To all of my dear friends at KI, I write with the bittersweet news that I will be leaving you within a few weeks. Friday, November 22nd will be my last Shabbat with you. This has been a long and agonizing decision for me and my family – but one...
Dear Members of our beloved Keneseth Israel Family, Last week, I told Rabbi David and Cantor Levy that I shall retire as music director of SHIR KI in May 2025. Our 14 years together have been so wonderful, meaningful, and inspiring for me and, I pray, for you!! Ellen and...
On behalf of Rabbi David and myself, I want to share news about our Sacred Music Program that is both significant and bittersweet. Andrew Senn and Hazzan David Tilman, will be leaving their roles in the coming months for family and professional reasons. We will miss them and what they...
This Shabbat, Jews around the world will read the iconic story of Noah and his family. Noah will be tasked to build an ark to save himself and his loved ones from a flood that God intends to deliver. In frustration, God plans to wipe out humanity itself. We are...
As we enter the new year the Temple Judea Museum (TJM) is thriving, in large part due to the support of our broad community, including the creative energy of TJM Artists’ Collaborative members; the dedication of our volunteers; and the enthusiastic support of our Friends and Patrons. In addition, TJM...
I say without hesitation that Simchat Torah is my favorite holiday. How could it not be? Think about it: singing, dancing, celebrating, beginning anew, going from the solemnity of our holy season to a state of joy and hope. Simchat Torah is about finishing one reading cycle and beginning the...
We have finally reached the dramatic end of our fall High Holidays/Sukkot season. We begin the celebration of Sukkot on Wednesday evening, October 16. The Sukkot Holiday commemorates the temporary booths that the Israelites erected as shelters on the bank of the Sea of Reeds/Yam Suf, waiting for the splitting...
On Monday, we gathered as a community in prayer and listened to, Nova Festival Survivor, Matan Boltox (click here) share his experience of narrowly surviving the October 7th massacre. His story and presence inspired us. We carry with us the weight of remembering those lost and honoring the resilience of...
Moses is in the middle of his last address to the Israelite nation. He is aware of the conclusion of his life’s work and his imminent death. He tells the people: “You stand this day, all of you, before the Eternal your G-d: all the men of Israel; you children,...
I am absolutely loving how alive our synagogue feels right now! The sights and sounds of community life are in full bloom, and it’s such a joy to see. Over the last few months, we have been joined by some wonderful new groups—Tide Academy (an Orthodox Jewish school), Congregations of...
