A continuing theme running through the book of Exodus is the coming and going of both Moses and God. After the lengthy drama of the Exodus, Moses disappears up the […]

Rabbi Jill Maderer’s Blessing to the Buerger Early Learning Center Graduates, Congregation Rodeph Shalom, 2014 (Inspired by this year’s Dr. Seuss week…)   The sun did not shine, It was […]

Compelled by stories of catastrophe, novelist Karen Thomson Walker, recently (TED Talk) offered an interpretation of the story of the Whaleship Essex.  In 1820, 3000 miles off the coast of […]

On this final day of the Omer as we enter Shavuot and read the Book of Ruth, we reflect upon her immigration into the land and people of Israel, the loving-kindness with […]

What is freedom in a world of obligation?  Liberation in a religion of responsibility?  As we move further from Pesach and closer to Shavuot, consider David Brooks’ ideas about how […]

Today, as you count the Omer, think about the traditional Jewish idea of redemption (geulah) and how it applies in the world today.  The 7th blessing of the amidah/t’fillah on weekdays asks God […]

Today, as you count the Omer, understand Jewish wisdom about the source of our happiness. Baruch Ata Adonai, Elohenu Melech ha-olam asher kidishanu b’mitzvotav vitzivanu al s’firat ha’omer.  Blessed are You, […]

As we begin the 4th week of the Omer, we focus this week on the idea of Netzach, often translated as victory.  Netzach communicates the idea of long-suffering, strength, endurance […]

Yom Ha’atzmaut, Independence Day, in Israel is always preceded by Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day for the fallen soldiers. The message of linking these two days is clear: Israelis owe their independence–the […]

As, this Shabbat, we anticipate Tuesday’s celebration of Yom Ha-atzme-ut, Israel Independence Day, we are grateful for Israel and we pray for the day when we will have peace with […]