Between Egypt & Sinai This coming Shabbat we will be in the home stretch of the 49 day count that commemorates the Israelites' journey from Egypt to Sinai, from slavery to freedom. A little over 5 weeks ago, on the second night of Passover, we began our march and our count towards day 49. The idea of making each day count is a profound idea.  So many of us lead lives running from one meeting to another, see our spouse, kiss the kids, go to bed and then do it all again the next day. With a … [Read more...]

Source: Love And Tradition - Books About Jewish intermarriage, Insights About Jewish Intermarriage, Educational Consulting   Over the past 2 weeks I have had a number of conversations with families about the topic of intermarriage. I feel for everyone involved as the topic, unfortunately, has become the third rail for many Jewish families. What I have learned working with families is that while a conversation about intermarriage may be difficult, does not need to end relationships. … [Read more...]

I am thrilled that Beth El Synagogue through the generosity of the Fellman Family has purchased the brand new Siddur Lev Shalem. The new Siddur, which I hope you will get your hands on soon, will be at the center of our synagogue prayer life for many years to come. The Siddur is our guidebook when it comes to prayer, it is also the thing we come in contact with the most when we are at the synagogue; it has to be accessible and the Lev Shalem meets that need. The Siddur is also a tool that … [Read more...]

When I arrived in Omaha in the late Summer of 2011 I was envious of very few of my rabbinic colleagues.  In Omaha I found a great job, a loving congregation, and a committed community; I felt blessed then and I feel the same way today.  There was only one thing that when I arrived I looked at friends around the country and said, “I wish I had that.”  What was it that I missed?  In many communities across the country early childhood centers are housed at Synagogues in addition to Jewish Community … [Read more...]