From Rabbi Art

Rabbi’s Column

Hevre, Do you have just 10 or 15 minutes a week to spend on some challenging Torah learning without leaving home, your office, or your smartphone?  In addition to the Union for Reform Judaism’s (URJ) Ten Minutes of Torah that you can subscribe to ( http://urj.org/learning/torah/ ). Please check out the following link from American Jewish World [...]

Rabbi’s Column

Hevre (Friends), Over the years I have developed, what I believe to be, a healthy appreciation for the writings of Post-Gazette columnist, Tony Norman. I did go through withdrawal when he received a sabbatical a few years ago.  Whether one agrees with his opinions, or not, you know he writes what’s on his heart always [...]

Rabbi’s Column

Hevre, This coming Sunday is our “Let TOS Entertain You” program 5 PM (see elsewhere for the details), last Friday evening was our second “Zamru Shabbat” – what an evening and I am still kvelling over our Mitzvah Day program, from the previous Sunday.  We have so much for which to be grateful in our [...]

Rabbi’s Column

Hevre, What a beautiful day!  Yes, once again our community came together last Sunday morning and afternoon for our annual Mitzvah Day. “Justice, Justice shall you pursue…” was our theme, taken from Sefer Devarim, the Book of Deuteronomy.  Beginning with a music video of Dr. King and Rabbi Abraham J. Heschel pursuing justice together during [...]

Rabbi’s Column

 “Spirituality and World Religions”  Save the Dates!!!!    Three Unique Upcoming Presentations:  January – 11th 7:30 - “Hindu Spirituality” – presenter:  Dr. Srinivasa  February – 8th – 7:30 – “Tibetan Bon Buddhism & Spiritual Practices” – presenter: Tempa Lama   March – 30th – 7:30 – “Jewish Spirituality through the lens of Rabbi Shefa Gold” Rabbi Gold will [...]

Rabbi’s Column

 Hevre,  First of all, a Joyous Hanukkah to all!!!  This season of light, Hag HaUrim, (another name for Hanukkah) arrives this year, now, at the end of December overlapping with Christmas.  One can only hope that the combine power of these two celebrations can increase hope and peace that are both in much need throughout [...]

Rabbi’s Column

Hevre, During the past 50 years the Religious Action Center (RAC) of Reform Judaism has been a voice for social justice on Capitol Hill.  Our Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) Biennial which begins this week in the Washington, DC area (Baltimore Harbor, to be exact) will honor the RAC and all that it has accomplished. [...]

Rabbi’s Column

Hevre, (Friends) Three times a day our Jewish tradition reminds us to offer “ho’da’ah”, thanks and gratitude, for all the blessings we have in our lives, even when we sometimes lose sight of them.  In particular, we are reminded in our Mishkan T’filah siddur, “Let us thank You and praise you – for our lives [...]

Rabbi’s Column

Hevre, Thank you Women of Ohav Shalom for a wonderful Craft and Vendor Fair and Book Sale and a glorious day at the temple.  Thanks to the Men’s Club for your help in making things happen. And to Richard Knable who continues to serve our community week in and week out putting up with our [...]

Rabbi’s Column

Hevre, Years ago I attended a workshop given by author (7 Habits) and time management guru, Stephen Covey.  He and his staff provided a wonderful approach to “filling” time in one’s life on a daily or weekly basis.  They carried out a two clear buckets. In the first one they invited a volunteer to fill [...]