The Jerusalem Talmud tells us that Tamar would earnestly pray: “Master of the Universe, let me not go empty from this house!” With Judah withholding that which is owed to her - marriage to his remaining son and the security and children that would flow from that - she is in a state of despair. Overwhelmed with fear and with a longing to fill the emptiness in her heart and womb, she is compelled to enact a risky and potentially fatal plan by disguising herself as a sex worker in order to lie with Judah and conceive the promised child from the House of Jacob. Read more...

One of the reasons I love Hannukah so much is that it invites us to experience each and every day in a robust and interconnected way. Which is to say, each candle both stands on its own but is connected to what was, and what will be. To that end, I offer these eight kavannot(devotional/intentional focus points) as potential pathways to elevate your hannukiah-lighting ceremony each night. Hannukah Sameah! Read more...

The Chernobler Rebbe, the Me'or Aynayim, R' Menachem Nachum of Chernobyl (1930-1797), was looked upon as the youngest student of the Ba'al Shem Tov, the founder of the Chassidic movement. There are even stories of some Chassidic Masters who chose the Chernobler rebbe to be his successor, and not the Maggid of Metzrich (d. 1772). Reb Pichas of Koretz laments that because of the Maggid's appointment he didn't merit to be the disciple of the Chernobler. Read more...

As I re-read this week's Torah portion (the first of four which narrate the story of Joseph and his brother), I was struck anew by the Torah's description of Joseph's journey into slavery. The Torah speaks of the brothers: "And they sat down to eat bread; and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmaelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing gum, balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt." (Genesis 37:25) From there, the story goes on to describe how Judah convinced his brothers not to kill Joseph; rather, to sell him to the passing Ishmaelites. Read more...

This Shabbat, we read the story of Joseph. Imprisoned because of false accusations from Potiphar, Joseph finds himself in the company of the baker and cupbearer. Listening to their dreams, Joseph brings hope and light in moments of darkness and fear. And, as we prepare to celebrate Hanukah in the coming week, I am reminded of story that reminds us, too, of the mandate to bring light into the world for others, especially at this time of darkness. As the story is told, it is a conversation between a rabbi and one particular member of the community Read more...