At the start of week’s Torah portion, Shoftim, we learn a lesson that is at the heart of the Jewish experience. I also believe it is as relevant and important as ever. As the portion opens, we read that, in every generation, we should ‘appoint magistrates and officials for your...
Parashat R’eih: The Pageant on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal; Once Again: The MiSinai Melodies in the High Holy Day Services We begin to study the portion R’eih, and we learn about a new educational methodology used by Mosheh Rabbeinu/Moses our Teacher, as he delivers his final teachings to the Children of...
In this week’s Torah portion Eikev, we are given some good advice on how to handle large changes in our lives. In this portion, God reminds us that “the land we are about to cross into isn’t like Egypt from which you have come. There the grain you have sowed...
It is understandable that so many carry a childlike perception of God. I fall into this trap too sometimes. It’s easy to do. After all, we are taught early on of a God that we can relate to and comprehend. Often this God is an older man with a long...
Sefer D’varim: The Fifth Book of the Torah The Ninth Day of Av, Completing Vacation Season, and Preparation for the High Holy Days in Shir KI This Shabbat always marks the midpoint of the summer vacation season. The weather is still warm and the days are long. But as we...
Our shoes say a lot about us. Are we headed to a gala or out for a run? Are we just learning to walk or do we need added support following years of toil? They can be symbols of status, indicative of our roles in life, even emblematic of our...
Last Sunday, our very own Lee Slobotkin, KI’s Creative Director, performed for our community in a beautiful concert filled with Broadway songs and contemporary music. (Thank you to our Women of KI and Adult Education Committee for making it happen!) It isn’t unusual for us to hear Lee singing or...
Parashat Balak: The Talking She-Donkey; Ma Tovu; SHIR KI, Our Adult Choir, Begins Again, and The Choir Needs You! This week’s Torah portion is one of only two Sidrot/portions out of the over fifty in the complete Torah that is named for a non-Jew! The Torah portion of Balak teaches...
On Friday night I will lead my first service on the KI bimah with Cantor Levy. The road to this point has been long and not just with regard to the thorough search process that brought me here; the road to my arrival at KI can be traced back generations....
This week we have a transition of leadership within our synagogue. Our synagogue president, Janice Schwartz-Donahue, will be ending her three years as president. And of course, our beloved senior rabbi, Lance J. Sussman will be entering into Emeritus and retirement. Leading a synagogue for lay leaders is no easy...
