shabbat Parashat Behar-Bechukkotay Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh May 4, 2013 - 24 Iyyar 5773 The Art of Living with Soul... In his book: "Why Be Jewish?," David J. Wolpe writes: "The spark of soul inside each of us is unique. Out of the billions who live, who
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/04/torah-tidbits-8/) - Tidbits of Torah: On Torah and Inclusivity Shabbat Parashat Emor April 27, 2013 - 17 Iyyar 5773 Dear Friends, Over the years, I have struggled with some of the "difficult" portions of Torah - portions that challenge my understanding of basic human equality, that raise up questions of morality, or that simply defy notions of
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/04/torah-tidbits-7/) - Tidbits of Torah Shabbat Parashat Acharey Mot-Kedoshim April 120, 2013 - 10 Iyyar 5773 Dear Friends, I hope that you will join us at services this Shabbat as we celebrate the bat mitzvah of Prue Whaley. Mazal tov to Prue and to her entire family! This has been an intense week in which we celebrated
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/04/torah-tidbits-6/) - Tidbits of Torah Shabbat Parashat Tazria - Metsora April 13, 2013 - 3 Iyyar 5773 Dear Friends, This coming week we will celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel Independence Day. The actual day this holiday will be celebrated in Israel is on Monday night and on Tuesday but we will hold a special 20 minute ceremony here
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/04/torah-tidbits-5/) - Tidbits of Torah Shabbat Parashat Shemini Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh April 6, 2013 - 26 Nisan 5773 Dear Friends, Immediately after Pesach - the very night that we switched back from Pesach dishes to year-round chametz dishes, and the next morning as well - I noted that many of my Jewish friends and acquaintances spoke about
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/03/torah-tidbits-4/) - Tidbits of Torah Shabbat Chol HaMo'ed Pesach March 30, 2013 - 19 Nisan 5773 Wishing you a Wonderful and Meaningful Passover! Dear Friends,Perhaps because I am anticipating the counting of the Omer and this Shabbat will be the 4th day of the Omer, or possibly because of the recent experience of the Passover Seder,
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/03/tidbits-of-torah-4/) - Tidbits of Torah Shabbat Parashat Tsav Shabbat HaGadol March 23, 2013 - 12 Nisan 5773 Wishing you a Wonderful and Meaningful Passover! Dear Friends, I'm so glad to be home after a great trip to Israel where my family and I celebrated the wedding of my daughter and my new son-in-law, Nurit and Lotem. The
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/03/torah-tidbits-3/) - Tidbits of Torah Shabbat Parashat Ki Tissa Shabbat Parah March 2, 2013 - 20 Adar 5773 Dear Friends, Another special Shabbat awaits us; a Shabbat that turns our attention to two animals - the red heifer and the golden calf...! This week, on Shabbat Parah, the third of four special Shabbatot that lead up to
- [Torah Tidbits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/02/torah-tidbits-2/) - Tidbits of Torah Shabbat Parashat Tetsavveh Shabbat Zakhor February 23, 2013 - 13 Adar 5773 A Happy Purim to All! Dear Friends, A bit of silliness is part of Purim...So, here's my contribution... How many "h" words can you associate with Purim? Here's my (admittedly incomplete) list: ...Purim is the Holiday of Heroines and of
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/02/tidbits-of-torah-3/) - Tidbits of Torah Shabbat Parashat Terumah February 16, 2013 - 6 Adar 5773 Dear Friends, Where is God to be found in our world? That is the central question of our weekly Torah portion of Terumah [contribution] that tells of the contribution of our people to the building of the Tabernacle, the Sanctuary, in the
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/02/tidbits-of-torah-2/) - Tidbits of Torah Shabbat Parashat Mishpatim Shabbat Shekalim Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh February 9, 2013 - 29 Shevat 5773 Dear Friends, Many Americans were glued to the screen watching the Super Bowl this week. Some really understood all the ins and outs of the game, all the plays, all the signals, all the commentary. Some,
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/02/tidbits-of-torah/) - Tidbits of Torah Shabbat Parashat Yitro February 2, 2013 - 22 Shevat 5773 Dear Friends, Why am I so proud of our Shabbat Schools? For a combination of reasons.... First of all, our Shabbat School services are truly an inter-generational spiritual experience! Although, as a rule, students lead much of the service, there are times
- [Shabbat Parashat B'Shalach](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/01/shabbat-parashat-beshallach-and-tu-bshevat/) - Tidbits of Torah Shabbat Parashat B'Shalach Shabbat Shirah and Tu B'Shevat! January 26, 2013 - 15 Shevat 5773 Dear Friends, I always love Shabbat Shirah - the Shabbat of Song - because we chant both the Song of the Sea, as part of our weekly Torah reading, and Deborah's Song, as our haftarah reading from
- [Shabbat Parashat Bo](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/01/shabbat-parashat-bo-4/) - Tidbits of Torah Shabbat Parashat Bo January 19, 2013 - 8 Shevat 5773 Dear Friends, Intransigence is such a powerful force in our world.... When I read the story of Pharoah, as it is told in our weekly Torah portion of Bo, I am struck not only by Pharoah's intransigence in the face of Moses'
- [Shabbat Parashat Shemot - Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2013/01/shabbat-parashat-shemot-shabbat-mevarekhim-hachodesh/) - Shabbat Parashat Shemot Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh January 5, 2013 - 23 Tevet 5773 Dear Friends, One of the most amazing insights in this week's action-packed Torah portion of Shemot is the fact that redemption can sometimes come from the least likely places.... It was Pharoah who decided that the Israelites were a threat to Egypt
- [Parashat Noah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2012/10/parashat-noah/) - Tidbits of Torah Shabbat Parashat Noah October 20, 2012 - 4 Cheshvan 5773 Dear Friends, Imagination is a wonderful thing. It releases us from the shackles of reality and encourages us to think out of the box. As foreign as it is to our "reality," imagination has a way of seeping back into our world,
- [Shabbat Parashat Ki Tavo Sept. 7, 2012 - 21 Elul 5772](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2012/09/shabbat-parashat-ki-tavo-sept-7-2012-21-elul-5772/) - Tidbits of Torah Shabbat Parashat Ki Tavo September 7, 2012 - 21 Elul 5772 Dear Friends, Jews are not supposed to be indifferent. Jews are supposed to care about the world around them and to be involved in tikkun olam [repairing the brokenness of the world]. Jews are taught to be passionate about three things:
- [September-1-2012 - Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2012/08/september-1-2012-14-elul-5772-shabbat-parashat-kitetse/) - Shabbat Parashat KiTetse September 1, 2012 - 14 Elul 5772 Dear Friends, In Talmudic times, the Jewish people dedicated two months of the year, Adar and Elul, to more extensive and intensive Torah study. Both of these months are associated with the approach of harvest seasons in the Land of Israel. Adar is the month
- [August 25, 2012 - Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/2012/08/torah-tidbits/) - Shabbat Parashat Shof'tim August 25, 2012 - 7 Elul 5772 Dear Friends, What have we been hearing as we turn on the news this week? A lot of election news. Quite a bit of talk about the weather and what we can expect in the days to come. All of this is important, I grant

## Pages

- [Home](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/) - Rodef Sholom Temple is a Conservative Jewish synagogue that offers spiritual, educational, cultural & social programs to the Newport News Jewish community.
- [Sukkot Open House at the Eligbergs](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/sukkot-open-house-at-the-eligbergs/)
- [Service Resources](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/services-rituals/service-resources/) - [pdf-embedder url="https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Weekday-Torah-Service.pdf" title="Weekday Torah Service"] [pdf-embedder url="https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Amidah-with-Kedusha.pdf" title="Amidah with Kedusha"] [pdf-embedder url="https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/45.-Torah-Sparks-Reeh-5786.pdf" title="45. Torah Sparks Re'eh 5786"]
- [Religious School News](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/learning/religious-school/religious-school-news/) - July-August 2026 New Developments for Religious School Teens by Tess Goldblatt, The Jane Fairman Director of Congregational Learning Big News for the 8th and 9th graders: On approximately ten Sundays, this cohort will have a new curriculum called "Moving Traditions" which focuses on these students' social, emotional, and personal well-being through a Jewish
- [Printable August 2026 Calendar](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/calendar/printable-august-2026-calendar/) - [pdf-embedder url="https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/August-2026-Calendar.pdf" title="August 2026 Calendar"]
- [BBQ & Barchu - August 21st](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/calendar/bbq-barchu-august-21st/)
- [RST Gardens Group](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/community/gardens-group/) - 9:30 AM or Noon Sunday mornings- call Shoshana or David before showing up Brief gardens review and planning meetings- work anytime on your schedule September 6, October 18, November 8, December 6, January 17, February 21, March 14, April 18, May 16
- [Musical Moments](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/resources/musical-moments/) - Musical Moment – Parshat Ekev 5786 The first song is really a kid’s song, but it does emerge directly from our Torah reading this week which lists the seven species associated with the Land of Israel. The second song is a playful song about national foods. Rabbi B - Seven Wonderful Fruits https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2xOx9UlMuM And
- [Simchat Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/high-holidays-2026-5787/simchat-torah/)
- [Yom Kippur Afternoon Study](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/high-holidays-2026-5787/yom-kippur-afternoon-study/)
- [Dinner in the Sukkah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/high-holidays-2026-5787/dinner-in-the-sukkah/)
- [Sisterhood NYGB](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/sisterhood/nygb/) - To validate your information and/or order your book, please click here. To place an ad in the NYGB, please click here.
- [Sisterhood Rosh Hashanah Oneg](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/sisterhood/sisterhood-rosh-hashanah-oneg/)
- [High Holidays Choir Practice](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/high-holidays-2026-5787/high-holidays-choir-practice/)
- [Upcoming Sisterhood Events](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/sisterhood/upcoming-sisterhood-events/) - [pdf-embedder url="https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Sisterhood-Aug_Sept-FINAL.pdf" title="Sisterhood Aug_Sept-FINAL"]
- [High Holidays Schedule for Students](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/high-holidays-2026-5787/high-holidays-schedule-for-students/) - [pdf-embedder url="https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Holiday-Schedule-for-Students-2026.pdf" title="Holiday Schedule for Students 2026"]
- [High Holidays 2026-5787](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/high-holidays-2026-5787/) - [pdf-embedder url="https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-5787-HH-SCHEDULE.pdf" title="2026 5787 HH SCHEDULE"]
- [Help Men's Club Build the Sukkah - Sept. 23](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/community/mens-club/help-mens-club-build-the-sukkah-sept-23/)
- [Religious School Opening Day](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/learning/religious-school/religious-school-opening-day/) - Register your scholars here.
- [Sisterhood Book Club - September 6th](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/sisterhood/sisterhood-book-club-september-6th/) - [pdf-embedder url="https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Book-Club-Sept-9-2026.pdf" title="Book Club Sept 9 2026"]
- [Sisterhood Paid-Up Membership Restorative Yoga with Amiee Halpin](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/sisterhood/sisterhood-paid-up-membership-restorative-yoga-with-amiee-halpin/)
- [2026-27 Religious School Calendar](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/learning/religious-school/2026-27-religious-school-calendar/) - [pdf-embedder url="https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Religious-School-Calendar-26-27-3rd-Pub-July-27.pdf" title="Religious School Calendar 26-27 3rd Pub July 27"]
- [Tashlikh 5787 - September 20th](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/high-holidays-2026-5787/tashlikh-5787-september-20th/) - [pdf-embedder url="https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Tashlikh-5787.pdf" title="Tashlikh 5787"] RSVP here or on the Gold Form
- [High Holidays Gold Form](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/high-holidays-2026-5787/high-holidays-gold-form/)
- [Todah Rabah - Thank You!](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/resources/todah-rabah-thank-you/) - [pdf-embedder url="https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/CONTRIBUTIONS-Messenger-May-June-2026-corrected.pdf" title="CONTRIBUTIONS Messenger May-June 2026 corrected"]
- [Upcoming Yahrzeits](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/resources/upcoming-yahrzeits/) - [pdf-embedder url="https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Yahrzeits-July-August-for-website.pdf" title="Yahrzeits July - August for website"]
- [President's Message](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/about/presidents-message/) - You might notice that this edition of the RST Messenger has a new look. Our hope is that this new format will improve your reading experience and enhance your connection to RST. Your feedback is always welcome and encouraged, please share any ideas that you have for how we can continue to grow our RST
- [Rabbi's Message](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/about/meet-rabbi-eligberg/rabbis-message/) - July-August 2026 This year’s July 4th, Independence Day celebration will definitely feel a little strange and not only because it falls on Shabbat. Independence Day has always been of major significance to the Jewish community reflecting a unique level of societal inclusion. Rabbi Lance Sussman, a Jewish historian who taught at Princeton University, said the
- [Sisterhood News](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/sisterhood/sisterhood-news-2/) - July-August 2026 Greetings from Sisterhood! I want to let the congregation know about our partnership with the Gemilut Chasadim Committee. A small group meets a few times a year at the Rodef Sholom Kitchen and makes food that is put into our freezer. If anyone needs a meal due to surgery, illness, Shiva,
- [Social Action Spotlight](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/community/social-action/social-action-spotlight/) - The Social Action committee is excited to share some updates on our 2026 projects and to reflect on what we have done in the past few months. As part of our 2026 Climate Action Plan, David Lasris, Michael Palefsky and Leah Schwarz have started a vegetable garden in the backyard! We are growing tomatoes,
- [Sisterhood on the Lawn at Port Warwick - Aug. 19th](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/sisterhood/sisterhood-on-the-lawn-at-port-warwick-aug-19th/)
- [Mead Making with Sisterhood & Men's Club](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/sisterhood/mead-making-with-sisterhood-mens-club/)
- [Sisterhood](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/sisterhood/) - Rodef Sholom Temple Sisterhood - You belong here, join us today! Like us on Facebook Members of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism - Learn more at wlcj.org. About Us: Sisterhood has been a very important part of our Temple for many years. This is the first year that we will be working in a
- [Board of Directors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/about/board-of-directors/) - Executive Committee PresidentGuy Levy1st VPJenny David2nd VPMichael Malkin3rd VPShoshana Marziano TreasurerLarry SpokonyFinancial SecretaryBrian WeinbergSecretaryEJ TenchImmediate Past PresidentMartha B. Katz-Hyman Men’s Club PresidentJim BarnettSisterhoodBeth AragerRitual ChairSaul Gleiser Board of Directors Term Expiring 2027 Dawn KanehlCelia RinaldoDavid LasrisStephen WoodKevin Hudson Term Expiring 2028Michael PalefskyFrankie LevyRick GoldblattCheyenne HorineLeah Schwarz Term Expiring 2029Chip GoldsteinBrenda GordonAmy PhillipsonAnthony HorineJack Gelman
- [Printable July 2026 Calendar](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/printable-july-calendar/) - [pdf-embedder url="https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-Monthly-Calendar-5.pdf" title="2026 Monthly Calendar (5)"]
- [Giving from the Heart](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/giving/giving-from-the-heart/) - A New Way to Support Rodef Sholom Temple Recently, at the Annual Meeting, our congregation approved changes to the Bylaws that allow for the elimination of the mandatory dues and assessments that traditionally funded the Temple’s operating expenses. While the Temple’s need for the congregation’s support has not changed, we felt that it was time
- [Mead Making with Sisterhood and Men's Club](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/community/mens-club/mead-making-with-sisterhood-and-mens-club/)
- [Religious School](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/learning/religious-school/) - Hallmarks of the Rodef Sholom Temple Religious School include dynamic programming based on the actual student population and a willingness to try new approaches. The general contours of the program include classes, primarily on Sunday mornings, for students in kindergarten through 10th grade Confirmation. However, for example, the 2025-26 Confirmation Class included a high school
- [Sisterhood Funds](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/giving/sisterhood-funds/) - There are many voluntary giving opportunities that will further support RST initiatives and programs. We thank you in advance for any additional contributions that can be directed to any of of the Funds below. 2025 Mishloach Manot Fundraiser Kitchen Fund Prayerbook and Chumash Fund Rosalind Morgenstern Flower Fund Sadye C. Nachman Memorial Library Fund Torah
- [Tutorials: Shabbat Services](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/resources/rst-tv/tutorials-shabbat-services/)
- [Shabbat and Festival Services](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/resources/rst-tv/shabbat-and-festival-services/)
- [Adult Education](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/resources/rst-tv/adult-education/)
- [RST-TV (Latest Videos)](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/resources/rst-tv/)
- [Meal Sponsorships](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/community/meal-sponsorships/)
- [Join Sisterhood](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/sisterhood/join-sisterhood/)
- [Flower Fund](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/sisterhood/flower-fund/)
- [2026-27 Religous School Registration](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/learning/religious-school/2026-27-religous-school-registration/)
- [Online Service & Torah Reading Signup](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/services-rituals/online-service-torah-reading-signup/)
- [Events](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/) - CONTENTS
- [Rodef Sholom Gardens Group](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/community/rodef-gardens-group/)
- [Women's League Convention](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/sisterhood/womens-league-convention/) - Women's League Convention 2026 Alexandria va social action project- comfort cases https://www.wizevents.com/wlcj2026/?id=10477 I am excited to attend this convention for the first time this summer, represent Rodef Sholom, and accept the Jewel in the Crown Award that our Sisterhood will be awarded. I encourage more of us to participate either this year or next! Please
- [Kosher Resources](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/resources/kosher-resources-on-virginia-peninsula/) - Kosher Resources on the Virginia PeninsulaWhole Foods Market12090 Jefferson Avenue Newport News, VA 23606 757.947.2460Notes: Best selection of high-end kosher wines in the area. Many of the in-store “365” brand items bear kosher certifications.Walmart Supercenter12401 Jefferson AvenueNewport News, VA 23602757.874.4434Notes: Aisle 10A has a large selection of select kosher dry goods. Many items are Kosher
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/resources/tidbits-of-torah/)
- [Services & Rituals](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/services-rituals/) - Join Us at Services If you are joining us for the first time (or for the first time in a long time), we do ask that you let us know in advance that you are coming. We want to welcome you to the Temple, but the safety and security of our congregants and facility is
- [Bar/Bat Mitzvah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/resources/bar-bat-mitzvah/) - Mazel Tov on the forthcoming bar/bat mitzvah of your child! This is an important milestone in the spiritual life of your child and your family. We at Rodef Sholom Temple want to help you and your family get the most out of this process and make this coming year and the bar/bat mitzvah itself an
- [Social Action](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/community/social-action/) - Mission:The mission of Rodef Sholom’s Social Action Committee is to make Judaism’s commitment to the principles of Tikkun Olam (Repair of the World) an integral part of everyday life within the congregation. We connect through social action. The committee organizes projects and events that educate the congregation and provide meaningful experiences through which we can repair our
- [Education Funds](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/giving/education-funds/) - There are many voluntary giving opportunities that will further support RST initiatives and programs. We thank you in advance for any additional contributions that can be directed to any of of the Funds below. If you have a question about your voluntary giving, please reach out to the Temple Office, office@rodefsholomtemple.org. Bernice S. Gordon Endowment
- [General Funds](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/giving/general-funds/) - There are many voluntary giving opportunities that will further support RST initiatives and programs. We thank you in advance for any additional contributions that can be directed to any of of the Funds below. If you have a question about your voluntary giving, please reach out to the Temple Office, office@rodefsholomtemple.org. Angel Gifts Building Maintenance
- [Tree of Life](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/giving/tree-of-life/) - How do we recognize and celebrate life’s sweetest moments? When we have a simcha or happy event, we want to hold onto those memories and have a reminder of our joy. Rodef Sholom and B’Nai Israel each had a simcha board in their former buildings. We came up with a beautiful way to blend
- [Synagogue Life](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/giving/synagogue-life/) - There are many voluntary giving opportunities that will further support RST initiatives and programs. We thank you in advance for any additional contributions that can be directed to any of of the Funds below. If you have a question about your voluntary giving, please reach out to the Temple Office, office@rodefsholomtemple.org. Firestone Family RST Landscaping
- [Memorials](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/giving/memorials/) - Memorial Plaques are a permanent way of remember our loved ones. These memorial plaques are lit on the anniversary of a loved one’s Yahrzeit and at the Yizkor Service on Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret, Passover and Shavuot. The plaques, which cost $450, are inscribed with the name of your loved one as well as the
- [Voluntary Giving Opportunities](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/giving/voluntary-giving-opportunities/) - In addition to your membership dues, there are many voluntary giving opportunities that will further support RST initiatives and programs. We thank you in advance for any additional contributions that can be directed to any of of the Funds below. If you have a question about your voluntary giving, please reach out to the Temple
- [Giving](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/giving/)
- [Golden Book-One Hundred Years of Rodef Sholom Temple-A Photographic History](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/about/golden-book/) - [pdf-embedder url="https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Golden-Book-Sunday-II-1.pdf" title="Golden Book Sunday II (1)"]
- [Join](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/about/join/) - Membership: Family. Old friends. New friends.Membership — We would love for you to join our Rodef Sholom family.Whether you are a current member, a visitor who might become a member, or a visitor who is just passing through, you are who make us a holy congregation. We practice our faith in worship services by praying
- [Meet Rabbi Eligberg](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/about/meet-rabbi-eligberg/) - Rabbi Eligberg, who was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, was ordained in 1985 by the Jewish Theological Seminary. Rabbi Eligberg holds a BA in Political Science from Columbia University, a BA in Talmud from The Seminary College of Jewish Studies, an MA in Jewish Studies from the Jewish Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Hebrew
- [About Us](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/about/)
- [Welcome](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/about/welcome/) - Thank you for visiting our Rodef Sholom Temple in Newport News, Virginia website. We are an egalitarian Conservative Jewish community of every age, every color, every LGBQ+, every perspective, and most of all everyone is welcome with open arms. We like to learn about our faith, about our world, and about each other. We are
- [Community](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/community/) - Sisterhood Men's Club Social Action Gemilut Chadadim Beautification Chevra Kadisha Education Membership Social Media & Marketing Sulam for Imagineers Did you know that Gemilut Chasadim means “Acts of Loving Kindness”?We invite you to become a member of our Rodef Sholom Gemilut Chasadim Committee.Committee members:Call or visit congregants that are home sick or recoveringVisit
- [Learning](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/learning/)
- [Contact](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/contact/) - 401 City Center Blvd.Newport News, VA 23606(757) 826-5894office@rodefsholomtemple.org
- [Resources](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/resources/)
- [Calendar](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/calendar/)
- [Conversion](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/learning/conversion/) - Interested in learning about Judaism? Curious about conversion? Reach out to the office for a meeting with Rabbi Eligberg! You are welcome to visit and start attending any Rodef Sholom events.
- [Conversion](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/conversion/)
- [Men's Club](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/community/mens-club/) - On November 22, the Men's Club and Sisterhood sponsored Open Mike Night, a joint program of skits and songs and humor presented by members of the congregation. Nearly 80 people attended and enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and drinks, along with enjoying the fun. Thanks to everyone who attended, and to everyone who made it possible. Men's
- [News & Updates](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/news-updates/) - Shabbat Shalom 9 August 2025 15 Av 5785 Shabbat Candle Lighting Times: Friday, August 8 : 7:47 PM Havdalah, August 9 : 8:46 PM Upcoming Opportunities to Connect Thursday morning, August 7th: Thursday Morning Minyan with virtual stream of in-person service at 7:45 a.m. Friday evening, August 8th: Kabbalat Shabbat service with virtual stream of in-person service at 6:00 p.m. Saturday
- [Endowment Donations](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/endowment-donations/) - [pdf-embedder url="https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Morewitz-Matching-Letter.pdf" title="Morewitz Matching Letter"]
- [Adult Education](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/learning/adult-education/) - Below are a variety of opportunities to engage with Jewish texts and learn together with others. I look forward to learning with you in the months ahead. B’vracha – Rabbi David M. Eligberg Ethics of our Ancestors – Tuesdays at Noon Tuesdays at noon in the Nachman/Levin Library & Learning Center
- [Gemilut Chasadim Committee](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/community/gemilut-chasadim-committee/) - Did you know that Gemilut Chasadim means “Acts of Loving Kindness”? We invite you to become a member of our Rodef Sholom Gemilut Chasadim Committee. Committee members: Call or visit congregants that are home sick or recovering Visit congregants that are in the hospital or are at a rehabilitation center (Adults Only) Help prepare meals

## Events

- [Candle Lighting at City Center](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-at-city-center/)
- [Bat Mitzvah of Sophia Wood](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/bat-mitzvah-of-sophia-wood/)
- [BBQ & Barchu](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/bbq-barchu/)
- [Shabbat Shmooze](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/shabbat-shmooze-9/)
- [Shabbat Shmooze](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/shabbat-shmooze-8/)
- [Shabbat Shmooze](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/shabbat-shmooze-7/)
- [Shabbat Shmooze](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/shabbat-shmooze-6/)
- [Shabbat Shmooze](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/shabbat-shmooze-5/)
- [Shabbat Shmooze](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/shabbat-shmooze-4/)
- [Shabbat Shmooze](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/shabbat-shmooze-3/)
- [Shabbat Shmooze](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/shabbat-shmooze-2/)
- [Gardens Group Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/gardens-group-meeting-9/) - 9:30 AM or Noon Sunday mornings- call Shoshana or David before showing up Brief gardens review and planning meetings- work anytime on your schedule
- [Gardens Group Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/gardens-group-meeting-8/) - 9:30 AM or Noon Sunday mornings- call Shoshana or David before showing up Brief gardens review and planning meetings- work anytime on your schedule
- [Gardens Group Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/gardens-group-meeting-7/) - 9:30 AM or Noon Sunday mornings- call Shoshana or David before showing up Brief gardens review and planning meetings- work anytime on your schedule
- [Gardens Group Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/gardens-group-meeting-6/) - 9:30 AM or Noon Sunday mornings- call Shoshana or David before showing up Brief gardens review and planning meetings- work anytime on your schedule
- [Gardens Group Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/gardens-group-meeting-5/) - 9:30 AM or Noon Sunday mornings- call Shoshana or David before showing up Brief gardens review and planning meetings- work anytime on your schedule
- [Gardens Group Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/gardens-group-meeting-4/) - 9:30 AM or Noon Sunday mornings- call Shoshana or David before showing up Brief gardens review and planning meetings- work anytime on your schedule
- [Gardens Group Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/gardens-group-meeting-3/) - 9:30 AM or Noon Sunday mornings- call Shoshana or David before showing up Brief gardens review and planning meetings- work anytime on your schedule
- [Gardens Group Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/gardens-group-meeting-2/) - 9:30 AM or Noon Sunday mornings- call Shoshana or David before showing up Brief gardens review and planning meetings- work anytime on your schedule
- [Gardens Group Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/gardens-group-meeting/) - 9:30 AM or Noon Sunday mornings- call Shoshana or David before showing up Brief gardens review and planning meetings- work anytime on your schedule
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-12/) - Alan & Cheryl Spatt sponsor in memory of Mark Glassman & Rochelle Gill
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-10/) - Saul Gleiser & Carina Sudarsky-Gleiser sponsor in memory of Saul's father, Marcos Gleiser
- [High Holidays Choir Practice](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/high-holidays-choir-practice-6/)
- [High Holidays Choir Practice](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/high-holidays-choir-practice-5/)
- [High Holidays Choir Practice](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/high-holidays-choir-practice-4/)
- [High Holidays Choir Practice](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/high-holidays-choir-practice-3/)
- [High Holidays Choir Practice](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/high-holidays-choir-practice-2/)
- [High Holidays Choir Practice](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/high-holidays-choir-practice/)
- [Help Men's Club Build the Sukkah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/help-mens-club-build-the-sukkah/)
- [Sisterhood Paid-Up Membership Restorative Yoga with Amiee Halpin](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sisterhood-paid-up-membership-restorative-yoga-with-amiee-halpin/)
- [Sisterhood Book Club](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sisterhood-book-club-7/)
- [Sisterhood Book Club](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sisterhood-book-club-6/)
- [Sisterhood Book Club](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sisterhood-book-club-5/)
- [Sisterhood Book Club](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sisterhood-book-club-4/)
- [Sisterhood Book Club](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sisterhood-book-club-3/)
- [Sisterhood Book Club](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sisterhood-book-club-2/)
- [B'Mitzvah Reunion Tour Class](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/bmitzvah-reunion-tour-class/)
- [Father's Day](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/fathers-day/)
- [Congregational Dinner](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/congregational-dinner-6/)
- [Flag Day](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/flag-day/)
- [Annual Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/annual-meeting/)
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-9/)
- [Shavuot II](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/shavuot-ii/)
- [Office Closed](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/office-closed-11/)
- [Shavuot I](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/shavuot-i/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-63/)
- [Erev Shavuot](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/erev-shavuot/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-47/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-46/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-45/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-44/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-62/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-61/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-60/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-59/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-75/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-74/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-73/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-72/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-71/)
- [Board Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/board-meeting-8/)
- [Executive Committee Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/executive-committee-meeting-8/)
- [Office Closed](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/office-closed-10/)
- [Memorial Day](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/memorial-day/)
- [Lag BaOmer](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/lag-baomer/)
- [Yom HaAtzma'ut](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/yom-haatzmaut/)
- [Congregational Dinner](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/congregational-dinner-5/)
- [Mother's Day](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/mothers-day/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-58/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-57/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-56/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-55/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-70/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-69/)
- [Yom HaShoah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/yom-hashoah/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-43/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-42/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-41/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-40/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-39/)
- [Office Closed](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/office-closed-8/)
- [Office Closed](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/office-closed-7/)
- [Pesach Second Seder](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/pesach-second-seder/)
- [Office Closed](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/office-closed-6/)
- [Congregational Dinner](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/congregational-dinner-4/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-38/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-54/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-53/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-52/)
- [Pesach VIII](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/pesach-viii/)
- [Pesach VII](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/pesach-vii/)
- [Pesach VI](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/pesach-vi/)
- [Pesach V](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/pesach-v/)
- [Pesach IV](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/pesach-iv/)
- [Pesach III](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/pesach-iii/)
- [Pesach II](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/pesach-ii/)
- [Pesach I](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/pesach-i/)
- [Erev Pesach](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/erev-pesach/)
- [Board Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/board-meeting-7/)
- [Men's Club Blue Yarmulke Person of the Year Brunch](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/mens-club-blue-yarmulke-person-of-the-year-brunch/)
- [Executive Committee Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/executive-committee-meeting-7/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-68/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-67/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-66/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-65/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-48/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-37/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-36/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-35/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-34/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-51/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-50/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-49/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-47/)
- [Shushan Purim](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/shushan-purim/)
- [Purim](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/purim/)
- [Adult Purim Program with Full Megallah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/adult-purim-program-with-full-megallah/)
- [Fast of Esther](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/fast-of-esther/)
- [Erev Purim](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/erev-purim/)
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-8/)
- [Board Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/board-meeting-6/)
- [St. Patrick's Day](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/st-patricks-day/)
- [Purim Bag Prep](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/purim-bag-prep/)
- [Daylight Saving Time Begins](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/daylight-saving-time-begins/)
- [Executive Committee Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/executive-committee-meeting-6/)
- [Purim Baking](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/purim-baking-3/)
- [Purim Baking](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/purim-baking-2/)
- [Purim Baking](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/purim-baking/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-33/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-32/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-31/)
- [Sisterhood Oneg](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sisterhood-oneg/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-30/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-46/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-45/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-44/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-43/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-64/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-63/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-62/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-61/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-60/)
- [Congregational Dinner](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/congregational-dinner-3/)
- [Executive Committee Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/executive-committee-meeting-5/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-58/)
- [Torah Fund Brunch](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/torah-fund-brunch/)
- [Board Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/board-meeting-5/)
- [President's Day](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/presidents-day/)
- [Valentine's Day](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/valentines-day/)
- [World Wide Wrap](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/world-wide-wrap-2/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-29/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-28/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-27/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-26/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-42/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-41/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-40/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-39/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-59/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-57/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-56/)
- [Sisterhood Shabbat](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sisterhood-shabbat/)
- [Congregational Dinner](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/congregational-dinner-2/)
- [Tu B'Shvat Seder](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/tu-bshvat-seder/)
- [Tu B'Shvat](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/tu-bshvat/)
- [Board Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/board-meeting-4/)
- [Executive Committee Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/executive-committee-meeting-4/)
- [Martin Luther King, Jr. Day](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/martin-luther-king-jr-day/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-55/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-54/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-53/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-52/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-25/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-24/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-23/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-22/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-21/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-38/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-37/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-36/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-35/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-24/)
- [Office Closed](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/office-closed-9/)
- [Office Closed](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/office-closed-5/)
- [New Year's Day](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/new-years-day-2/)
- [Office Closed](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/office-closed-4/)
- [Office Closed](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/office-closed-3/)
- [Board Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/board-meeting-3/)
- [Congregational Hanukkah Dinner](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/congregational-hanukkah-dinner/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-34/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-33/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-20/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-19/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-18/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-17/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-31/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-30/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-32/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-29/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-28/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-27/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-26/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-25/)
- [Hanukkah VIII](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/hanukkah-viii-2/)
- [Hanukkah VIII](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/hanukkah-viii/)
- [Hanukkah VII](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/hanukkah-vii/)
- [Hanukkah VI](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/hanukkah-vi/)
- [Hanukkah V](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/hanukkah-v/)
- [Hanukkah IV](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/hanukkah-iv/)
- [Hanukkah III](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/hanukkah-iii/)
- [Hanukkah II](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/hanukkah-ii/)
- [Hanukkah I](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/hanukkah-i/)
- [Executive Committee Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/executive-committee-meeting-3/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-51/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-50/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-49/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-23/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-22/)
- [Sisterhood Paid-Up Membership Paint & Sip](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sisterhood-paid-up-membership-paint-sip/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-149/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-3/)
- [Office Closed](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/office-closed-2/)
- [Office Closed](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/office-closed/)
- [Thanksgiving](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/thanksgiving/)
- [Board Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/board-meeting-2/)
- [Executive Committee Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/executive-committee-meeting-2/)
- [Bar Mitzvah of Jonah Deyong](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/bar-mitzvah-of-jonah-deyong/)
- [Veteran's Day](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/veterans-day/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-16/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-15/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-14/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-13/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-23/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-22/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-21/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-20/)
- [Congregational Dinner](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/congregational-dinner/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-21/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-20/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-19/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-18/)
- [Election Day](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/election-day/)
- [Board Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/board-meeting/)
- [Executive Committee Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/executive-committee-meeting/)
- [Shabbat Shmooze](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/shabbat-shmooze/)
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-7/) - Janet Glasofer sponsors in memory of Stan Glasofer.
- [Columbus Day](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/columbus-day/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-12/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-11/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-10/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-9/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-17/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-19/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-18/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-16/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-17/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-16/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-15/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-8/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-15/)
- [Adult Hakafot](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/adult-hakafot/)
- [Shmini Atzeret Service](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/shmini-atzeret-service/)
- [Shmini Atzeret](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/shmini-atzeret/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-14/)
- [Sukkot VII](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sukkot-vii/)
- [Men's Club Dinner in the Sukkah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/mens-club-dinner-in-the-sukkah/)
- [Sukkot VI](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sukkot-vi/)
- [Simchat Torah Services w/Student Program](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/simchat-torah-services-w-student-program/)
- [Shabbat w/lunch in the Sukkah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/shabbat-w-lunch-in-the-sukkah/)
- [Musical Kabbalat Shabbat](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/musical-kabbalat-shabbat/) - Join us on Friday, July 17th for a special Musical Kabbalat Shabbat with Joel Srebnick.
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-7/)
- [Sukkot V](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sukkot-v/)
- [Sukkot IV](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sukkot-iv/)
- [Sukkot III](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sukkot-iii/)
- [Sukkot II](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sukkot-ii/)
- [Sukkot I](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sukkot-i/)
- [Erev Sukkot](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/erev-sukkot/)
- [Sisterhood & Men's Club Mead Making](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sisterhood-mens-club-mead-making/)
- [Cinema in the Sukkah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/cinema-in-the-sukkah/)
- [Dinner in the Sukkah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/dinner-in-the-sukkah/)
- [Kol Nidre](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/kol-nidre-2/)
- [Tzom Gzdaliah Fast](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/tzom-gzdaliah-fast/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-13/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-6/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-5/)
- [Sukkot II Services w/Student Program](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/day-2-sukkot-services-w-student-program/)
- [Yom Kippur Service](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/yom-kippur/)
- [Kol Nidre Service](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/kol-nidre/)
- [Rosh Hashanah II Service](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/rosh-hashanah-3/)
- [Rosh Hashanah I Service](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/rosh-hashanah-2/)
- [Erev Rosh Hashanah Service](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/rosh-hashanah/)
- [Erev Rosh Hashanah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/erev-rosh-hashana/)
- [Rosh Hashanah II](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/rosh-hashanah-ii/)
- [Rosh Hashanah I](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/rosh-hashanah-i/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-4/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-3/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-2/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-12/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-11/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-10/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-9/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-8/)
- [Labor Day - Office Closed](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/labor-day-office-closed/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-12/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-11/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-10/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-9/)
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-6/) - Mark & Miriam Strick sponsor in honor of their special wedding anniversary
- [Sisterhood at Port Warwick](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sisterhood-at-port-warwick/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-8/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-7/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-6/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-5/)
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-2/) - Bunnie Altman sponsors in memory of Bryan Dean Altman; Berta Goldgaber sponsors in honor of Eliane Freund's Birthday
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-4/)
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-5/) - Jeff & Lori Luckman sponsor in memory of Jeff's brother, Eric Luckman
- [Tu B'Av](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/tu-bav/)
- [RST Golf Tournament](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/rst-golf-tournament/)
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-4/) - Guy and Robin Levy sponsor in honor of their 40th wedding anniversary
- [Cantor Stober Visit](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/cantor-stober-visit/)
- [Tish'a B'Av Fast - Fast Ends 8:56PM](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/tisha-bav-fast-fast-ends-856pm/)
- [Tish'a B'Av Fast Begins 8:21PM](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/tisha-bav-fast-begins-821pm/)
- [Sisterhood Book Club](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sisterhood-book-club/) - [pdf-embedder url="https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/The-WindKnowsMyName.pdf" title="The WindKnowsMyName"]
- [Ritual Committee Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ritual-committee-meeting-12/)
- [Ritual Committee Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ritual-committee-meeting-11/)
- [Ritual Committee Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ritual-committee-meeting-10/)
- [Ritual Committee Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ritual-committee-meeting-9/)
- [Ritual Committee Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ritual-committee-meeting-8/)
- [Ritual Committee Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ritual-committee-meeting-7/)
- [Ritual Committee Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ritual-committee-meeting-6/)
- [Ritual Committee Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ritual-committee-meeting-5/)
- [Ritual Committee Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ritual-committee-meeting-4/)
- [Ritual Committee Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ritual-committee-meeting-3/)
- [Ritual Committee Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ritual-committee-meeting-2/)
- [Ritual Committee Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ritual-committee-meeting/)
- [Jewish Medical Ethics](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/jewish-medical-ethics-8/)
- [Jewish Medical Ethics](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/jewish-medical-ethics-7/)
- [Jewish Medical Ethics](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/jewish-medical-ethics-6/)
- [Jewish Medical Ethics](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/jewish-medical-ethics-5/)
- [Jewish Medical Ethics](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/jewish-medical-ethics-4/)
- [Jewish Medical Ethics](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/jewish-medical-ethics-3/)
- [Jewish Medical Ethics](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/jewish-medical-ethics-2/)
- [Jewish Medical Ethics](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/jewish-medical-ethics/)
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-3/) - Sisterhood sponsors in honor of Shoshana being elected as Administrative Secretary in Women's League.
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-2/)
- [TEMPLE OFFICE CLOSED](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/temple-office-closed/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-7/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-6/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-5/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-4/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-3/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-2/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting/)
- [Shemini Atzeret](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/shemini-atzeret/)
- [Breakfast in the Sukkah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/breakfast-in-the-sukkah/)
- [Graveside Prayers](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/graveside-prayers/)
- [Selichot Service](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/selichot-service/)
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal/) - Brian & Jeanette Weinberg sponsor in honor of their 45th Wedding Anniversary
- [The J's Annual 5K/Fun Run](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/the-js-annual-5k-fun-run/)
- [Last Day of School - Family Ed](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/last-day-of-school-family-ed/)
- [School Purim Meal, Megillah, Merriment](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/school-purim-meal-megillah-merriment/)
- ["Trade the Date" Shabbat School](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/trade-the-date-shabbat-school-8/)
- ["Trade the Date" Shabbat School](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/trade-the-date-shabbat-school-7/)
- ["Trade the Date" Shabbat School](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/trade-the-date-shabbat-school-6/)
- ["Trade the Date" Shabbat School](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/trade-the-date-shabbat-school-5/)
- [SUPER SUNDAY - Joint Sunday School @ the J](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/super-sunday-joint-sunday-school-the-j/)
- [Joint Sunday School @ the J](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/joint-sunday-school-the-j-2/)
- [Religious School Family Ed](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/religious-school-family-ed/)
- [Religious School Regular Session](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/religious-school-regular-session-17/)
- [Religious School Regular Session](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/religious-school-regular-session-16/)
- [Religious School Regular Session](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/religious-school-regular-session-15/)
- [Religious School Regular Session](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/religious-school-regular-session-14/)
- [Religious School Regular Session](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/religious-school-regular-session-13/)
- [Religious School Regular Session](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/religious-school-regular-session-12/)
- [Religious School Regular Session](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/religious-school-regular-session-11/)
- [Religious School Regular Session](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/religious-school-regular-session-10/)
- [Religious School Regular Session](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/religious-school-regular-session-9/)
- [Religious School Regular Session](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/religious-school-regular-session-8/)
- [Religious School Regular Session](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/religious-school-regular-session-7/)
- [Religious School Regular Session](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/religious-school-regular-session-6/)
- [Religious School Regular Session](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/religious-school-regular-session-5/)
- [Religious School Regular Session](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/religious-school-regular-session-4/)
- [Religious School Regular Session](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/religious-school-regular-session-3/)
- [Religious School Regular Session](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/religious-school-regular-session-2/)
- [Religious School Regular Session](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/religious-school-regular-session/)
- [Yom Kippur Services w/Student Program](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/yom-kippur-services-w-student-program/)
- [Taschlich @ Buckroe Beach](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/taschlich-buckroe-beach/)
- [Day 2 Rosh Hashanah w/Student Program](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/day-2-rosh-hashanah-w-student-program/)
- [Joint Sunday School @ the J](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/joint-sunday-school-the-j/)
- [Growing and Thriving](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/growing-and-thriving-4/)
- [Congregational Dinner](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/congregational-meal/)
- [Growing and Thriving](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/growing-and-thriving/)
- [Purim](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/purim-4/)
- [Gold Medal Get Togethter](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/gold-medal-get-togethter/)
- [Tu B'Shvat Seder](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/tu-bshvat-seder-2/)
- [Israel Tu B'Sh'vat Zoom Program](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/israel-tubisvat-zoom-program/)
- [Shabbat Shira Dinner](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/shabbat-shira-dinner/)
- [RST Road Show](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/rst-road-show/)
- [BBQ & Barchu - July 3rd](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/bbq-barchu-july-3rd/)
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-131/) - Crowe Hammond, Michael Palefsky, Leah Schwarz, & EJ Tench in honor of puck glass's visit and LGBTQ Pride month
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-130/) - Philip & Nancy Burstein sponsor in memory of Nancy's sister, Diana Greene
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-129/) - Philip & Nancy Burstein sponsor kiddush lunch in memory of Nancy’s mother, Phyllis Greene
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-128/) - Celia Rinaldo sponsors in memory of Harry Golfman, Harold Blumenthal, and Samuel Blumenthal.
- [First Day of Religious School](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/first-day-of-religious-school/)
- [Sisterhood Planning Lunch](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sisterhood-planning-lunch/)
- [Sponsored Breakfast](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-breakfast-4/) - Sheila Feder sponsors in memory of her daughter, Alexandra Bari Feiertag.
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-127/) - Martha Katz-Hyman sponsors in memory of her uncle, Benjamin Katz.
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-126/) - Tess Goldblatt sponsors in honor of Rick Goldblatt's & the United States' Birthday.
- [Sisterhood Book Club](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sisterhood-book-club-13/)
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-125/) - Davida Irving sponsors in memory of her mother, Helen Perlow Irving.
- [Board Meeting via Zoom](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/board-meeting-via-zoom-6/)
- [Executive Committee via Zoom](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/executive-committee-via-zoom-9/)
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-124/) - Rhoda Nachman and Ben Abraham sponsor in memory of their father, Philip A. Abraham.
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-123/) - Barbara Gordon sponsors in honor of the anniversary of her Bat Mitzvah
- [Jews in America](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/jews-in-america-5/)
- [Jews in America](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/jews-in-america-6/)
- [Jews in America](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/jews-in-america-4/)
- [Religious School](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/religious-school-72/)
- [Earth Hour Havdalah via Zoom](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/earth-hour-zoom/)
- [UJCVP Joint Israel Day](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ujcvp-joint-israel-day/)
- [Pesach Day 2 Service](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/pesach-day-2-service-2/)
- [Pesach Day 1 Service](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/pesach-day-1-service-2/)
- [Pesach VIII](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/pesach-viii-3/)
- [Pesach VII](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/pesach-vii-3/)
- [Pesach VI](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/pesach-vi-3/)
- [Pesach V](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/pesach-v-3/)
- [Pesach III](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/pesach-iii-3/)
- [Pesach IV](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/pesach-iv-3/)
- [Pesach II](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/pesach-ii-3/)
- [Pesach I](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/passover/)
- [Erev Pesach](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/erev-pesach-3/)
- [Family Ed "Koach HaDibbur"](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/family-ed-koach-hadibbur/)
- [Jews In America](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/jews-in-america-3/)
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-122/) - Martha Katz-Hyman sponsors in memory of her father, Louis Katz.
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-121/) - Neal & Barbara Rosenbaum sponsor in memory of Neal's father, Donald W. Rosenbaum
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-120/) - Joseph & Irene Bromberg sponsor in memory of Irene's mother, Berta Stern
- [Second Night Congregational Seder](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/second-night-congregational-seder/)
- [Jews In America](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/jews-in-america-2/)
- [Jews In America](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/jews-in-america/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-148/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-147/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-146/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-145/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-144/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-143/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-142/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-119/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-118/)
- [Havdalah Hangout](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-hangout-2026-04-11/)
- [Havdalah Hangout](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-hangout-2026-04-04/)
- [Havdalah Hangout](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-hangout-2026-03-21/)
- [Havdalah Hangout](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-hangout-2026-03-14/)
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-119/) - Nancy Burstein sponsors in honor of Tina Jenkins
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-118/) - Brenda Gordon sponsors in memory of her husband, Ben Gordon
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-117/) - Saul & Carina Sudarsky-Gleiser sponsor in memory of Carina's mother, Betty Lea Sudarsky
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-116/) - Jeff and Lori Luckman sponsor in memory of Lori's mother, Beverly Rae Levine and Jeff's father, Jack Luckman
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-115/) - Sheila Feder and Bonnie Konowitch sponsor in memory of Sheila's father, Sholem Werbin and Bonnie's husband, Dr. Elliot B. Slutsky.
- [Havdalah Hangout](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-hangout-2026-02-28/)
- [Havdalah Hangout](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-hangout-2026-02-21/)
- [Havdalah Hangout](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-hangout-2026-02-14/)
- [Havdalah Hangout](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-hangout-2026-02-07/)
- [Havdalah Hangout](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-hangout/)
- [Havdalah Hangout](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-hangout-2026-01-17/)
- [Havdalah Hangout](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-hangout-2026-01-24/)
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-114/) - Beth Arager sponsors in memory of her mother, Rhea Tannen
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-113/) - Levy family sponsors lunch in honor of the 50th & 80th anniversary of their bar mitzvahs.
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-111/) - Jen Abrams & Don Lovis, and Rob Abrams sponsor in honor of Elaine Abrams's 80th birthday
- [Congregational Dinner](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/congregational-dinner-8/)
- [World Wide Wrap](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/world-wide-wrap/)
- [Sisterhood Shabbat](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sisterhood-shabbat-w-dinner/)
- [Sisterhood Book Club](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sisterhood-book-club-12/)
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-97/) - Geofrey & Lisa Nochimson sponsor in memory of Marilyn Nochimson.
- [Shushan Purim](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/shushan-purim-2/)
- [Purim](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/purim-3/)
- [Purim Program w/ Students](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/purim-program-w-students/)
- [Purim Celebration w/ Megillah Reading](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/purim-celebration-w-megillah-reading/)
- [Sisterhood Purim Bag Prep](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sisterhood-purim-bag-prep-2/)
- [Sisterhood Purim Baking](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sisterhood-purim-baking-2/)
- [Sisterhood Purim Baking](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sisterhood-purim-baking/)
- [Last Day of Religious School](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/last-day-of-religious-school/)
- [Religious School](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/religious-school-73/)
- [Religious School](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/religious-school-71/)
- [Religious School](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/religious-school-70/)
- [Religious School](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/religious-school-69/)
- [Religious School](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/religious-school-68/)
- [Religious School](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/religious-school-67/)
- [Religious School](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/religious-school-66/)
- [Religious School](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/religious-school-65/)
- [Religious School](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/religious-school-64/)
- [Tu B'Shvat](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/tu-bshvat-2/)
- [Shabbat Shmooze - Five Sacred Scrolls](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/shabbat-shmooze-five-sacred-scrolls-4/)
- [Shabbat Shmooze](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/shabbat-shmooze-17/)
- [Shabbat Shmooze - Five Sacred Scrolls](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/shabbat-shmooze-five-sacred-scrolls-3/)
- [Shabbat Shmooze](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/shabbat-shmooze-15/)
- [Trade the Date Shabbat School](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/trade-the-date-shabbat-school-4/)
- [Trade the Date Shabbat School](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/trade-the-date-shabbat-school-3/)
- [Trade the Date Shabbat School](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/trade-the-date-shabbat-school/)
- [Shabbat Shmooze](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/shabbat-shmooze-12/)
- [Shabbat Shmooze - Five Sacred Scrolls](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/shabbat-shmooze-five-sacred-scrolls-2/)
- [Shabbat Shmooze](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/shabbat-shmooze-14/)
- [Shabbat Shmooze](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/shabbat-shmooze-13/)
- [Trade the Date Shabbat School](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/trade-the-date-shabbat-school-2/)
- [Shabbat Shira Shmooze](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/shabbat-shira-shmooze/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-48/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-47/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-46/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-45/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-44/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-43/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-42/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-41/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-40/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-39/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-38/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-37/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-36/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-35/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-34/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-33/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-32/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-31/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-26/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-30/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-29/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-27/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-28/)
- [Havdalah Hangout](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-hangout-2026-01-03/)
- [Havdalah Hangout](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-hangout-2026-01-10/)
- [Havdalah Hangout](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-hangout-2026-03-07/)
- [Havdalah Hangout](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-hangout-2026-04-18/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-25/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-24/)
- [Ethics of Our Ancestors](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ethics-of-our-ancestors-13/)
- [Chevera Kadisha](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/chevera-kadisha/)
- [Sisterhood Book Club](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sisterhood-book-club-11/)
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-112/) - The Weinstock Family sponsors in loving memory of Britlyn S. Weinstock.
- [Adult Education - Five Sacred Scrolls](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/adult-education-five-sacred-scrolls/)
- [Sponsored Meal](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sponsored-meal-98/) - Geofrey & Lisa Nochimson sponsor breakfast in memory of Geofrey's father, Robert Nochimson.
- [UJCVP Joint Sunday School](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ujcvp-joint-sunday-school/)
- [Blue Yarmulke Person of the Year Brunch at RST](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/blue-yarmulke-person-of-the-year-brunch-at-rst/)
- [TEMPLE OFFICE CLOSED](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/temple-office-closed-43/)
- [TEMPLE OFFICE CLOSED](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/temple-office-closed-42/)
- [TEMPLE OFFICE CLOSED](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/temple-office-closed-41/)
- [TEMPLE OFFICE CLOSED](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/temple-office-closed-40/)
- [TEMPLE OFFICE CLOSED](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/temple-office-closed-39/)
- [TEMPLE OFFICE CLOSED](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/temple-office-closed-38/)
- [TEMPLE OFFICE CLOSED](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/temple-office-closed-37/)
- [TEMPLE OFFICE CLOSED](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/temple-office-closed-36/)
- [TEMPLE OFFICE CLOSED](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/temple-office-closed-35/)
- [TEMPLE OFFICE CLOSED](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/temple-office-closed-34/)
- [TEMPLE OFFICE CLOSED](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/temple-office-closed-33/)
- [TEMPLE OFFICE CLOSED](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/temple-office-closed-32/)
- [TEMPLE OFFICE CLOSED](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/temple-office-closed-31/)
- [TEMPLE OFFICE CLOSED](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/temple-office-closed-30/)
- [TEMPLE OFFICE CLOSED](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/temple-office-closed-29/)
- [TEMPLE OFFICE CLOSED](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/temple-office-closed-28/)
- [TEMPLE OFFICE CLOSED](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/temple-office-closed-27/)
- [TEMPLE OFFICE CLOSED](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/temple-office-closed-26/)
- [TEMPLE OFFICE CLOSED](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/temple-office-closed-25/)
- [TEMPLE OFFICE CLOSED](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/temple-office-closed-24/)
- [TEMPLE OFFICE CLOSED](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/temple-office-closed-23/)
- [TEMPLE OFFICE CLOSED](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/temple-office-closed-22/)
- [TEMPLE OFFICE CLOSED](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/temple-office-closed-21/)
- [TEMPLE OFFICE CLOSED](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/temple-office-closed-20/)
- [TEMPLE OFFICE CLOSED](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/temple-office-closed-19/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-139/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-138/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-137/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-136/) - 9:05
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-135/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-134/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-133/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-132/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-131/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-130/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-129/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-128/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-127/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-126/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-125/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-124/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-116/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-123/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-122/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-121/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-120/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-117/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-115/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-114/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-113/)
- [Havdalah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/havdalah-112/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-183/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-182/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-181/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-180/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-179/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-178/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-177/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-176/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-175/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-174/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-165/)
- [Yom HaAtzma'ut](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/yom-haatzmaut-2/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-173/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-172/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-171/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-170/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-169/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-168/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-167/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-166/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-164/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-163/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-162/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-161/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-160/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-159/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-158/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-157/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-156/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-155/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-154/)
- [Candle Lighting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/candle-lighting-153/)
- [Father's Day](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/fathers-day-3/)
- [Stept/Snyder Aufruf](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/stept-snyder-aufruf/)
- [Flag Day](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/flag-day-2/)
- [UJCVP 5K](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/ujcvp-5k-2/)
- [Congregational Dinner](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/congregational-dinner-11/)
- [Mother's Day](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/mothers-day-3/)
- [Lag B'Omer](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/lag-bomer/)
- [Yom HaShoah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/yom-hashoah-3/)
- [Confirmation](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/confirmation-3/)
- [Shavuot II](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/shavuot-ii-2/)
- [Shavuot I](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/shavuot-i-2/)
- [Errev Shavuot](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/errev-shavuot/)
- [Office Closed](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/office-closed-41/)
- [Memorial Day](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/memorial-day-2/)
- [Office Closed](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/office-closed-40/)
- [Office Closed](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/office-closed-39/)
- [Office Closed](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/office-closed-38/)
- [Office Closed](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/office-closed-37/)
- [Sisterhood Torah Fund Brunch](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/sisterhood-torah-fund-brunch-2/)
- [Congregational Dinner](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/congregational-dinner-10/)
- [Daylight Saving Time Begins](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/daylight-saving-time-begins-4/)
- [Erev Purim](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/erev-purim-2/)
- [B'nai Mitzvah of Guy & Mayer Levy](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/bnai-mitzvah-of-guy-mayer-levy/)
- [President's Day](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/presidents-day-2/)
- [Martha Luther King, Jr. Day](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/martha-luther-king-jr-day/)
- [Office Closed](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/office-closed-36/)
- [New Year's Day](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/new-years-day/)
- [Memorial Day - Office Closed](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/memorial-day-office-closed-2/)
- [Board Meeting @ RST](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/board-meeting-rst-4/)
- [Board Meeting via Zoom](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/board-meeting-via-zoom-10/)
- [Board Meeting via Zoom](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/board-meeting-via-zoom-9/)
- [Board Meeting @ RST](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/board-meeting-rst-3/)
- [Annual Meeting](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/annual-meeting-2/)
- [Executive Committee via Zoom](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/executive-committee-via-zoom-8/)
- [Executive Committee via Zoom](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/executive-committee-via-zoom-7/)
- [Executive Committee via Zoom](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/executive-committee-via-zoom-6/)
- [Executive Committee via Zoom](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/executive-committee-via-zoom-5/)

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/category/uncategorized/)
- [Tidbits of Torah](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/category/tidbits-of-torah/)

## Event Categories

- [Sisterhood](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/categories/sisterhood/)
- [Adult Education](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/categories/adult-education/)
- [Family Education](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/categories/family-education/)
- [Men's Club](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/categories/mens-club/)
- [Shabbat & Festivals](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/categories/shabbat-festivals/)
- [Youth Education](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/categories/youth-education/)
- [Gardens Group](https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/events/categories/gardens-group/)