What is So Jewish about Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day is not a Jewish Holiday is a song written by Rabbi Joe Black, a musician and rabbi in Colorado. Every once in a while, depending on what CD was in the car, the song would come over the speakers. It always made me smile.   It is true – Valentine’s Day...

Black History Month and The Jews

These days the relationship between the Black and Jewish communities is complicated, characterized by cooperation and conflict. New interest arose this fall when some of us became aware of the “Black Hebrew Israelites” for the first time.   Ye, the rapper...

Looking Back on Makor

When the Covid-19 Pandemic began, we were wearing masks, celebrating that we had survived an oppressive Persian dictator. It was Purim 2020, and shortly after that, we quickly moved to remote education, distance services, and online programming. Forecasts said that we...

A Man of Value

Last week we discussed the addition of women’s names into the Avot. prayer during a Shabbat Service. This prayer mentions the Biblical fathers, Abraham Isaac and Jacob. When, why, and how did the Reform movement add the names of the matriarchs, Sarah, Rebecca, Leah,...

Lighting Up the Atmosphere

Atmosphere creates meaning. When it reaches October, I find myself deep in the crawlspace of my home, digging out the Halloween decorations. Why do Rachel and I decorate for Halloween? I am not sure, but it is fun, and it adds a little pop to our front porch.   This...