Person in the Parsha: Noach

October 20, 2023

By RABBI TZVI HERSH WEIREB

“JUDGING NOAH FAIRLY“

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the early origins of my basic beliefs. One of those beliefs, which has thankfully persisted to this day, has been the belief in fairness. I...

Rav-Elations!: What Can We Do?

October 13, 2023

By RABBI DAVID GERBER

While Israel is under attack, I find it hard to write about anything other than our beloved state. It’s hard to talk about the Torah portion or the calendar. It’s natural to feel guilty about...

Person in the Parsha: Bereishit

October 06, 2023

By RABBI TZVI HERSH WEINREB

“CREATION CONVERSATION”

Anyone who has ever taught anything can confirm the adage of our Sages: “I have learned from all my teachers, but I have learned most from my...

Rav-Elations!: Succot Is Over…For Some

October 06, 2023

By RABBI DAVID GERBER

Succot is clearly defined by the Torah as a seven day observance. Following Succot is Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. When these occur, however, depends on where you are. Shemini Atzeret literally means “the eighth day...

Rav-Elations!: The Full Moon

September 29, 2023

By RABBI DAVID GERBER

As the sun sets tonight Jews will begin their celebration of Succot. We’ll gather in the succah and marvel at the beautiful full moon over our heads.

If you ever wonder why our holidays so often...

Person in the parsha: Ha’azinu

September 15, 2023

By RABBI TZVI HERSH WEINREB

“TWO SONGS, TWO SINGERS“

How does the poet get started on the process of writing a poem, or the songwriter as he sets about composing a song? Does he...

Rav-Elations: May You Live To Be 120

September 15, 2023

By RABBI DAVID GERBER

When someone is celebrating a birthday, it is customary for Jews to give them the following blessing: Ad me’ah v’esrim, which means, “may you live to be 120.”

In this week’s Torah...

Rav-Elations: Today We Stand…But Only Today

September 08, 2023

By RABBI DAVID GERBER

This week’s Torah portion holds significance not only for the present moment but also for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. It commences with the profound words, “Atem Nitzavim hayom kulchem lifnei Adonai,” meaning,...

Person in the Parsha: Nitzavim-Vayeilech

September 08, 2023

By RABBI TZVI HERSH WEINREB

“WILLING TO CHANGE”

Sometimes even the corniest of old jokes has a profound lesson to teach us.

“How many psychologists does it take to change a light bulb?”

In case you haven’t already...

Rav-Elations!: Reflections on Golda

September 01, 2023

By RABBI DAVID GERBER

I begin this reflection by acknowledging my bias when it comes to Golda Meir. Each day, as I sit at my desk, I am greeted by a sizable portrait of Golda that hangs on...