Rabbi denies ‘secret’ effort to bypass US Jewish groups in dialogue with Israel Report claimed interdenominational group of American rabbis were being enlisted by Israeli envoy Dermer to work around Conservative and Reform leaders at odds with Jerusalem By Eric Cortellessa 8 August 2019, 5:35 am WASHINGTON — The leader of an interdenominational group of …
Message to Confirmation Class of 2019 Something historic and momentous occurred earlier this week in the world of religion. It has nothing to do with the Jews, but is worth mentioning nevertheless. Pope Francis announced a change to the Lord’s Prayer. According to the Gospels, when Jesus’ disciples asked him how they should pray, …
A Civil Rights Mission To the Deep South A civil rights mission with the Jewish Council of Public Affairs took me last week to the places where the struggle for civil rights was fought in the 1950’s and ‘60’s. When we hear Pittsburgh, Poway, or New Zealand we immediately think of the …
Yiddish: A Love Story There once was a world. The world was inhabited by illustrative characters and imaginative figures. It was a world where the inhabitants insulated themselves from the hostile environment that surrounded them. Their isolation served to protect them, while many often longed to enter and be a part of the very same …
Aipac Policy Conference: An Objective Perspective Each spring thousands of people gather in our nation’s capital to attend one of the largest, if not the largest grass roots lobbying organization’s policy conference. Although I have regularly attended the Aipac policy conference ever since I was a rabbi in Bowie in the 1980’s, …
About Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and her Comments – A Sermon for Shabbat Zachor I preface my sermon this morning with an unequivocal condemnation of the horrific act of terror and violence at the mosques in New Zealand yesterday. Just as we Jews took great comfort and solace in the solidarity expressed on behalf …
This past Shabbat we were privileged as a congregational community to celebrate the bat mitzvah of Leah Sachs. Leah’s accomplishment overcoming her challenges is a tribute to her determination, hard work and perseverance, as well as to the abiding faith and love of her parents and family. It could not have happened without the support …
The Sign that We Are Still in Business: Parashat VaYakhel Since this is my first Shabbat back from a three month mini-sabbatical I hope I remember how to do this. In the grand scheme of things three months is not that long a period of time – but the respite from my …
FEBRUARY 6, 2019 BY JARED FORETEK At a prayer service for Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan’s (R) inauguration on Jan. 16, Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt, of Congregation B’nai Tzedek in Potomac said the five essential components for a good leader are Humility, Openness, Good judgment, Audacity and a Nurturing spirit. They spell HOGAN, Weinblatt said. Photo provided.
Prayer Service for Governor Hogan Inauguration January 16, 2019 We gather together today for a wonderful tradition, the inauguration ceremony for Governor Larry Hogan. An inauguration is a celebration: a celebration of our democracy and of the democratic process. It is a celebration of both a new beginning, while also celebrating continuity. Being elected by …