Earlier this year, Temple Israel was added to the New York State Register of Historic Places. This register lists properties significant in the history, architecture, engineering, landscape design, archeology or culture of our state. This listing makes Temple Israel eligible to apply for state tax credits or historic preservation grants. Listing on the register also […]
As the end of our religious school year approaches, my mind always turns to the High Holy Days. The amount of preparation required to get ready for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is astonishing, as anyone on the ritual committee or in the choir can confirm. Cantor and I need to edit and finalize orders […]
Like many of you, Robin and I watched the unfolding wildfire disaster in Los Angeles that began last week with shock and disbelief. Robin and I lived in West Los Angeles for about 20 years before coming to New York and many of the homes and business consumed by the fires were only a short […]
After months of planning and design, this week we finally unveiled the new BRS website – www.brsonline.org We are very proud of its great features including a FAQ section for people who live here, those looking to move and those visiting. We have videos, podcasts, a blog, photo galleries, and much more. We have also […]
Imagine the following scene playing out on CSPAN: On a specific day of the year, the Supreme Court justices together with the member of Congress take copies of the United States Constitution and dance around the floor of the House of Representatives while singing, clapping and lifting the law books high in the air. With […]
Zman simchaseinu, Sukkos as a time of great joy, took on a whole new meaning this year with the announcement that Gilad Shalit will be released in the next few days. After 5 years languishing in a Hamas dungeon in an undisclosed location with absolutely no visits or contact from family, the people of Israel […]
We are living in a time and culture that promote happiness, satisfaction and indulgence. Indeed, we are regularly inundated with messages and marketing such as “obey your thirst,” and “just do it.” In that context it is particularly difficult and onerous to observe a fast and to resist the temptation for food and water for […]
This week, I received an email from one of the many Jewish organizations who have me on their list. The subject line was the usual Rosh Hashana salutation and well wishes. Indeed, the email began in the familiar fashion – “as the year comes to a close, it is natural for each of us to […]
On Thursday morning, together with close to 900 others Rabbis from across denominations, I participated in a pre-Rosh Hashana conference call with the President. As the operator of the call made introductory remarks, I was reminded of a great insight my colleague and good friend, Rabbi Gibber shared with me following last year’s call of […]
