I Believe in America: Rosh HaShanah, 5787

“I believe in America.”  That is the opening line of the greatest movie I’ve ever seen, the Godfather.  It is spoken by a character with the fabulous name: Amerigo Bonasera, “America, Good Night.” He loves his adopted country. “America has made my fortune and I raised my daughter in the American fashion,” but something terrible… Read more »

Money: Kol Nidre, 5787

When you knock upon the pearly gates, they are going to interrogate you about the life you led. According to the Talmudic sage, Rava, who lived around the year 300 in Mehoza, about 35 km south of present day Baghdad, before they bring you into the world to come, the very first question they will… Read more »

My Life Cycle: Yizkor Yom Kippur, 5787

For the last many years, Rabbi Hammerman spoke at Yizkor on Yom Kippur. We miss her, and wish her well as she leads her own synagogue at Congregation HaBonim. But she’s given us a last gift, and I hope you like it. You might know that I had a big year. I lost my father.… Read more »

Reflections on our Ruach Nediva Trip to Israel

Shalom Ansche Chesed! I write from a chilly, wet Tel Aviv. I am staying a few days beyond our Ruach Nediva/”the Volunteering Spirit” service learning trip to Israel, after putting most of the group on the plane Sunday night. Rabbi Hammerman and I are so grateful for Carolyn Greene’s amazing volunteer leadership, and our professional partners… Read more »

Reflections on the Mayoral Race

New York’s mayoral race has many Jews on pins and needles. The Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani – whose anti-Zionism is among his core personal commitments – is very likely to become mayor of the second most Jewish city in the world, after Tel Aviv. More Jews live in the Big Tapuach than in Jerusalem, Haifa,… Read more »