A Message About Legacy
| Author | |
| Date Added | |
| Automatically create summary | |
| Summary |
A Message About Legacy
By David Ginsburg
Rosh HaShanah 5781
Saturday, September 19, 2020
Dear Fellow congregants, visitors and guests,
You must be thinking about now, ”Why is David up here now? He isn’t the president anymore.” And you are right. I am the past president, having served Agudath Achim for two...Read more...
"I Didn't Know" Is Not Enough
| Author | |
| Date Added | |
| Automatically create summary | |
| Summary |
"I Didn't Know" Is Not Enough
Rosh HaShanah 5781
Saturday, September 19, 2020
“When I made that comment earlier, I had no idea it would hurt your feelings.” How many wrongdoings have each of us personally committed in the past year that ended with, “I didn’t know. If I had known, I never would have...”? How about those...Read more...
An Alternate Hineni for 5781
| Author | |
| Date Added | |
| Automatically create summary | |
| Summary |
An Alternate Hineni for 5781
Rosh HaShanah 5781
Saturday, September 19, 2020
“Here I stand, impoverished in merit, trembling in the presence of the One who hears the prayers of Israel. Even though I am unfit and unworthy for the task, I come to represent Your people Israel and plead on their behalf. Therefore, gracious and...Read more...
Honor and Dignity for Workers on Labor Day
| Author | |
| Date Added | |
| Automatically create summary | |
| Summary |
Honor and Dignity for Workers on Labor Day
Parshat Ki Tavo, 5780
Saturday, September 5, 2020
In 1894, President Grover Cleveland followed the examples of Oregon, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York and declared the first Monday of September Labor Day, in celebration of those...Read more...
Preparing for the Al Chets—Embracing Teshuvah Before the High Holy Days
| Author | |
| Date Added | |
| Automatically create summary | |
| Summary |
Preparing for the Al Chets—Embracing Teshuvah Before the High Holy Days
Parshat Ki Tavo, 5780
Saturday, September 5, 2020
I ended my d’var Torah last week with the mention of one of my favorite parts of the High Holy Day liturgy, the Al Chet’s....Read more...
Please, Sweat the Small Stuff
| Author | |
| Date Added | |
| Automatically create summary | |
| Summary |
Please, Sweat the Small Stuff
Parshat Ki Teitzei, 5780
Saturday, August 29, 2020
When I was little, my parents kept a book in their bathroom, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, And It’s All Small Stuff. When I am picking something to wear or eat for breakfast or a salutation in an...Read more...
Place for Yourself Judges and Officials—The President and His Retinue
| Author | |
| Date Added | |
| Automatically create summary | |
| Summary |
Place for Yourself Judges and Officials—The President and His Retinue
Parshat Shoftim, 5780
Saturday, August 22, 2020
The Democratic National Convention just finished its four evenings of presentation, and the Republican National Convention will begin its...Read more...
Bringing Redemption Through Naming
| Author | |
| Date Added | |
| Automatically create summary | |
| Summary |
Bringing Redemption Through Naming
Parshat Eikev, 5780
Saturday, August 8, 2020
You built or bought a home with the efforts of your own two hands. You studied for years to gain your wisdom and expertise. You raised a family, and now, your children and grandchildren live across the country, maybe even...Read more...
The Big Ten: Distinctly Intuitive, Distinctly Influential
| Author | |
| Date Added | |
| Automatically create summary | |
| Summary |
The Big Ten: Distinctly Intuitive, Distinctly Influential
Parshat Va'et'hanan, 5780
Saturday, August 1, 2020
When I ask a child how many commandments exist in the Jewish tradition, what number do you think I hear most? (10!) When we think about commandments, the...Read more...
A Meditation on Words
| Author | |
| Date Added | |
| Automatically create summary | |
| Summary |
A Meditation on Words
Parshat D'varim, 5780
Saturday, July 25, 2020
Starting tomorrow morning, we’ll be embarking on our journey through the book of Devarim, Deuteronomy. The Hebrew word Devarim literally means “words,” but it can more deeply mean things, matters, or stuff. Judaism is a...Read more...
Tisha B'Av and Combating Wanton Hatred
| Author | |
| Date Added | |
| Automatically create summary | |
| Summary |
Tisha B'Av and Combating Wanton Hatred
Parshat D'Varim, 5780
Saturday, July 25, 2020
Tisha B’Av, the most devastating day of the Jewish calendar, begins this Wednesday evening and proceeds through Thursday night. Tisha B’Av acts as the symbolic date for one particular event in...Read more...
Promises and the Exercise of Trust
| Author | |
| Date Added | |
| Automatically create summary | |
| Summary |
Promises and the Exercise of Trust
Parshat Matot-Masei, 5780
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Around this time of year, as I start writing outlines for the High Holy Days and brainstorming what I will teach, I start thinking about my own personal bits ofteshuvah, my own personal goals for the...Read more...
Tricky Texts and Kubler-Ross' Five Stages
| Author | |
| Date Added | |
| Automatically create summary | |
| Summary |
Tricky Texts and Kubler-Ross' Five Stages
Parshat Matot-Masei, 5780
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Take a moment and think about a text in Torah or Talmud that really makes you upset, angry, embarrassed, or sad… Raise your hand if you can think of a story or tradition that fits that...Read more...
How NOT To Talk About the Holocaust
| Author | |
| Date Added | |
| Automatically create summary | |
| Summary |
How NOT to Talk About the Holocaust
Parshat Pinhas, 5780
Saturday, July 11, 2020
For those who attended our service on Saturday morning last week, I appreciated your cooperation in wearing face masks to our building and in keeping your physical distance so that we could connect socially and...Read more...
I Am Angry. Is That Okay?
| Author | |
| Date Added | |
| Automatically create summary | |
| Summary |
I Am Angry. Is That Okay?
Parshat Pinhas, 5780
Saturday, July 11, 2020
I certainly still possess my fair share of naivete, but when I was younger and even more naive, I believed that anger was a useless emotion; its only purpose was to spark violence and hurt. And yet, as I followed the news, as I...Read more...
A Psalm from the Depths—Of the Sons of Korach
| Author | |
| Date Added | |
| Automatically create summary | |
| Summary |
A Psalm from the Depths—Of the Sons of Korach
Parshat Korah, 5780
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Korah’s sons are often seen in the Rabbinic tradition as beacons of repentance, piety, and wisdom. In this week’s parashah, these sons are swallowed into the earth for associating with...Read more...
Kohanim, Leviim, and Modern Sacred Space
| Author | |
| Date Added | |
| Automatically create summary | |
| Summary |
Kohanim, Leviim, and Modern Sacred Space
Parshat Korah, 5780
Saturday, June 27, 2020
In our modern worship, we no longer bring animal sacrifices; instead, we pray. We no longer give tithes to one central tabernacle or Temple; instead, we pay dues to our local synagogues. In days of old,...Read more...
The Mitzvah of Displaying Our Judaism
| Author | |
| Date Added | |
| Automatically create summary | |
| Summary |
The Mitzvah of Displaying Our Judaism
Parshat Sh'lah, 5780
Saturday, June 20, 2020
Ever since I’ve known my bearded, kippah and tzitzit-wearing husband, I’ve seen him stopped and questioned about Judaism constantly. In Shreveport, that tends to happen a lot more often. On a hike,...Read more...
Communal Sacrifice for Communal Wrongdoing
| Author | |
| Date Added | |
| Automatically create summary | |
| Summary |
Communal Sacrifice for Communal Wrongdoing
Parshat Sh'lah, 5780
Saturday, June 20, 2020
In reflection on this Juneteenth, a few of us were speaking earlier today about experiences we had and the injustices we witnessed when we were younger that make us feel ashamed or guilty now. We spoke...Read more...
Back to Normal?
| Author | |
| Date Added | |
| Automatically create summary | |
| Summary |
Back to Normal?
Parshat B'ha'alotkha, 5780
Saturday, June 13, 2020
Lately, I’ve heard a lot of “I can’t wait for everything to get back to normal.” Way back in February, we could hug each other in public, we could go shopping without any thoughts of face masks or hand sanitizer, and we could attend...Read more...
I Miss This—A Blessing
| Author | |
| Date Added | |
| Automatically create summary | |
| Summary |
I Miss This—A Blessing
Parshat B'ha'alothka, 5780
Saturday, June 13, 2020
I miss this moment in the service…
Va-y'hi binsoa ha-aron, vayomer Moshe...
And the bittersweet moment after the Torah reading, when as we put the Torah away we mumble…
Uvnuho yomar, shuvah...Read more...
Pursuing Justice Through Knowing My Neighbor
| Author | |
| Date Added | |
| Automatically create summary | |
| Summary |
Pursuing Justice Through Knowing My Neighbor
Parshat Naso, 5780
Saturday, June 6, 2020
Yesterday afternoon, during an interfaith Zoom call with clergy from all over the state, I found myself in a breakout session with three African American pastors, one in Baton Rouge and two in New Orleans....Read more...
Y'varekhekha—May God Bless You and Protect You
| Author | |
| Date Added | |
| Automatically create summary | |
| Summary |
Y'varekhekha—May God Bless You and Protect You
Parshat Naso, 5780
Saturday, June 6, 2020
It’s been a hard week, and for good reason. We are still in the midst of a pandemic. We have seen protests and riots across the country, based in the real suffering that so many people face on a...Read more...
Moderation and Compassion: A Jewish Ethic of Buying and Selling
| Author | |
| Date Added | |
| Automatically create summary | |
| Summary |
Moderation and Compassion: A Jewish Ethic of Buying and Selling
Parshat B'har-B'hukotai, 5780
Saturday, May 16, 2020
Every year, on the Friday before ordination at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, one of our deans teaches a notoriously lengthy...Read more...
Hukim u'Mishpatim—Laws of Ritual and Compassion
| Author | |
| Date Added | |
| Automatically create summary | |
| Summary |
Hukim u'Mishpatim—Laws of Ritual and Compassion
Parshat Emor, 5780
Saturday, May 9, 2020
For those who have been learning with me on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings, we have been studying a lot of what are traditionally called hukim, ritual laws and practices. On Wednesday...Read more...
You Shall Be Holy—You Are a Worthwhile Person
| Author | |
| Date Added | |
| Automatically create summary | |
| Summary |
You Shall Be Holy—You Are a Worthwhile Person
Parshat Aharei Mot-K'doshim, 5780
Saturday, May 2, 2020
On my first day of orientation at Swarthmore College, all of the incoming freshmen were gathered into the auditorium to watch a little play that ended...Read more...
Gradual, Intentional Healing
| Author | |
| Date Added | |
| Automatically create summary | |
| Summary |
Gradual, Intentional Healing
Parshat Tazria-M'tzora, 5780
Saturday, April 25, 2020
It took me a long time to send Jackquie information for the May calendar. I wanted so badly to write in Shabbat services on Friday nights and Saturday mornings at the synagogue. I wanted so badly to...Read more...
Eat, Savor, and Bless
| Author | |
| Date Added | |
| Automatically create summary | |
| Summary |
Eat, Savor, and Bless
Parshat Sh'mini, 5780
Saturday, April 18, 2020
On April 15, the New York Times featured an article entitled “Eating is Weird Now. Here’s How to (Kind Of) Get Back to Normal.” For many of us, both staying home throughout the day and the stress caused by going to work in a time of...Read more...
A Passover Different from All Other Passovers
| Author | |
| Date Added | |
| Automatically create summary | |
| Summary |
A Passover Different from All Other Passovers
Parshat Tzav, 5780
Saturday, April 4, 2020
This year, I have heard too many people say, “I think I am just giving up on the Passover seder.” There is so much to worry about already, and the border to Texas, where I can buy my Passover cake mix...Read more...
A Time for Keeping Shabbat
| Author | |
| Date Added | |
| Automatically create summary | |
| Summary |
A Time for Keeping Shabbat
Parshat Vayak'heil-P'kudei, 5780
Saturday, March 21, 2020
A midrash teaches that each day of the week was created with a partner. Sunday had Monday, Tuesday had Wednesday, and Thursday had Friday, but then, Shabbat was all alone. As Shabbat was crying in...Read more...
Wed, May 15 2024
7 Iyyar 5784
Rabbi's Sermons
Genesis
- Parshat Bereshit: Oct. 26, 2019, October 1, 2021, October 2, 2021
- Parshat Noah: Nov. 2, 2019, October 8, 2021, Oct. 29, 2022
- Parshat Lekh-L'kha: Nov. 9, 2019, Oct. 31, 2020, Oct. 31, 2020 - Part 2, Oct. 15, 2021
- Parshat Vayeira: Nov. 16, 2019, Nov. 7, 2020, Nov. 7, 2020 - Part 2, Oct. 22, 2021, Oct. 23, 2021
- Parshat Hayei Sara: Nov. 14, 2020, Oct. 30, 2021
- Parshat Toldot: Nov. 30, 2019, Nov. 21, 2020, Nov. 6, 2021
- Parshat Vayeitzei: Nov. 28, 2020, Nov. 13, 2021
- Parshat Vayishlah: Dec. 14, 2019 , Dec. 5, 2020, November 20, 2021
- Parshat Vayeisheiv: Dec. 12, 2020, Nov. 27, 2021
- Parshat Miketz: Dec. 4, 2021
- Parshat Vayigash: Jan. 4, 2020, Dec. 26, 2020, Dec. 11, 2021
- Parshat Vay'hi: Jan. 11, 2020, Jan. 2, 2021
Exodus
- Parshat Sh'mot: Jan. 18, 2020, Jan. 18, 2020 - Part 2, Jan. 9, 2021
- Parshat Va'eira: Jan. 25, 2021
- Parshat Bo: Feb. 1, 2020, Jan. 23, 2021
- Parshat B'shalah: Jan. 30, 2021, Jan. 15, 2022, Feb. 3, 2023, Feb.4, 2023
- Parshat Yitro: Feb. 15, 2020, Feb. 6, 2021, Feb. 6, 2021, Feb. 21, 2022, Feb. 22, 2022
- Parshat Mishpatim: Feb. 22, 2020, Feb. 18, 2023
- Parshat T'rumah: Feb. 29, 2020, Feb. 29, 2020 - Part 2, Feb. 20, 2021, Feb. 4, 2022, Feb. 5, 2022, Feb. 25, 2023
- Parshat T'tzaveh: March 7, 2020, Feb. 27, 2021, Feb. 12, 2022, Feb. 11, 2022
- Parshat Ki Tisa: March 14, 2020, March 6, 2021, February 19, 2022
- Parshot Vayak'heil-P'kudei: March 21, 2020, March 13, 2021, February 26, 2022, March 18, 2023
Leviticus
- Parshat Vayikra: March 20, 2021, March 11, 2022, March 24, 2023, March 25, 2023
- Parshat Tzav: April 4, 2020, March 27, 2021, March 19, 2022
- Parshat Sh'mini: April 18, 2020
- Parshot Tazria-Metzora: April 25, 2020, April 17, 2021, April 2, 2022 April 20, 2024
- Parshot Achrei Mot-Kedoshim: May 2, 2020, April 24, 2021, May 7, 2022
- Emor: May 9, 2020, May 1, 2021, May 13, 2022, May 14, 2022, May 6, 2023
- Parshot B'har-B'hukotai: May 8, 2019, May 16, 2020, May 7, 2021, May 21, 2022, May 28, 2022
Numbers
- Parshat Bamidbar: May 15, 2021, May 20, 2023
- Parshat Nasso: June 6, 2020, June 6, 2020 - Part 2, May 22, 2021, June 10, 2022, June 2, 2023
- Parshat B'ha'alotcha: June 13, 2020, June 13, 2020 - Part 2, June 9, 2023, June 10, 2023
- Parshat Sh'lach: June 20, 2020, June 20, 2020 - Part 2, June 5, 2021
- Parshat Korah: June 27, 2020, July 18, 2020, July 24, 2023
- Parshot Chukat-Balak: June 26, 2021
- Parshat Pinchas: July 11, 2020, July 11, 2020 - Part 2, July 2, 2021, July 3, 2021, July 22, 2022, July 23, 2022
- Parshot Matot-Masei: July 18, 2020, July 18, 2020 - Part 2, July 10, 2021, July 30, 2022
Deuteronomy
- Parshat D'varim: July 25, 2020, July 25, 2020 - Part 2, July 17, 2021, August 6, 2022
- Parshat Va'et'hanan: Aug. 1, 2020, July 24, 2021, August 12, 2022, August 13, 2022,
- Parshat Eikev: Aug. 8, 2020, July 31, 2021, August 19, 2022, August 20, 2022
- Parshat Re'eh: August 7, 2021
- Parshat Shoftim: September 7, 2019, Aug. 22, 2020, August 14, 2021, August 14, 2021 - Part 2, September 3, 2022
- Parshat Ki Teitzei: Aug. 29, 2020, August 20, 2021
- Parshat Ki Tavo: Sept. 5, 2020, Sept. 5, 2020 - Part 2, August 28, 2021, September 17, 2022
- Parshot Nitzavim-Vayeilech: Sept. 11, 2021, September 24, 2022
- Parshat Ha'Azinu: Sept. 26, 2020
- Parshat Haberakhah
Rosh HaShanah: Sept. 19, 2020, Sept. 19, 2020 - Part 2, Sept. 19, 2020 - Part 3, Sept. 20, 2020, Sept. 7, 2021, Sept. 8, 2021, Sept. 9, 2021, Sept. 26, 2022
Yom Kippur: Sept. 28, 2020, Sept. 16, 2021, October 5, 2022
Sukkot: Oct. 3, 2020 , Sept. 20, 2021
Passover: April 3, 2021, April 23, 2022, April 7, 2023, April 12, 2023 April 27, 2024
Rosh Hodesh: April 22, 2023
Today's Sefirah Count Is 22
| היום שנים ועשרים יום שהם שלשה שבועות ויום אחד לעמר |
Today's Calendar
Friday Night
: 7:30pm |
| Candle Lighting : 7:50pm |
Shabbat Day
: 10:00am |
: 1:30pm |
| Havdalah : 8:59pm |
Upcoming Programs & Events
May 19 Board Meeting Sunday, May 19 2:00pm |
May 19 Annual Meeting Sunday, May 19 3:00pm |
This week's Torah portion is Parshat Emor
| Shabbat, May 18 |
Candle Lighting
| Friday, May 17, 7:50pm |
Havdalah
| Motzei Shabbat, May 18, 8:59pm |
Pesach Sheni
| Wednesday, May 22 |