“Courage is the power of the mind to overcome fear.” MLK Jr. (Sh’lach 06/17/23)

Posted on June 20, 2023

“Courage is the power of the mind to overcome fear.” MLK Jr. Wondering why my garbage wasn’t picked up yesterday morning, I realized I need to be more aware and Continue Reading »

“Why Should We Lose Out?” (Beha’alotecha 06/10/23)

Posted on June 13, 2023

“Why Should We Lose Out?” Something is odd about this week’s Parsha – it’s not in the right place. We’re already three parshiyot into the book of Numbers: Bamidbar-Naso-Beha’alotecha; yet Continue Reading »

June is Pride Month (Naso 06/03/23)

Posted on June 6, 2023

June is Pride Month In my youth, I was not an ally. Liberace, Elton John, and Freddie Mercury were ok as long as they were on TV or the radio. Continue Reading »

Lessons from Israel’s Music (Achrei Mot-Kedoshim – 04/29/23)

Posted on May 2, 2023

Lessons from Israel’s Music Despite the dire predictions of division and discord, this year’s Yom HaAtzmaut (Independence Day) in Israel was celebrated with great unity and enthusiasm, perhaps even more Continue Reading »

Israel Turns 75

Posted on April 25, 2023

Israel Turns 75 While preparing the sheet music for Friday night’s Musical Shabbat in honor of Israel’s Independence Day, I realized I’m living in the past. I know very little Continue Reading »

A Pre-Passover Message from Rabbi Neil / As Relevant as Ever (03/28/23)

Posted on March 28, 2023

As Relevant as Ever For thousands of years, the accounts in Exodus about our liberation from slavery in Egypt have fascinated and inspired multitudes. People are awed by the magnitude Continue Reading »

Transformation (Vayakhel-Pekude 03/18/23)

Posted on March 20, 2023

Transformation For decades, I have wrestled with statements in our parsha. Now, I’m finally ready to let to take a side. Yet, in the end, it may not make much Continue Reading »

Building a Sanctuary for God and the Jewish People (Ki Tisa – 03/11/23)

Posted on March 14, 2023

Building a Sanctuary for God and the Jewish People What does it take to create a place conducive to communion with the Divine? Indeed, the edifice should be beautiful and Continue Reading »

Remember What Amalek Did To You (Tetzaveh 03/04/23)

Posted on March 7, 2023

Remember What Amalek Did To You The Shabbat before Purim is known as Parshat Zachor (Remember!), based on the additional Torah reading of the day (Deuteronomy 25): “Remember what Amalek Continue Reading »

Day of Hate – February 25, 2023 (Terumah – 02/25/23)

Posted on February 28, 2023

Day of Hate – February 25, 2023 Upon entering the synagogue this Shabbat evening and morning, my first act was to take hold of my “panic button.” If someone threateningly Continue Reading »

Small enough to know you. Large enough to serve you.

MHJC Journal