Rabbi’s Corner

Shabbat Message, September 27, 2025, Parashat Nitzavim-Vayelech

Posted on September 27, 2024

Dear Or Zarua, Moses called to all the elders and leaders of the tribes, as well as those appointed with the tasks of being teachers and the community patrol. The Torah then adds these words intentionally, “…the women, the children,… Read More »

Shabbat Message, September 20, 2024, Parashat Ki Tavo

Posted on September 20, 2024

God brought our ancestors to a “Land of Milk and Honey.” There are different interpretations of that descriptive phrase. Got milk? We might imagine the Children of Israel with herds of goats – the source of dairy for wanderers in… Read More »

Shabbat Message, September 13, 2024, Parashat Ki Tetze

Posted on September 13, 2024

Let’s bring in Shabbat together with an hour of praying, singing, remembering loved ones and raising a glass afterwards at our Oneg. Services are at 6:15pm. What a delight to be together with friends to welcome the Sabbath. Tomorrow we… Read More »

Shabbat Message, Sept. 6, 2024, Parashat Shoftim

Posted on September 6, 2024

We are family; this Shabbat let’s join together to mark a time of renewal and to unify our hearts to find comfort and to gain strength. The news from Israel was devastating this past week. As the families of the… Read More »

Shabbat Message, August 23, 2024, Parashat Ekev

Posted on August 23, 2024

D’VAR TORAH for SHABBAT EKEV This week’s parsha, Ekev, begins with a unique phrase in Hebrew: “If you will heed…” “Ekev tishmaun…” (Deuteronomy 7:12). The word “ekev” is translated as “if” but it makes more sense if we translate it:… Read More »

Shabbat Message, March 8, 2024, Parashat Vayakhel

Posted on March 11, 2024

A Letter From Israel – Shabbat Vayakhel 5784 “M’ha’Shvi’i – Since the Seventh” Dear OZ, I’m writing from Israel where — depending on the experience of those you encounter, how you steer your heart and direct your mind it —… Read More »

Shabbat Message, Feb. 23, 2024, Parashat Tetzaveh

Posted on February 23, 2024

“Table for Five” is a post-denominational round-up of Torah commentaries that appears in Los Angeles’ Jewish newspaper, and every few weeks I have a new commentary that appears in the section. My entry for this week, a commentary on Tetzaveh, … Read More »

Shabbat Message, March 3, 2023, Parashat Tetzaveh

Posted on March 2, 2023

Click HERE for my commentary on this week’s parsha that was published in the LA Jewish Journal and on the Accidental Talmudist Website. “Table for Five” is a post-denominational round-up of Torah commentaries that appears in Los Angeles’ Jewish newspaper,… Read More »

Shabbat Message, Dec. 16, 2022, Hanukkah

Posted on December 16, 2022

Click HERE for my commentary on Hanukkah that was published in the LA Jewish Journal and on the Accidental Talmudist Website: “Modern Jews Are The Most Religious of All? – Hanukkah.” “Table for Five” is a post-denominational round-up of Torah… Read More »

Shabbat Message, Dec. 9, 2022, Parashat Vayishlah

Posted on December 8, 2022

Click HERE for my commentary on this week’s parsha that was published in the LA Jewish Journal and on the Accidental Talmudist Website. “Table for Five” is a post-denominational round-up of Torah commentaries that appears in Los Angeles’ Jewish newspaper,… Read More »