That a rabbi might be grateful for a minyan is relatively common. That a rabbi can say “you made my day” to a Minion, is a bit more unusual. Over the weekend my doorbell rang, and I found a package of cookies placed between my front and screen doors. The note said “May these cookies

At this past Monday morning’s briefing, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the State’s goal was to keep New Yorkers “…socially distanced, but spiritually connected.” While I prefer using the phrase “physically distanced,” I applaud the idea of “spiritual connection.” That is our goal here at Temple Am Echad as well, to keep our networks of connection

Our Temple has always been a place where we seek closeness to one another, comfort in Jewish tradition and a sense of God’s divine presence. Up to now, finding Shabbat joy, for many of us, has meant coming to Temple or otherwise gathering with family and friends. Yet today, current circumstances have many of us

Self-professed experts give much advice about why “love is (or isn’t) better” the second time around. One thing, however, is clear; it’s never the same. Whether it’s falling in love again with the same person, or with someone new, the relationship is not the same. The first experience changes us and impacts the second. We

Here in the States this week voting is about Super Tuesday, but for Jews voting this week is also about strengthening Reform Judaism. The World Zionist Congress elections only run through March 11th. If you’ve already voted, THANK YOU!!!!! If you have not yet done so, please note that you must do so BY MARCH

Today is Rosh Chodesh Adar, the beginning of the Hebrew month in which we celebrate Purim! The saying “Mishenichnas Adar marbim b’simcha,” means “When the month of Adar arrives, we should increase our joy.” This year, with so many Purim activities here at Temple, joyful participation is easier than ever! In addition to Sunday’s shpiel,

There’s an old joke that says the reason the Israelites wandered in the desert for forty years is that Moses wouldn’t stop to ask for directions! We, in fact, know that God’s reasons for taking the Israelites the long way is about giving them time to evolve away from the slave mentality of Egypt, and

This week we mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the WWII death and labor camps by observing International Holocaust Remembrance Day. We simultaneously mourn the death of the 6 million Jews who were murdered, while also taking pride in the enduring and vital nature of Jewish life today. This week, through March 11th,

There are times when we all need a wake-up call. We might be reluctant to face the reality of a situation, or we’ve put-off doing something for longer than we should have. Then something happens that opens our eyes to the need to act, hopefully before it’s too late. Pharaoh is the one in need

The response to recent incidents of antisemitism has seen us take to the streets in marches two Sundays ago in NYC and this past Sunday here on Long Island. That we are marching against all forms of hate and bigotry is a very important part of our message, which is also offered by those of