In yesterday’s Torah reading, parashat Eikev, we read the following three words: “v’ahalta, v’savata, u’veirahta (and you shall eat, you shall be satiated, and you shall bless)”. From this, the rabbis derived the mitzvah of reciting birkat ha-mazon, or grace after meals....Continue reading

My d’var Torah (brief teaching) at the beginning of last week’s Board of Directors meeting for my non-profit organization, The Spark Wisconsin–and a tribute to my late cousin, Howard Katz, who constantly encouraged me and my rabbinic work and who the Board...Continue reading

On Saturday, January 2nd, as we celebrate our first Shabbat of 2021, we read parashat vayehi. In these final chapters of Genesis, the first of the five books of the Torah, Jacob bestows a blessing upon each of his sons at the...Continue reading

In the talmud, Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai debate the procedure for lighting the Hanukkah candles. Beit Shammai argues that we should light eight candles the first night, decreasing to one candle on the final night. From their perspective, the first day...Continue reading

Many will be celebrating the news that President Trump tested positive for COVID. But that is neither the Jewish way nor the American ideal.   “Rejoice not when your enemy falters, and let not your heart be glad when they stumble.” (Proverbs...Continue reading