November 2023

Normally, I look ahead to the time period covered by the upcoming Scroll for something to write about. On this occasion, I must address the events of the recent past, and unfolding at present. But words fail. It’s not because there is nothing to say about the terror...

September 2023

Over the High Holy Days, we pass through the threshold of the new year, not only in fact but in focus. During the month of Elul, last of the old year, we focus on the year past, examining our own behavior and character during the year coming to an end, and asking...

June 2023

On the traditional Jewish calendar, summer is the season of tragedy. To the modern ear, this may sound perverse. Summer is the season of vacation! Summer camp! Swimming pools! But there is a cold historical logic underlying this verity: summer is the high season for...

May 2023

In honor of what amounts to the Torah’s birthday on Shavuot, I’d like to take the opportunity to mention some upcoming and ongoing learning opportunities: First, our ongoing “Nach” (Prophets and Writings) class meets Mondays at 4 pm. By the time you read this, we’ll...

March 2023

The spring holiday season is upon us! Though not nearly as concentrated or intense as their fall counterparts, the spring holidays – from Purim in early March this year to Shavuot falling in late May – are easily the busiest such an extended period on the Jewish...