So That’s What Rabbis Do: A Ra...

Feb 5, 2019 by

So That’s What Rabbis Do: A Rabbinic Student Reflects on a Synagogue’s Fire Response

I dialed the phone number, not knowing exactly what I would say. They answered and I started talking: “Hello, my name is Elana...

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Hero or Imposter? As a Rabbi S...

Dec 28, 2018 by

Hero or Imposter? As a Rabbi Struggles with Post-Fire Trauma

Another week passed, and with it, the ups and downs of caring for a community traumatized by the triple devastations: a synagogue...

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Rabbi’s Disaster To Do List: 1...

Dec 20, 2018 by

Rabbi’s Disaster To Do List: 10 Community-Restoring Actions from the SoCal Fires

Southern California’s Woolsey and Hall fires were not the first, and assuredly won’t be the last disasters that synagogues face. But...

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Blackboards in Pittsburgh

Dec 17, 2018 by

Blackboards in Pittsburgh

For two weeks before Shabbat Chanukah, four black boards with a question at the top and multi-colored chalk in the chalk trays were...

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When the Rabbi Feels Trauma: L...

Dec 3, 2018 by

When the Rabbi Feels Trauma: Lessons from the SoCal Fires

We jumped into the fire, but many of us feel fortunate like we have come out relatively unscathed. Or at least that’s how it might...

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Prayer in the Aftermath of a T...

Feb 21, 2018 by

Prayer in the Aftermath of a Tragedy

Our God and God of all people, God of the Rich and God of the poor. God of the teacher and God of the student. God of the families...

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A Prayer of Gratitude from URJ...

Dec 14, 2017 by

A Prayer of Gratitude from URJ Biennial 2017

Take a moment to be fully grateful for just one thing in your life. That little pause may be enough to change your outlook and your...

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If I Should Meet God

Apr 26, 2016 by

If I Should Meet God

A disciple came to his rabbi and lamented: “Rabbi, I have all these terrible thoughts. I am even afraid to say them. I feel...

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