Author: Temple Sinai

These last few weeks before the New Year are an opportunity: An opportunity to reconnect with the most essential and best parts of our self, to reconnect with love for God and the world, our community, our friends, and our family. But how? A Midrash [Midrash Rabba 17:7 – a collection of sermons and comments…

During our time living in Hong Kong, we were continually amused by the signs posted ubiquitously in public spaces: “No Spitting.” We also appreciated what my memory recalls as quite proper language on signs for a less unexpected issue of civic responsibility: warnings of ‘heavy fines’ should your dog ‘foul the public way’. [Vigilantism is…

Over the last couple of weeks since my father died, I’ve heard people say/write several times that ‘nothing prepares you’ for the loss of a parent (or really for the passing of anyone with whom your life is deeply entwined). I’m finding that to be true. At the same time, I’m also finding that family,…

You may recall that it had been a goal of mine this year to find and share a contemporary song which is relevant for each week’s Torah portion. I hoped that the songs would serve as a kind of commentary to each parashah. None of us achieve all our goals in life, do we? Moses…

I’ve shared this teaching in years past, but I found myself mentioning it this past Sunday in our interfaith service with the Christian Lutheran Church. I spontaneously responded to something the pastor said, and whatever it was led me to tell about the Abuhav synagogue and the prayer ‘Hareini Mikabel.’ I had no idea until…

This week’s Torah portion, Nasso, is the longest in the entire Torah – more letters, more words, more verses than any other of the 54 parshiyot we read throughout the year. You are of course familiar with some very special letters, words, and verses from Naso: The Birkat Kohanim, the priestly blessing of the people…

For the last several weeks in this email, we’ve followed the custom of studying Pirke Avot – the Wisdom of our Fathers – each Shabbat during the weeks between Passover and Shavuot. Let’s do it again for this final Shabbat before Shavuot, both to uphold this custom and for another reason as well: Today is…

This week’s double Torah portion, Tazria-Metzorah is about how we can purify that which has become corrupt. No, it is not talking about governments – corruption in government must be avoided in the first place. But there are naturally occurring things from which we feel we need to cleanse ourselves. Times when we want a…

Shalom Chaverim! At first glance, it seems impossible to put ourselves ‘in Jacob’s shoes’ and identify with the feelings he experiences in the face of extreme challenges. Thankfully, not many of us have 13 children, multiple spouses (simultaneously!), nor often find ourselves in the situation of having to ‘divide our camp’ as Jacob does after…

The strong maternal longing for children is central to this week’s Torah portion, Vayetzei. Both Rachel and Leah endure infertility – Rachel for many years, Leah after having children but wanting more – experiencing anxiety, worry, and broken-heartedness, hopelessness and yet still hope for creating their family. They also suffer from the unfortunate and emotionally…