By Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields
Parashat Vaetchanan and Shabbat Nachamu meet at a powerful emotional crossroads. After the devastation recalled on Tisha B’Av, we hear the prophetic call, “Nachamu, nachamu...
By Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields
In Parashat Devarim, Moses begins his final address to the Israelites, retelling their history and preparing them for a future he will not share. Central to his words...
By Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields
In Parashat Matot-Masei, the story of Tzelophechad’s daughters returns as they speak again—this time to ensure their inheritance remains within their tribe. Earlier, they...
By Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields
In Parashat Pinchas, we stand at a turning point. After years of wandering, the generation that left Egypt fades, and new leadership emerges as God instructs Moses to...
By Rabbi Margie Cella
I often ponder the awesome dual nature of water. I only learned how to swim as an adult; I am keenly aware of the danger presented by water for those unable to swim.
I have...
By Rabbi Margie Cella
This week we read the story of a large rebellion against Moses and Aaron. Korach and his followers were Levites, who enjoyed an elevated status in the nation. They had been designated...
By Rabbi Margie Cella
This week we read the story of the twelve spies who went to scout out the land of Canaan before the nation would venture into it. Only two came back with a good report, saying that...
By Rabbi Margie Cella
We read this week of the departure of the nation from Mount Sinai, beginning their journey to Canaan. After camping at the foot of the mountain for two years while they constructed...
by Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields
Parashat Nasso concludes with one of the most beloved passages in the Torah: Birkat Kohanim, the Priestly Blessing. Its final words are, “V’yasem lecha shalom” — “May God...
by Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields
As Shavuot approaches, we prepare once again to stand at Sinai and receive the Torah anew. Yet the blessing we end many prayers with, Oseh Shalom bimromav — “May the One...
