When We Seek God as a Partner
In Parashat Sh’mini we read of the death of Aaron’s sons who offered “alien fire” to God and were consumed. While commentators throughout the ages have tried to make sense of this tragedy, the text also guides us to appreciate the power of the choices we make.
A Prayer for Nice
I offer this prayer of solidarity and healing after Thursday night’s Bastille Day truck attack in Nice, France.
Jews of Color Ask Us All to Dream of - and Fight for - Justice
Last week, we watched in horror and dismay as violent event after violent event unfolded, each amplifying and recontextualizing the one before it.
"I Have Hope": A Jewish Teen Reflects on Racial Injustice
For many, the world currently feels chaotic, scary, and dangerous. I, however, hold hope for the future and the great possibility for change. By taking a step back, it is important to remember that even in times of great social duress, the arc of history does bend toward justice.
Interfaith Sign-on Letter in Opposition of First Amendment Defense Act
In advance of tomorrow’s hearings on Religious Liberty and H.R. 2802, the ‘First Amendment Defense Act’ (FADA), the undersigned organizations, representing a diverse group of beliefs and faith traditions, write to express our opposition to this measure, (S. 1598/H.R. 2802), introduced by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and Representative Raúl Labrador (R-ID). We would ask that this letter be included as part of the official hearings record.
My Son May Be Sheltered Now, But That Won’t Last Forever
For better or for worse, my son doesn’t yet know how scary this world can be – and I’m not eager to break it to him.
Putting God Second: How to Save Religion from Itself
Hardly a week goes by without news of religious extremists committing atrocities against people of other faiths in the name of God or some other holy cause. As a result, “religion” itself has been put on trial.
Open Letter To Donald Trump From Rabbi Rick Jacobs
Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), sent the following letter to presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump today in response to statements attributed to his campaign about foreign policy regarding a two-state solution.
After Parkland, Can We Ever Forgive?
We may never reach a full t’shuvah in our ability to forgive, but we should always strive to make the world better for future generations.