Tuesday, October 27th 2026 |
By RABBI JOSEPH H. PROUSER
“Oneg Shabbat” refers to the social gathering, with refreshments, following Friday evening services. At their best, such events might include teaching, storytelling, and spirited communal singing.
When Kiddush is included in Shabbat Eve services (in...
By RABBI JOSEPH H. PROUSER
On October 16, 1946 – 80 years ago today – ten Nazi war criminals were executed by hanging, following conviction by the international tribunal overseeing the Nuremburg trials. Aptly, that date coincided with Hoshana Rabbah,...
By RABBI JOSEPH H. PROUSER
“Shaddai” – commonly translated as “Almighty” – is the third most frequently invoked Divine Name in the Hebrew Bible (See Genesis 17:1, Exodus 6:3, Numbers 24:4, etc.).
God is addressed as “Shaddai” (inter alia) during...
By RABBI JOSEPH H. PROUSER
A widely cited tradition (Rosh Hashanah 16b) teaches that God opens three books on Rosh Hashanah. In one, the truly righteous are immediately inscribed for life. The thoroughly wicked are immediately condemned. Individuals of a...
By RABBI JOSEPH H. PROUSER
Chol Ha-Moed Succot and Chol Ha-Moed Pesach have a great deal in common. On these intermediate Festival days, we recite Hallel, Musaf, and Ya-aleh V’Yavo. In both intermediate periods, Holiday work restrictions are relaxed. There...
By RABBI JOSEPH H. PROUSER
This Shabbat, I will be serving my congregation as Torah Reader. I have taken on this liturgical role in memory of my mother, whose 35th Yahrzeit is this Shabbat. The Torah Reading is Parshat Ha’azinu...
By RABBI JOSEPH H. PROUSER
The Eve of Rosh Hashanah falling on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks on America represents a stirring confluence of events. What special meaning should we embrace as we begin the Days...
By RABBI JOSEPH H. PROUSER
Richard Tucker, born 113 years ago today, was both a gifted Cantor and, over three decades, the New York Metropolitan Opera Company’s leading American tenor. While starring at the Met, he continued to serve as...
By RABBI JOSEPH H. PROUSER
President John F. Kennedy, a former naval officer and life-long sailing enthusiast, kept a plaque on the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office: “O God, Thy sea is so great and my boat is...
By RABBI JOSEPH H. PROUSER
The Prophet Haggai received his divine call “on the first day of the sixth month” – that is, on Rosh Chodesh Elul, observed today. Haggai was to convey to the People Israel that the time...
