Rabbi Maderer delivered this D’var Torah on Shabbat, 8/23 Two days ago, the Reform Movement’s rabbinic arm released the following statement: “The Central Conference of American Rabbis is dismayed by President Donald J. Trump’s politically charged and divisive statement referring to Jews...
This week’s Torah portion, Bo, includes a text from the Passover seder. Through my family’s seder table ruckus, I always hear the special emphasis my family reads in this part. “And you shall explain it to your child on that day: ‘It is because of what the Eternal did for...
Shabbat shalom! Today, I am grateful to gather—we who call God many different names, and we who choose not to call to God at all—I am grateful to gather together with you! This season, in our sacred text, the Jewish community reads the story of the Exodus from Egypt. Our...
How has this sexual harassment and assault season of “Me Too” and “Time’s Up” had an impact on the way you think about our society, your social and professional circles, and your Jewish community? It has been important to see high profile men held accountable for the abuse of power...
In the words inscribed on my tallit, taken from Psalms: Pitchu li sha-arey tzedek, avovam odeh-ya/Open for me the gates of righteousness and I will enter in thanks. As I have stepped through new gates, I enter with profound gratitude.
We have seen the words, “Me Too” on our computer screens all week long. In the wake of the most recent sexual harassment reports, actress Alyssa Milano tweeted: “If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted, write ‘me too’ as a reply to this tweet. If all the women who have...
Or zarua latzadik / Light is sown for the righteous**, words we just sang as the introduction to Kol Nidrei. This Yom Kippur, we search for the light of righteousness that it may illumine our path, and the path for generations to come. Since our last Yom Kippur together, our...
“See this day, I set before you, bracha uklalah — blessing and curse” (Deut 11:26). It’s one or the other. Elie Wiesel taught us: “We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. We must take sides.” We can explore the issues, and learn from those who are...
The 7-year old boy’s heart begins to beat faster as he listens to the story of Abraham preparing to sacrifice his son, Isaac. The boy actually begins to sob with pity for Isaac. After the service, the rabbi approaches the boy. “Why were you crying? The rabbi asks, “You know...
Resolution of the Board of Trustees of Congregation Rodeph Shalom concerning Egalitarian Prayer at the Western Wall and Conversion in the State of Israel – June 27, 2017 Background: This week in Israel, the Netanyahu government made two major decisions affecting most of the Diaspora, decisions which are especially hurtful...
