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It’s not a good idea to call people "Nazis" or, in general, to drag any other Third Reich terminology into contemporary political debates. Putting aside for one moment just how offensive it is, it smacks of bad faith and shows sloppy analysis. If you’re trying to make a solid point, and the best you can do is use the ultimate manifestation of evil in modern history as a base for comparison, you’re probably not on very stable ground.
Published on Leave a comment on Recommended Reading from Rabbi Dov Gartenberg

It’s not a good idea to call people "Nazis" or, in general, to drag any other Third Reich terminology into contemporary political debates. Putting aside for one moment just how offensive it is, it smacks of bad faith and shows sloppy analysis. If you’re trying to make a solid point, and the best you can do is use the ultimate manifestation of evil in modern history as a base for comparison, you’re probably not on very stable ground.

By holding a Shiva, the family also benefits the community. The family is inviting the community in to their home. One of the roles of the community is to console the individual within the community, to be present during a time of grief. By holding a Shiva, a family is giving an opportunity to the community to fulfill its purpose for existence.
Published on Leave a comment on Some Random Thoughts While Leading a Shiva Minyan

By holding a Shiva, the family also benefits the community. The family is inviting the community in to their home. One of the roles of the community is to console the individual within the community, to be present during a time of grief. By holding a Shiva, a family is giving an opportunity to the community to fulfill its purpose for existence.

My approach to studying halachah with you is to explore the realm of real people living in the real world. I am not presenting Judaism as only a way of inventing space for God in the world, but also to present our way of life as a way of finding God in the nooks and crannies of our actual lives as we are already liv­ing them. This is Torah study that deals with the real world and provides insight into the way we might respond to all sorts of distressing, unexpected-and usually complicated aspects of living in that world. This is a deep exploration of Jewish practice that presumes that the most pious, ethical human being cannot avoid encountering vulgarity, obscenity, impropriety, and boorish behavior. Our central question throughout will be: How can Jewish practice help us to live morally, spiritually, in a compromised and complicated world?
Published on Leave a comment on Exploring Jewish Practice with Rabbi Dov

My approach to studying halachah with you is to explore the realm of real people living in the real world. I am not presenting Judaism as only a way of inventing space for God in the world, but also to present our way of life as a way of finding God in the nooks and crannies of our actual lives as we are already liv­ing them. This is Torah study that deals with the real world and provides insight into the way we might respond to all sorts of distressing, unexpected-and usually complicated aspects of living in that world. This is a deep exploration of Jewish practice that presumes that the most pious, ethical human being cannot avoid encountering vulgarity, obscenity, impropriety, and boorish behavior. Our central question throughout will be: How can Jewish practice help us to live morally, spiritually, in a compromised and complicated world?

Published on 3 Comments on Our Year with Covid-19

Thursday, March 18, 2021/ 5 Nisan, 5781 Our Year with Covid 19 Last year we gathered for the reading of Megilat Esther with the storm clouds of the Corona Virus pandemic approaching.  We had a nice crowd for the reading, many in costume, with an outwardly festive mood.  I could ...continue reading "Our Year with Covid-19"

One of the main insights I have gained is that our congregation is going through a period of redefining its identity. There are diverse and opposing opinions within our membership on what we stand for not only as a local congregation, but also as a synagogue identified with the Conservative Movement. In this short essay, I want to begin to suggest a new way to articulate an identity for Congregation B’nai Israel which helps distinguish our place in the community and aligns us with dynamic changes occurring in the Conservative Movement across the country. This new articulation also reflects the approach I have taken and will continue to take while I serve as rabbi of CBI.
Published on Leave a comment on A Mentoring Congregation

One of the main insights I have gained is that our congregation is going through a period of redefining its identity. There are diverse and opposing opinions within our membership on what we stand for not only as a local congregation, but also as a synagogue identified with the Conservative Movement. In this short essay, I want to begin to suggest a new way to articulate an identity for Congregation B’nai Israel which helps distinguish our place in the community and aligns us with dynamic changes occurring in the Conservative Movement across the country. This new articulation also reflects the approach I have taken and will continue to take while I serve as rabbi of CBI.

Published on Leave a comment on An Observation about Healthy Political Conversation in a Congregation

One of my finest teachers over my rabbinic career is the philosopher, Moshe Halbertal, with whom I studied at the Shalom Hartman Institute. His books on Jewish thought and on Maimonides are among the most respected in contemporary scholarship. He is a keen observer of contemporary events in both Israel ...continue reading "An Observation about Healthy Political Conversation in a Congregation"

I can articulate what makes Congregation B’nai Israel unique. Yes No. Comment:
Published on Leave a comment on Weekly Message to Friends of CBI: A Congregational Forum

I can articulate what makes Congregation B’nai Israel unique. Yes No. Comment: