Rabbi B's Ruach Reflections

137: Behar: Time To Rock

Fri, 18 May 2012 07:14:51 -0400

Using your values to prioritize and make time for things that truly matter.

Parashat Behar
May 12, 2012 / 20 Iyyar 5772

Parashat: Leviticus 25:39 – 26:46
Haftarah: Jeremiah 16:19-17:14

136: Emor: Going The Extra Mile

Mon, 14 May 2012 07:55:34 -0400

How the minimum is not enough when it comes to our relationships.

Parashat Emor
May 5, 2012 / 13 Iyyar 5772

Parashat: Leviticus 22:17 – 23:22
Haftarah: Ezekiel 44:15 – 31

135: Aharei Mot-Kedoshim: Holy Time

Tue, 08 May 2012 07:10:15 -0400

How every moment has the potential to be holy.

Parashiyot Aharei Mot-Kedoshim
April 28, 2012 – 6 Iyyar 5772

Parashat: Leviticus 17:8 – 19:14
Haftarah: Amos 9:7 – 15

134: Shemini: Lawn Lunacy

Tue, 01 May 2012 07:41:45 -0400

The seasonal craziness of lawn maintenance, the unreasonable desire for our leaders to be perfect, and the burden of trying to be perfect.

Parashat Shemini - Mevarekhim HaHodesh
April 21, 2012 / 29 Nisan 5772

Parashat: Leviticus 10:12 – 11:32
Haftarah: I Samuel 20:18-42

133: Vayakhel-Pekudei: The Danger of Ideals

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 14:23:57 -0400

The story of the Red Heifer, and why we sometimes have to abandon our ideals and get our hands dirty.

Parashiyot Vayakhel-Pekudei - Shabbat Parah - Mevarekhim HaHodesh
March 17, 2012 / 23 Adar 5772

Parashat: Exodus 37:17 – 39:21
Maftir: Numbers 19:1 – 22
Haftarah: Ezekiel 36:16 – 38

132: Ki Tissa: Power

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 06:58:04 -0400

The responsibility of owning your own power, and the danger of outsourcing it to others.

Parashat Ki Tissa
March 10, 2012 – 16 Adar 5772

Parashat: Ex. 31:18 – 33:11
Haftarah: I Kings 18:1 – 39

131: Vaera: Courage In Chaos

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:50:23 -0500

Given recent displays of cowardice, the importance of courage amidst chaos.

Parashat Vaera - Mevarekhim Hahodesh
January 21, 2012 – 26 Tevet 5772

Parashat: Exodus 7:8 – 8:15
Haftarah: Ezekiel 28:25 – 29:21

130: Vayehi: Peace And Quiet

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 23:57:44 -0500

The story of Joseph and the need to balance our busy lives with peace.

Parashat Vayehi
January 7, 2012 / 12 Tevet 5772

Parashat: Genesis 49:1-49:26
Haftarah: I Kings 2:1 - 12

129: Vayeshev: The Miracle Of Coincidence

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 06:42:42 -0500

Seeing miracles in everyday things, and how one helpful man in the Torah defined the course of Judaism.

Parashat Vayeshev
December 17, 2011 / 21 Kislev 5772

Parashat: Genesis 38:1-38:30
Haftarah: Amos 2:6 - 3:8

128: Vayishlah: Learning To Swim

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:57:18 -0500

The obligations that parents have to their children.

Parashat Vayishlah
December 10, 2011 / 14 Kislev 5772

Parashat: Genesis 34:1-35:15
Haftarah: Obadiah 1:1-21

127: Noah: Take Your Oars With You

Tue, 1 Nov 2011 07:01:40 -0400

The story of Noah and the need to take an active role in changing your life.

Parashat Noah
October 29, 2011 / 1 Heshvan 5772

Parashat: Genesis 8:15-10:32
Maftir: Numbers 28:9-15
Haftarah: Isaiah: 66:1-24

126: Yom Kippur: Superheroes Face The Darkness, Face Their Death

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:50:13 -0400

The need to be fearless in planning for and accepting your own death.

Yom Kippur, High Holy Day Services, 5772

125: Kol Nidrei: Superheroes Open Their Hearts

Sat, 8 Oct 2011 15:54:37 -0400

Through comedy, Torah, and his recent trip to Israel, Rabbi B discusses the importance of opening our hearts.

Kol Nidrei, High Holy Day Services, 5772

124: Rosh Hashanah Day 2: Even Superheroes Have The Right To Bleed

Sat, 1 Oct 2011 07:25:45 -0400

How the ideals we set upon ourselves and others are unrealistic, how the characters in the Torah are far from perfect, and how we need to embrace the imperfections of people in our relationships.

Music:
- Five For Fighting - Superman (It's Not Easy)

123: Rosh Hashanah Day 1: Calling All Superheroes - Coming Out Of The Closet

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 06:22:56 -0400

How the majority of popular superheroes were created by Jews, and how we need to break out of our "Clark Kent" Judaism and come out of the closet.

Music:
- Irving Berlin - White Christmas
- Adam Sandler - Hanukkah Song
- Maccabeats - Candlelight

122: Erev Rosh Hashanah: Superheroes Can Only Change Themselves

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 06:39:37 -0400

Erev Rosh Hashanah, High Holiday Services, 5772

A brief account of the events in the past year: some life changing, some not. The observation, from Torah and other sources, that we can only change ourselves.

121: Nitzavim: Born This Way

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 07:28:26 -0400

Living an authentic life.

Parashat Nitzavim-Vaylelekh
September 24, 2011 / 25 Elul 5771

Parashat: Deut. 29:9 - 30:14
Haftarah: Isaiah 61:10-63:9

120: Ki Tetze: Open House

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 07:04:39 -0400

Synagogue membership, the origins of Congregation Shirat Hayam, and remembering what it is like to be an outsider.

Parashat Ki Tetze
September 10, 2011/ 4 Elul 5771

Parashat: Deut. 21:10 - 23:7
Haftarah: Isaiah 54:1 - 10

119: B’ha’alotekha: What's In A Name?

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 21:21:31 -0400

How names of people in the Torah are often blueprints for their stories, the reason for Rabbi B's change of name, and how we should let our light shine.

Parashat B’ha’alotekha
June 11, 2011 / 9 Sivan 5771

Parashat: Numbers 8:1 - 9:14
Haftarah: Zekhariah 2:14 - 4:7

118: Naso: Welcoming Converts

Tue, 7 Jun 2011 06:07:58 -0400

The unnecessarily high standards for conversion to Judaism, and the need to welcome converts into our tribe.

Parashat Naso
June 4, 2011 / 2 Sivan 5771

Parashat: Numbers 4:21 - 5:10
Haftarah: Judges 13:2 - 25

117: B'midbar: Desert Spirituality

Fri, 3 Jun 2011 07:13:34 -0400

Observations from the 2011 AIPAC conference in Washington DC, and the need for "Desert Spirituality".

Parashat B’midbar - Birkat Hahodesh
May 28, 2011 / 24 Iyar 5771

Parashat: Numbers 1:1 - 1:54
Haftarah: Hosea 2:1 - 22

116: B'hukotai: The End Of The World

Sun, 22 May 2011 09:42:59 -0400

Recent apocalyptic predictions, how the end of the world is also a Jewish idea, and the Jewish response to the apocalypse.

Parashat B’hukotai
May 21, 2011 / 17 Iyar 5771

Parashat: Leviticus 26:3 - 27:15
Haftarah: Jeremiah 16:19 - 17:14

115: Behar: Cut Flowers

Mon, 16 May 2011 19:03:23 -0400

How experiencing Israel through programs like Birthright can prevent "Cut Flowers" Judaism.

Birthright Israel: http://www.birthrightisrael.com/

Parashat Behar
May 14, 2011 / 10 Iyar 5771

Parashat: Leviticus 25:1 - 25:38
Haftarah: Jeremiah 32:6 - 27

114: Emor: A Jewish Response To The Killing Of Osama Bin Laden

Mon, 9 May 2011 00:40:20 -0400

Among the varied responses to the killing of Osama Bin Laden, Rabbi B discusses an authentically Jewish response.

Parashat Emor
May 7, 2011 / 3 Iyar 5771

Parashat: Leviticus 21:1 - 22:16
Haftarah: Ezekiel 44:15 - 31

113: Metzora: Birth and Taxes

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 08:30:18 -0400

Amidst the recent birth of his son, Rabbi B discusses why taxes are important in supporting those who serve.

Parashat Metzora
April 9, 2011 / 5 Nisan 5771

Parashat: Leviticus 14:1 - 32
Haftarah: II Kings 7:3 - 20

112: Shemini: Miracles

Sun, 27 Mar 2011 20:53:20 -0400

How Judaism helps us to see the miracles in our everyday lives.

Parashat Shemini - Shabbat Parah
March 26, 2011 / 20 Adar II 5771

Parashat: Leviticus 9:1 - 10:11
Maftir: Numbers 19:1 - 22
Haftarah: Ezekiel 36:16 - 38

111: Vayikra: Sacred Messiness

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 07:45:38 -0400

How Leviticus guides us through the messy parts of life.

Parashat Vayikra
March 12, 2011 / 6 Adar II 5771

Parashat: Leviticus 1:1 - 2:16
Haftarah: Isaiah 43:21-44:23

110: Tetzaveh: Facing The Unknown

Sun, 13 Feb 2011 22:05:32 -0500

The difference between knowledge and wisdom.

Parashat Tetzaveh
February 12, 2011 / 8 Adar I 5771

Parashat: Ex. 27:20 - 28:30
Haftarah: Ezekiel 43:10 - 27

109: Mishpatim: Anger Management

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 15:02:52 -0500

How the laws in the Torah help us to take control of our anger.

Parashat Mishpatim - Birkat HaHodesh
January 29, 2011 / 24 Shevat 5771

Parashat: Ex. 21:1 - 22:3
Haftarah: Jeremiah 34:8 - 22; 33:25 - 26

108: Yitro: I'm Coming For You

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 14:15:58 -0500

The importance of friends taking care of each other.

Parashat Yitro
January 22, 2011 / 17 Shevat 5771

Parashat: Ex. 18:1 - 18:27
Haftarah: Isaiah 6:1 - 7:6; 9:5-6

107: Bo: Row, Row, Row Your Boat

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:25:32 -0500

The importance of actions over words, and the need to become the change that we want to see.

Parashat Bo
January 8, 2011 / 3 Shevat 5771

Parashat: Ex. 10:1 - 11:3
Haftarah: Jeremiah 46:13 - 28

106: Vayehi: Merry Christmas: Reclaiming Jewish Identity

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 21:33:49 -0500

Jewish identity as it relates to Christmas throughout American history.

Parashat Vayehi - Hazak Shabbat
December 18, 2010 / 11 Tevet 5771

Parashat: Genesis 47:28 - 48:22
Haftarah: I Kings 2:1 - 12

105: Vayigash: Coming Out

Sun, 12 Dec 2010 18:46:13 -0500

The importance of creating a caring and supportive community where it is safe to "Come Out Of The Closet".

Parashat Vayigash
December 11, 2010 / 4 Tevet 5771

Parashat: Genesis 44:18-45:27
Haftarah: Ezekiel 37:15- 28

104: Miketz: A Good Name

Sun, 12 Dec 2010 09:48:07 -0500

How the story of Joseph is a case study in integrity.

Parashat Miketz - Shabbat Hanukkah
December 4, 2010 / 27 Kislev 5771

Parashat: Genesis 41:1-52
Maftir: Numbers 7:24-35
Haftarah: Zehariah 2:14 - 4:7

103: Vayishlah: Meaningless Dots

Thu, 2 Dec 2010 08:23:36 -0500

How the reunion of Jacob and Esau reminds us of our ability to negatively interpret sometimes meaningless messages.

Parashat Vayishlah
November 20, 2010 / 13 Kislev 5771

Parashat: Genesis 32:4-33:20
Haftarah: Obadiah 1:1-21

102: Vayeitzei: Praying With Our Feet

Sat, 20 Nov 2010 07:07:55 -0500

The importance of taking the first step in solving our problems.

Parashat Vayeitzei
November 13, 2010 / 6 Kislev 5771

Parashat: Genesis 28:10-30:13
Haftarah: Hosea 12:13 - 14:10

101: Lekh L'kha: Vitamin N

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 07:10:44 -0400

The blessing of open adult-child communication, and the curse of not being able to tell our children no.

Parashat Lekh Lekha
October 16, 2010 / 8 Heshvan 5771

Parashat: Genesis 12:1 - 13:18
Haftarah: Isaiah 40:27 - 41:16

100: Sukkot: Crosswalk Consciousness

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:20:52 -0400

The trouble with crosswalks in Swampscott, the community nature of Sukkot, and how we need to experience the divine within nature.

Shabbat Hol HaMoed Sukkot
September 25, 2010 / 17 Tishri 5771

Parashat: Exodus 33:12 - 34:26
Maftir: Numbers 29:23 - 28
Haftarah: Ezekiel 38:18 - 39:16

99: Yom Kippur: True Heroes

Sun, 19 Sep 2010 14:33:59 -0400

Yom Kippur, High Holiday Services, 5771

Viewing our ancestors as true heroes, and a call to the 30 and 40-somethings for leaders.

98: Kol Nidrei: Facing Our Crises

Sun, 19 Sep 2010 11:52:25 -0400

Kol Nidrei, High Holiday Services, 5771

A review of this past year's so-called crises, and the importance of facing our own true crises.

97: Rosh Hashanah Day 2: Opening Our Hearts To 'The Other'

Sun, 12 Sep 2010 09:14:56 -0400

Rosh Hashanah, Day 2, High Holiday Services, 5771

How we should never give up on others; within our personal relationships and within the global community.

Books:
- Start-up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle, by Dan Senor and Saul Singer
- Son of Hamas, by Mosab Hassan Yousef
- The Holocaust Is Over We Must Rise From It’s Ashes, by Avraham Burg

Music:
- Matisyahu

96: Rosh Hashanah Day 1: The Truth About Israel

Thu, 9 Sep 2010 23:20:27 -0400

The unfair critique of Israel in the press, and the need to teach the history of our Jewish home.

Books:
- Start-up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle, by Dan Senor and Saul Singer
- Son of Hamas, by Mosab Hassan Yousef
- The Holocaust Is Over We Must Rise From It’s Ashes, by Avraham Burg

Music:
- Rick Recht

95: Erev Rosh Hashana 5771: Have A Nice Day

Thu, 9 Sep 2010 00:03:03 -0400

Erev Rosh Hashanah, High Holiday Services, 5771

Confronting the fact we are going to die, and making the most of the life we have.

94: Ki Tavo: The High Holidays: Not A Spectator Sport

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:23:00 -0400

Preparation for the High Holidays.

Son of Hamas, by Mosab Hassan Yousef and Ron Brackin
Start Up-Nation, by Dan Senor and Saul Singer
The Holocaust Is Over; We Must Rise From Its Ashes, by Avraham Burg

Parashat Ki Tavo
August 28, 2010 / 18 Elul 5770

Parashat: Deut. 27:11-29:8
Haftarah: Isaiah 60:1-22

93: Shoftim: Reclaiming What Was Lost

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 06:32:15 -0400

Finding inspiration, not desperation, after the Holocaust.

Rabbi Shlomo Carlbach Foundation: http://rebshlomo.org/
Hazzan Idan Irelander: http://www.irelandermusic.com/live/

Parashat Shoftim
August 14, 2010 / 4 Elul 5770

Parashat: Deut. 19:14-21:9
Haftarah: Isaiah 51:12-52:12

92: Hukkat: Oy, Oil, and Obama

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 06:40:36 -0400

The role of leadership in trying times.

Parashat Hukkat
June 19, 2010 / 7 Tammuz 5770

Parashat: Num. 20:22-22:1
Haftarah: Judges 11:1-33

91: Shelakh Lekha: Fire and the Flotilla

Sun, 6 Jun 2010 14:11:38 -0400

How the fire of emotions can distort the truth.

Parashat Shelakh Lekha - Birkat HaHodesh
June 5, 2010 / 23 Sivan 5770

Parashat: Numbers 15:8-15:4
Haftarah: Joshua 2:1-24

90: Naso: Aquageddon

Mon, 24 May 2010 06:35:10 -0400

How too much of a good thing is not always better, and how local crises should inspire community, not fear.

Parashat Naso
May 22, 2010 / 9 Sivan 5770

Parashat: Num. 7:1-7:89
Haftarah: Judges 13:2-25

89: B'midbar: Growing Fish In The Desert

Mon, 17 May 2010 07:53:31 -0400

Israel's determination and innovation, and the need to apply them to the North Shore's Jewish Community.

Start-up Nation, by Dan Senor and Saul Singer
Parashat B'Midbar
May 15, 2010 / 2 Sivan 5770

Parashat: Num. 3:14-4:20
Haftarah: Hosea 2:1-22

88: Emor: "What was all the grown-ups doin'?"

Thu, 6 May 2010 07:06:38 -0400

The questionable media consumption habits of our children, its spiritual impact, and the need for us to protect them.

Parashat Emor
May 1, 2010 / 17 Iyar 5770

Parashat: Lev. 23:23-24:23
Haftarah: Ezekiel 44:15-31

87: Shemini: Finding The Fire

Sun, 11 Apr 2010 22:13:50 -0400

The 5 things Rabbi B didn't imagine he would be talking about, and rocking the boat of modern Judaism.

Parshat Shemini
April 10, 2010 / 26 Nisan 5770

Parashat: Lev. 11:1-11:47
Haftarah: 2 Samuel 6:1-7:17

86: Tzav: Israel and Passover

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:02:19 -0400

Reflections from the recent AIPAC conference in DC, and the need to know and tell the story of Israel.

Parshat Tzav (Shabbat HaGadol)
March 27, 2010 / 12 Nisan 5770

Parashat: Lev. 8:1-8:36
Haftarah: Jeremiah 7:21-8:3, 9:22-23

85: Vayikra: Eagles Of Service

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 08:05:35 -0400

The value of serving each other with joy.

Parshat Vayikra
March 20, 2010 / 5 Nisan 5770

Parashat: Lev. 4:27-5:26
Haftarah: Isaiah 43:21-44:23

84: Vayakhel-Pekudei: Sacred Time

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:06:25 -0400

Rabbi B's recent conversion (to a Mac), and how time is sacred to Jews.

Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei (Shabbat HaHodesh)
March 13, 2010 / 27 Adar 5770

Parashat: Ex. 39:22-40:38
Maftir: Ex. 12:1-20
Haftarah: Ezekiel 45:16-46:18

83: Ki Tissa: In The Shadows

Sun, 7 Mar 2010 09:15:43 -0500

The recent achievements of the Winter Olympians, the story of Betsalel, and the tradition of thriving in the shadows.

Parashat Ki Tissa (Shabbat Parah)
March 6, 2010 / 20 Adar 5770

Parashat: Ex. 33:12-34:35
Maftir: Num. 19:1-22
Haftarah: Ezekiel 36:16-36:38

82: Tetzaveh: Avatar - I See You

Mon, 1 Mar 2010 01:24:24 -0500

Important messages from popular science fiction movies, including the most recent hit Avatar: the importance of seeing people for who they really are.

Parashat Tetzaveh (Shabbat Zakhor)
February 27, 2010 / 13 Adar 5770

Parashat: Ex. 29:19-30:10
Maftir: Deut. 25:17-19
Haftarah: 1 Samuel 15:2 - 15:34

81: Terumah: Individuality and Community

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 23:46:05 -0500

How the good old days weren't good for some, and how a better future can be found in a community of individuals.

Parashat Terumah
February 20, 2010 / 6 Adar 5770

Parashat: Exodus 26:31-27:19
Haftarah: 1 Kings 5:26-613

80: Beshalach: Tu B'Shevat and Avatar

Fri, 5 Feb 2010 06:13:55 -0500

How Tu B'Shevat and Avatar remind us of our connections to each other and nature.

January 30, 2010 / 15 Shevat 5770

Parashat: Ex. 14:26-17:16
Haftarah: Judges 4:4-5:31; 5:1-31

79: Bo: Imagine

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:44:52 -0500

The power of imagination, the danger of losing it, and why it's needed now.

"Imagine" by John Lennon

Parashat Bo
January 23, 2010 / 8 Shevat 5770

Parashat: Exodus 12:29-13:16
Haftarah: Jeremiah 46:13-28

78: Shemot: Inspiration

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:29:04 -0500

Materialism and its impact on inspiration.

Parashat Shemot
January 9, 2010 / 23 Tevet 5770

Parashat: Ex. 4:18-6:1
Haftarah: Isaiah 27:6-28:13, 29:22-23

77: Vayeitzei: Family Drama

Tue, 1 Dec 2009 05:04:40 -0500

How the life of Jacob/Israel provides the distinction between positive and negative family drama.

Parashat Vayeitzei
November 28, 2009 / 11 Kislev 5770

Parashat: Genesis 31:17 - 32:3
Haftarah: Hosea 12:13 - 14:10

76: Chayei Sarah: Seeking Converts

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:48:04 -0500

The taboo and the truth of seeking converts to Judaism.

Parashat Hayyei Sarah
November 14, 2009 / 28 Heshvan 5770

Parashat: Gen. 24:53 - 25:18
Haftarah: I Kings 1:1-31

75: Vayera: Tzaddik In A Fur Coat

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 16:57:33 -0500

The difference between being holy and being righteous.

Parashat Vayera
November 7, 2009 / 20 Heshvan 5770

Parashat: Gen. 21:1-22:24
Haftarah: II Kings 4:1-37

74: Lekh L'kha: 10,000 Hours

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 06:42:22 -0500

The difference between Abraham and Lot, and how putting in the time can lead to success.

Parashat Lekh Lekha
October 31, 2009 / 13 Heshvan 5770

Parashat: Gen. 16:1-17:27
Haftarah: Isaiah 40:27 - 41:16

73: Noah: Good Enough

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:45:35 -0400

The mistaken all-or-nothing attitude when it comes to religion.

Parashat Noah
October 24, 2009 / 6 Heshvan 5770

Parashat: Gen. 11:1-11:32
Haftarah: Isaiah 54:1 - 54:10

72: Bereishit: Plane Crashes and Communication

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:44:36 -0400

How Hollywood hype makes the improbable events seem common, and how communication can overcome disasters from happening in our lives.

Parashat Bereishit
October 17, 2009 / 29 Tishrei 5770

Parashat: Gen. 5:1 - 6:8
Machar Chodesh Haftarah: I Samuel 20:18 - 42

71: Yom Kippur: Crisis Into Opportunity

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:42:45 -0400

Yom Kippur, High Holiday Services, 5770

For Yom Kippur, Rabbi B discusses how crisis can bring about great accomplishments.

70: Kol Nidrei: Hineini

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:42:28 -0400

Kol Nidrei, High Holiday Services, 5770

For Kol Nidrei, Rabbi B discusses the need to be there for others, just as others have been there for us.

69: Rosh Hashana Day 2: The Mistaken Sacrifice of Our Families

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:15:41 -0400

Rosh Hashanah, Day 2, High Holiday Services, 5770

How the Akedah (the binding of Isaac) takes place even today when we put other things before family.

Parashat: Genesis 22: 1-19

68: Rosh Hashana Day 1: Becoming Warrior Jews

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:15:22 -0400

Rosh Hashanah, Day 1, High Holiday Services, 5770

How anti-semitism is continuing to flourish, and the call to stand up and become Warrior Jews.

67: Erev Rosh Hashana: Facing The Void

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:15:00 -0400

Erev Rosh Hashanah, High Holiday Services, 5770

Why we return to participate in the High Holidays

66: Judaism and the High Holidays 101

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:13:29 -0400

An interview with Rabbi B discussing the High Holidays and other questions people have about Judaism.

Interview Aired on Psychic Radio 9/18/2009: http://psychiconair.com/

65: Nitzavim-Vayelekh: Remarkable

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:12:14 -0400

Why being a leader means being remarkable

Parashat Nitzavim-Vayelekh - Selihot
September 12, 2009 - 23 Elul 5769

Parashat: Deuteronomy 30:1 - 31:6
Haftarah: Isaiah 61:10 - 63:9

64: Psalm 145: Soul Of The Psalms

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 08:04:25 -0400

The story of David, how Psalm 145 is an important blueprint for Jews, and how our actions make us good.

63: Nitzavim: Stand Up, North Shore Jewish Community

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 01:00:52 -0400

The importance of the covenant between God and the Jewish people, and the realization that we’re all in this together.

The Jewish Journal Of The North Shore: http://www.jewishjournal.org/index.php/story/news_features/community_leaders_respond_to_sloane_report/

Parashat Nitzavim-Vayelekh - Selihot
September 12, 2009 - 23 Elul 5769

Parashat: Deuteronomy 30:1 - 31:6
Haftarah: Isaiah 61:10 - 63:9

62: Ki Tavo: Thoughtful Religion

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:31:19 -0400

The perils of biblical literalism and the need to think about the religion we practice.

The Creation Museum: http://creationmuseum.org/

Parashat Ki Tavo
September 5, 2009 - 16 Elul 5769

Parashat: Deuteronomy 26:12 - 28:6
Haftarah: Isaiah 60:1 - 22

61: B'ha'lotekha: Anger In The Face Of Antisemitism

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:13:41 -0400

Recent anti-semitic events, and why anger is the righteous response.

Parashat B'ha'lotekha
June 13, 2009 - 21 Sivan 5769

Parashat: Numbers 9:15 - 10:34
Haftarah: Zekhariah 2:14 - 4:7

60: Naso: Re-membering The Tribe

Sun, 7 Jun 2009 17:11:35 -0400

The importance of community to Jews, and being a member of the tribe.

Parashat Naso
June 6, 2009 - 14 Sivan 5769

Parashat: Numbers 5:11 - 6:27
Haftarah: Judges 13:2 - 25

59: B'midbar: Finding God In The Desert

Sun, 24 May 2009 17:13:36 -0400

The need to inspire, recent events that have challenged us, and how to come back from tragedy.

Parashat B’midbar - Birkat HaHodesh
May 23, 2009 - 29 Iyar 5769

Parashat: Numbers 2:1 - 3:13
Haftarah: I Samuel 20:18 - 42

58: Behar-Behukotai: The Dip: Leaning In

Sun, 17 May 2009 17:12:45 -0400

Why quitting is important, and knowing when to NOT quit.

The Dip: http://www.amazon.com/Dip-Little-Book-Teaches-Stick/dp/1591841666/

Parashiot Behar-Behukotai
May 16, 2009 - 22 Iyar 5769

Parashat: Leviticus 25:39 - 26:46
Haftarah: Jeremiah 16:19 - 17:14

57: Emor: The Dip: Quiting

Sun, 10 May 2009 17:12:11 -0400

Why quitting is important, and knowing when to quit.

The Dip: http://www.amazon.com/Dip-Little-Book-Teaches-Stick/dp/1591841666/

Parashat Emor
May 9, 2009 - 15 Iyar 5769

Parashat: Leviticus 22:17 - 23:22
Haftarah: Ezekiel 44:15 - 31

56: Kedoshim: Serving Israel

Sun, 3 May 2009 17:10:57 -0400

Living with regrets, holy communication, the uniqueness of the Jewish covenant, and the importance of serving Israel.

Parashat Aharey Mot-Kedoshim May 2, 2009 - 8 Iyar 5769
Parashat: Leviticus 17:8 - 19:14
Haftarah: Amos 9:7 - 15

55: Tazria: Standing In The Fire

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 17:10:06 -0400

How Torah satisfies our love and need for heroes.

Parashiot Tazria-Metzora - Rosh Hodesh Iyar
April 25, 2009

Parashat: Leviticus 13:40 - 14:32
Maftir: Numbers 28:9 - 15
Haftarah: Isaiah 66:1 - 24, 66:23

54: Shemini: Taxes and Truth

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 17:09:06 -0400

Our ability to rationalize anything, and the need to be honest with ourselves.

Parashat Shemini - Birkat HaHodesh
April 18, 2009 - 24 Nisan 5769

Parashat: Leviticus 10:12 - 11:32
Haftarah: II Samuel 6:1 - 7:17

53: Tzav: A Soyfull Passover

Sun, 5 Apr 2009 17:08:30 -0400

How the Jewish relationship to food is indicative of the health of Jewish life, and the truth behind kitniyot.

Parashat Tzav - Shabbat HaGadol
April 4, 2009 - 10 Nisan 5769

Parashat: Leviticus 7:11 - 7:38
Haftarah: Malakhi 3:4 - 24; 3:23

52: Vayakhel-Pekudei: Rest Or Die

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 17:07:41 -0400

Our rushing, what the Torah has to say about it, and the need to stop and listen.

The Joshua Bell Experiment: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040401721.html
Super Size Me: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0390521/

Parashiot Vayakhel-Pekudei - Birkat HaHodesh - Shabbat HaHodesh
March 21, 2009 - 25 Adar 5769

Parashat: Ex. 37:17 - 39:21
Maftir: Ex. 12:1 - 20
Haftarah: Ezekiel 45:16 - 46:18

51: Ki Tissa: The Role Of Dues

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 17:06:59 -0400

The changing face and structure of Jewish communities in the light of the economy.

Jewish Federation of the North Shore: http://www.jewishnorthshore.org/
Chabad: http://www.chabad.org/

Parashat Ki Tissa - Shabbat Parah
March 14, 2009 - 18 Adar 5769

Parashat: Ex. 31:18 - 33:11
Maftir: Numbers 19:1 - 22
Haftarah: Ezekiel 36:16 - 38

50: Terumah: Dues Versus Inspired Giving

Sun, 1 Mar 2009 17:06:03 -0400

How our congregation has challenged the model of the modern synagogue (and succeeded) and how our congregation needs to re-think the issue of dues.

STAR: http://www.starsynagogue.org/
Jewish Family Service of the North Shore: http://www.jfsns.org/

Parashat Terumah
February 28, 2009 - 4 Adar 5769

Parashat: Ex. 26:1 - 26:30
Haftarah: I Kings 5:26 - 6:13

49: B'Shalah: Danger For Our Kids and the Jewish North Shore's Response

Sun, 8 Feb 2009 17:05:02 -0400

How adversity has caused us to re-think the boundaries we have established in our synagogues, communities, and organizations. The Rabbi explains our new efforts should be focused on something we all care about, our children.

Cohen Hillel Academy: http://www.cohenhillel.org/

Parashat B’shalah - Shabbat Shirah
February 7, 2009 - 13 Shevat 5769

Parashat: Ex. 14:15 - 16:10
Haftarah: Judges 4:4 - 5:31

48: Vaera: Hopeism To Activism

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 17:04:19 -0400

Our nation’s need for hope, the inauguration of President Barack Obama, and the necessity to turn our hope into action.

Parashat Vaera - Birkat HaHodesh
January 24, 2009 - 28 Tevet 5769

Parashat: Ex. 7:8 - 8:15
Haftarah: Ezekiel 28:25 - 29:21

47: Sh'mot: I Am Here

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 17:03:46 -0400

How much of our lives are on auto-pilot, our ability to bring forth good things from despair, and how we need to be there for the people in our lives.

Parashat Sh’mot
January 17, 2009 - 21 Tevet 5769

Parashat: Exodus 3:1-4:17
Haftarah: Isaiah 27:6 - 28:13; 29:22-23

46: Vayehi: I Believe In Superheroes

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 17:02:45 -0400

Recent developments in Israel (Operation Cast Lead), and the need for superheroes.

Parashat Vayehi - Hazak Shabbat
January 10, 2009 - 14 Tevet 5769

Parashat: Genesis 49:1 - 49:26
Haftarah: I Kings 2:1 - 12

45: Vayigash: Lost Luggage and Letting Go

Sun, 4 Jan 2009 17:01:30 -0400

Rabbi B's recent vacation, the winter Nor'easter, and our need to control.

Parashat Vayigash
January 3, 2009 - 7 Tevet 5769

Parashat: Genesis 45:28-46:27
Haftarah: Ezekiel 37:15 - 28

44: Vayeshev: Life After The Madoff Scandal

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 17:00:15 -0400

The differences and blessings of Jewish communities, wherever they reside. The importance of taking moments of adversity re-invent ourselves.

Rick Recht Web Site: http://www.rickrecht.com/
Robert I. Lappin Charitable Foundation: http://www.rilcf.org/

Parashat Vayeshev - Birkat HaHodesh
December 20, 2008 - 23 Kislev 5769

Parashat: Genesis 38:1 - 38:30
Haftarah: Amos 2:6 - 3:8

43: Vayishlah: The 10,000 Hour Principle

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 16:58:15 -0400

The importance of effort, and how the 10,000 hour principle teaches us that focused effort can turn us into masters.

Outliers: The Story Of Success: http://www.amazon.com/Outliers-Story-Success-Malcolm-Gladwell/dp/0316017922/

Parashat Vayishlah
December 13, 2008 - 16 Kislev 5769

Parashat: Genesis 34:1-35:15
Haftarah: Obadiah 1:1 - 21

42: Vayetze: The Monkey Mind

Sun, 7 Dec 2008 16:56:35 -0400

Rabbi B's recent retreat to the Garrison Institute For Spirituality, how the pace of modern life causes us to have a Monkey Mind, and how Shabbat can be the cure.

Garrison Institute For Spirituality: http://www.garrisoninstitute.org/
An Undivided Life: http://www.amazon.com/Undivided-Life-Parker-J-Palmer/dp/1591793629/
Outliers: The Story Of Success: http://www.amazon.com/Outliers-Story-Success-Malcolm-Gladwell/dp/0316017922/

Parashat Vayetze
December 6, 2008 - 9 Kislev 5769

Parashat: Genesis 30:14 - 31:16
Haftarah: Hosea 12:13 - 14:10

41: Haye Sarah: A Promise Is A Promise

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 16:54:36 -0400

How acts of loving kindness (chesed) can be used to fix mistakes we make in our life.

A Promise Is A Promise: http://www.amazon.com/Promise-Almost-Unbelievable-Mothers-Unconditional/dp/1561708720/

Parashat Haye Sarah - Birkat HaHodesh
November 22, 2008 - 24 Heshvan 5769

Parashat: Genesis 24:10 - 24:52
Haftarah: I Kings 1:1 - 31

40: Vayera: The Art Of Possibility

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 16:53:59 -0400

Opening our eyes to possibility by welcoming the stranger and practicing radical hospitality.

The Art of Possibility: http://www.amazon.com/Art-Possibility-Transforming-Professional-Personal/dp/0142001104/
The Cantor and the Klansman: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,974903,00.html

Parashat Vayera
November 15, 2008 - 17 Heshvan 5769

Parashat: Genesis 19:1 - 20:18
Haftarah: II Kings 4:1 - 37

39: Lekh L'kha: Obama's Election

Sun, 9 Nov 2008 16:53:11 -0400

How the recent election of Barack Obama as President is a glimmer of hope in a time where our children are raised to be pessimists.

Parashat Lekh L’kha
November 8, 2008 - 10 Heshvan 5769

Parashat: Genesis 14:1 - 15:21
Haftarah: Isaiah 40:27 - 41:16

38: Noah: Imagination and Beginnings Part 2

Sun, 2 Nov 2008 16:52:24 -0400

How the Torah hints at the capacity for humans to imagine.

Parashat Noah
November 1, 2008 - 3 Heshvan 5769

Parashat: Genesis 8:15 - 10:32
Haftarah: Isaiah: 54:1 - 55:5

37: Beresheit: Imagination and Beginnings Part 1

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 16:51:11 -0400

The 2008 presidential election, and how our expectation for production can cause us to lose our imagination.

Parashat Beresheit - Birkat HaHodesh
October 25, 2008 - 26 Tishrei 5769

Parashat: Genesis 2:4 - 4:26
Haftarah: Isaiah 42:5 - 43:10

36: Sukkot: Impossible Standards For Happiness

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 16:50:12 -0400

Impossible standards in the Jewish dating scene and our spiritual pursuits, and how impossible standards affect our happiness.

Shabbat Hol HaMoed Sukkot
October 18, 2008 - 19 Tishrei 5769

Parashat: Exodus 33:12 - 34:26
Maftir: Numbers 29:23 - 28
Haftarah: Ezekiel 38:18- 39:16

35: Ha'azinu: Greed and The Economy

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 16:46:03 -0400

Fearlessness, the importance of the temple in the Torah, and how we have become overly attached to possessions.

Parashat Ha’azinu
October 11, 2008 - 12 Tishrei 5769

Parashat: Deuteronomy 32:1 - 32:52
Haftarah: II Samuel 22:1 - 51

34: Yom Kippur: Fearlessly Facing The Economy and Life

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 16:45:18 -0400

Yom Kippur, High Holiday Services, 5769

For Yom Kippur, Rabbi B talks about fearlessness in light of the economy and what’s happening in the world.

33: Kol Nidrei: The Last Lecture

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 16:43:30 -0400

Kol Nidrei, High Holiday Services, 5769

For Kol Nidrei, Rabbi B discusses the inevitability of death, our fear of it, and our responsibility to those approaching death.

The Last Lecture Web Site: http://www.thelastlecture.com/

32: Vayelekh: Reclaiming Individuality

Sun, 5 Oct 2008 16:42:30 -0400

The need for hope in a time of fear, and the need to claim our individual connection to Judaism.

Parashat Vayelekh - Shabbat Shuvah
October 4, 2008 - 5 Tishrei 5769

Parashat: Deuteronomy 31:1 - 31:30
Haftarah: Hosea 14:2 - 10; Joel 2:15-27; Micah 7:18-20

31: Rosh Hashanah Day 2: Forgive Them Anyways

Sun, 5 Oct 2008 16:40:41 -0400

Rosh Hashanah, Day 2, High Holiday Services, 5769

For the second day of Rosh Hashanah, Rabbi B discusses the recent failings of our political leaders, what we do when we are betrayed, and why we need to forgive.

30: Rosh Hashanah Day 1: Tikun Mishpacha (Fixing Our Family)

Sun, 5 Oct 2008 16:39:09 -0400

Rosh Hashanah, Day 1, High Holiday Services, 5769

For the first day of Rosh Hashanah, Rabbi B discusses a new mispronunciation of his name (Baruch / Barack), fearlessness, the broken nature of our lives, and the need to fix our families.

29: Nitzavim: Mega Shul

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 16:38:08 -0400

Fearlessness, and the future of our growing congregation.

Parashat Nitzavim
September 27, 2008 - 27 Elul 5768

Parashat: Deuteronomy 29:9 - 30:20
Haftarah: Isaiah 61:10 - 63:9

28: Ki Tavo: Blessings and The Economy

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 16:36:54 -0400

Rabbi B relates the congregation’s capital campaign to the current state of anxiety over what’s to come.

Parashat Ki Tavo - Selihot
September 20, 2008 - 20 Elul 5768

Parashat: Deuteronomy 26:1 - 27:10
Haftarah: Isaiah 60:1 - 22

27: Ki Tetze: What Am I?

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 16:36:16 -0400

What we are, what is real, and why we need more than emotions.

Parashat Ki Tetze
September 13, 2008 - 13 Elul 5768

Parashat: Deuteronomy 21:10 - 23:7
Haftarah: Isaiah 54:1 - 10

26: Shoftim: Own Your Power

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 16:34:58 -0400

The danger of outsourcing our power.

There Is No Messiah and You're It: http://www.amazon.com/There-Messiah-Youre-Transformation-Provocative/dp/1580232558/

Parashat Shoftim
September 6, 2008 - 6 Elul 5768

Parashat: Deuteronomy 16:18 - 18:5
Haftarah: Isaiah 51:12 - 52:12

25: Re'eh: Mindfulness and Eating

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:27:57 -0400

The connections we have to each other, and the Jewish connection to food.

Parashat Re’eh - Birkat HaHodesh
August 30, 2008 - 29 Av 5768

Parashat: Deuteronomy 11:26 - 12:28
Haftarah: Isaiah 54:11 - 55:5

24: Devarim: Resilience

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 16:27:08 -0400

Stories of people who have overcome adversity, and how we should not only survive, but thrive.

Parashat Devarim - Shabbat Hazon
August 9, 2008 - 9 Av 5768

Parashat: Deuteronomy 1:1 - 2:1
Haftarah: Isaiah 1:1 - 27

23: Hukkat: A Loving No

Sun, 6 Jul 2008 16:24:51 -0400

The power of guilt, and the mitzvah of saying no.

Parashat Hukkat
July 5, 2008 - 2 Tammuz 5768

Parashat: Numbers: 19:1 - 20:21
Haftarah: Judges: 11:1 - 33

22: Korah: The Authentic You

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 16:22:48 -0400

The story of Korah, being someone we are not, and reclaiming our authentic self through Torah.

Parashat Korah - Birkat HaHodesh
June 28, 2008 - 25 Sivan 5768

Parashat: Numbers 16:1 - 17:15
Haftarah: I Samuel 11:14 - 12:22

21: Shelah-Lekha: Torah As A Roadmap

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 16:21:51 -0400

Why we should re-claim the Torah as a roadmap for self-help, or at least guidance on what not to do.

Parashat Shelah-Lekha
June 21, 2008 - 18 Sivan 5768

Parashat: Numbers 13:1 - 14:7
Haftarah: Joshua 2:1 - 24

20: B'ha'alotekha: Kosher Bagels and Holy Chutzpah

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 16:20:48 -0400

The recent revocation of Newman’s Bakery’s kosher certification, and the importance of looking at the laws of kosher in a pragmatic manner.

Parashat B’ha’alotekha
June 14, 2008 - 11 Sivan 5768

Parashat: Numbers 8:1 - 9:14
Haftarah: Zekhariah 2:14 - 4:7

19: Naso: Kosher Enough

Sun, 8 Jun 2008 16:20:16 -0400

The recent revocation of Newman’s Bakery’s kosher certification, and the connection between Jews and food.

Parashat Naso
June 7, 2008 - 4 Sivan 5768

Parashat: Numbers 4:21 - 5:10
Haftarah: Judges 13:2 - 25

18: B'midbar: Judaism, Kickball, and Counting

Sun, 1 Jun 2008 16:19:23 -0400

The importance of being counted, and our responsibility to include others.

Parashat B’midbar - Birkat HaHodesh
May 31, 2008 - 26 Iyar 5768

Parashat: Numbers 1:1 - 1:54
Haftarah: Hosea 2:1 - 22

17: B'hukotai: Connections Not Commandments

Sun, 25 May 2008 16:17:39 -0400

How the Torah and Judaism can, even today, help us fix our relationships.

Parashat B'hukotai
May 24, 2008 - 19 Iyar 5768

Parashat: Leviticus 26:3 - 27:15
Haftarah: Jeremiah 16:19 - 17:14

16: Behar: Fearless Judaism

Sun, 18 May 2008 16:16:31 -0400

Fear, and how connections to others and the commandments can help us live fearlessly.

Parashat Behar
May 17, 2008 - 12 Iyar 5768

Parashat: Leviticus 25:1 - 25:38
Haftarah: Jeremiah 32:6 - 27

15: Metzora: The Eternal Problem of Gossip

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 16:14:17 -0400

Gossip (lashon hara), the negative aspect of a close-knit community.

Parashat Metzora
April 12, 2008 - 7 Nisan 5768

Parashat: Leviticus 14:1 - 32
Haftarah: II Kings 7:3 - 20

14: Tazria: Purity of Impurity

Sun, 6 Apr 2008 16:12:10 -0400

In the midst of the presidential election, Rabbi B talks about coming clean and the Torah’s response to impurity.

Parashat Tazria - Birkat HaHodesh - Shabbat HaHodesh
April 5, 2008 - 29 Adar II 5768

Parashat: Leviticus 12:1 - 13:39
Maftir: Exodus 12:1 - 20
Haftarah: Ezekiel 45:16 - 46:18

13: Tzav: Names

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 16:11:06 -0400

Rabbi B shares his thoughts and feelings over his new daughter during her naming.

Parashat Tzav - Shushan Purim
March 22, 2008 - 15 Adar II 5768

Parashat: Leviticus 6:1 - 7:10
Haftarah: Jeremiah 7:21 - 8:3, 9:22 - 23

12: Vayikra: Remember To Remember

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 16:09:39 -0400

The importance of memory in remembering our loved ones and fighting injustice.

Parashat Vayikra - Shabbat Zakhor
March 15, 2008 - 8 Adar II 5768

Parashat: Leviticus 1:1 - 2:16
Maftir: Deuteronomy 25:17 - 19
Haftarah: 1 Samuel 15:2 - 34

11: Pekudei: Holy People, Holy Building Projects

Sun, 9 Mar 2008 16:01:46 -0400

Raising money for a new building and the risk of tearing a community apart.

Parashat Pekudei - Rosh Hodesh Adar II - Shabbat Shekalim
March 8, 2008 - 1 Adar II 5768

Parashat: Ex. 38:21 - 39:21
Maftir: Numbers 28:9-15: Ex. 30:11 - 16
Haftarah: II Kings 12:1 - 17

10: Vayigash: Overcoming Obstacles

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 15:59:54 -0400

Despair, the perpetual negative opinion of youth, and how there is hope.

Parashat Vayigash
December 15, 2007 - 6 Tevet 5768

Parashat: Genesis 44:18 - 45:27
Haftarah: Ezekiel 37:15 - 28

9: Miketz: Overcoming Anger

Sun, 9 Dec 2007 15:58:39 -0400

Relationships, overcoming anger, and the story of Joseph.

Parashat Miketz - Birkat HaHodesh - Shabbat Hanukkah
December 8, 2007 - 28 Kislev 5768

Parashat: Genesis 41:1-41:52
Maftir: Numbers 7:30 - 7:35
Haftarah: Zehariah 2:14 - 4:7

8: Vayeshev: Truth In Your Heart

Sun, 2 Dec 2007 15:53:04 -0400

The importance of personal integrity during your pursuit of Tikun Olam (fixing the world).

The Official Guy In The Glass Web Page: http://www.theguyintheglass.com/

Parashat Vayeshev
December 1, 2007 - 21 Kislev 5768

Parashat: Genesis 37:1 - 37:36
Haftarah: Amos 2:6 - 3:8

7: Vayishlach: Holy Scars

Sun, 25 Nov 2007 15:52:06 -0400

Wrinkles, scars, and pains, and how they cause us to remember our life.

Parashat Vayishlach
November 24, 2007 - 14 Kislev 5768

Parashat: Genesis 32:4 - 33:20
Haftarah: Obadiah 1:1 - 21

6: Sukkot: Control Freaks

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 15:38:48 -0400

Our obsession with control and how the festival of Sukkot reminds us of how little control we have.

Shabbat Hol HaMoed Sukkot
September 29, 2007 - 17 Tishrei 5768

Parshat: Exodus 33:12 - 34:26
Maftir: Numbers 29:17 - 22

Haftarah: Ezekiel 38:18 - 39:16

5: Yom Kippur: Life After Life

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 15:37:26 -0400

Yom Kippur, High Holiday Services, 5768

For Yom Kippur, Rabbi B discusses the feeling of loss in mourning, how our senses can fool us, and the Jewish perspective of the afterlife.

4: Kol Nidrei: The Fire

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 15:36:28 -0400

Kol Nidrei, High Holiday Services, 5768

For Kol Nidrei, Rabbi B talks about his father’s suicide, the process of mourning, and carrying the fire.

Cormac McCarthy, "The Road": http://www.cormacmccarthy.com/works/theroad.htm

3: Rosh Hashanah Day 2: Israel

Sun, 16 Sep 2007 15:35:54 -0400

Rosh Hashanah, Day 2, High Holiday Services, 5768

For the second day of Rosh Hashanah, Rabbi B discusses his experiences with Israel, Zionism, and why supporting Israel is important.

2: Rosh Hashanah Day 1: Building Community

Sun, 16 Sep 2007 15:35:11 -0400

Rosh Hashanah, Day 1, High Holiday Services, 5768

For the first day of Rosh Hashanah, Rabbi B relates his experience with coming from Omaha, Nebraska, the importance of building Jewish community, and the danger of Lashon Hara (language that fragments).

1: Erev Rosh Hashanah: Taking Care of Each Other

Sun, 16 Sep 2007 12:10:30 -0400

Erev Rosh Hashanah, High Holiday Services, 5768

For the evening beginning Rosh Hashanah, Rabbi B discusses how his recent experiences with death and grieving have revealed to him the importance of relationships and community.