Blogs

Dear TBD Family,

In addition to the superlative writing of Rebecca Abbate, who shares the privilege of contributing Shabbat-to-Shabbat messages with me, this page affords the opportunity for other members of our synagogue to write a weekly D’var Torah or reflection.  Elaine Shapiro, one of the chairs of Adult Education, contributes her piece this week.  I hope you’ll...Read more...

Ten days ago, the Central Conference of American Rabbis – a national organization for Reform Rabbis and the principles our movement holds dear – issued the following statement.  It feels important to share with our Jewish community as we grapple not only with the multiple facets of our identities, but also with frightening, unprecedented times.  In a world that seems to be spinning faster and faster, my...Read more...

Last weekend, millions of Americans took to the streets, assembled around this unapologetic rallying cry. In that simple message, one can find a myriad of pressing concerns: attacks on freedom of speech and of the press, massive federal layoffs, sweeping cuts across the government and environmental policies with potentially catastrophic consequences around the globe, tariffs poised to cripple the...Read more...

On the streets of Paris over the past few weeks, I have been studying different vestments: bright red stockings with matching heels, an orange overcoat with navy beret and boots, above-the-ankle ripped jeans topped casually with silk or cashmere. And that’s without mentioning the accessories and the perfumes! It may not be Fashion Week, but I am nonetheless surrounded by the trappings of...Read more...

Some of you have heard me quote the keenly missed HBO series “Six Feet Under” before.  It hardly matters that the last episode aired nearly twenty years ago!  For those of us who loved it, its explorations of love and loss, racial and sexual identity, redemption and growth, missed opportunities and fulfillment feel, well… timeless.

There is one scene in particular that will...Read more...