Hannukah, unlike many other Jewish holidays, is pretty much a one-pony show. There is no Seder, no required festive meal, and no forbidden activities (melakhot). Along with a handful of liturgical additions - the primary ritual of Hannukah is lighting the candles. Read more...

This d'var Torah is dedicated to the memory of our miraculous teacher, rabbi, and visionary leader, Dr. David Lieber z"l. Albert Einstein once famously quipped that, "There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." What a powerful message. The choice, ultimately, is ours. Read more...

Every year, during the Days of Awe, Rabbis urge their congregants to repent of their wrongdoings of the previous year. This process of taking stock in ourselves, of examining our actions and our motivation, and of recognizing and regretting where we have gone astray is called teshuvah in Hebrew, repentance in English. It is the single most important value within rabbinic Judaism, the key to the entire system of mitzvot (commandments). Small wonder, then, that our holiest days are devoted to its pursuit. Read more...

Several years ago, I visited a friend's apartment for the first time.  On her bathroom mirror, she had a cute, little plague which read: 'Mirror, mirror on the wall, Oh my god, I'm my mother after all.'  Funny - but because of how right it is or how wrong it is? Read more...

Human life is fleeting. We are born, we age, we busy ourselves and we die. Viewed from the perspective of biology and materialism, our frenetic pace simply provides distraction before an inevitable doom. In that constricted space, our hearts yearn for something more – something significant and beautiful that can give life meaning and hope. Our lives are made full by our dreams.   Read more...