By Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields
Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah bring the cycle of the chagim, holidays, to a quiet yet climactic conclusion. After the outward joy of Sukkot, the Torah invites us to...
By Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields
Sukkot is called Zman Simchateinu, the season of our joy, yet it is also a time of vulnerability. We leave the stability of our homes and dwell in a sukkah with fragile...
By Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields
Shabbat Shuvah, the Shabbat of return between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, sits at a moment of intense spiritual listening and reflection. It takes its name from Shuvah...
By Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields
One of the most powerful phrases in the Rosh Hashanah liturgy is “Shema Koleinu” — “Hear our voice.” We ask God not merely to hear our words, but to listen deeply to the...
By Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields
In Parashat Nitzavim-Vayeilech, Moses gathers the entire people—“you are all standing today”—and prepares them for a future without him. He emphasizes both continuity and...
By Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields
In Parashat Ki Tavo, the Torah describes the dramatic moment of bringing the bikkurim—the first fruits—to the Temple. The farmer does not simply drop off produce; instead,...
By Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields
In Parashat Ki Teitzei, the Torah presents a wide range of laws governing everyday life—how we treat others, how we respond to loss, how we act in business, and how we...
By Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields
In Parashat Shoftim, the Torah establishes a system of justice designed to create a fair and orderly society. Judges and officers are appointed “in all your gates,” emphasizing...
By Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields
In our Torah Reading this week, Parashat Re’eh, we are presented with a powerful choice: “See, I set before you today blessing and curse.” The language of seeing is astounding—spiritual...
By Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields
In Parashat Eikev, the Torah emphasizes a reciprocal relationship between action and response: “And it shall be, if you listen (eikev tishme’un)…” Blessing follows attentiveness...
